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It seems that, in this respect at least, the young Adam Morris and his contemporaries were no different to those starry-eyed young things. Through him, in this semi-autobiographical novel (Morris appears to be heavily modelled on Raphael himself), Raphael follows the life, loves and fortunes of a group of Cambridge students from their time at the university in the late 50s/early 60s and beyond into later life.
Although after university nothing is ever quite the same again, this is not a novel weighed down by disillusionment and despair (although, naturally, as in life, they do make an appearance). It positively sparkles with wit (particularly in the dialogue where, perhaps, the author's theatrical background shines through) and in many ways reminded me of the writing of Martin Amis, Rachel Papers era. I think, however, that in a number of aspects it may possibly surpass even that particular eminent debut.
Raphael is not afraid to confront some of life's grand overarching themes head on, namely: youth, how we handle difference (particularly with anti-semitism and racism in general), politics, the arts, education, love, family life, disillusionment etc. None of these swamp the book, however, and it all flows along nicely. It is sometimes a little difficult to follow owing to the sheer proliferation of characters - remembering who is who can be tricky. However it is never of sufficient difficulty to spoil one's enjoyment of the novel.
Given that this is a debut, and given also that we are all mere fallible human beings, I think we can forgive the book a minor flaw or two. Indeed, it seems to make it all the more endearing - a little like Morris/Raphael himself. Read this book before going to university, and then again before the reunion. Or just read it whenever you have the opportunity. Either way, it is an easy, enjoyable, delightful read and I am now very much interested in exploring the rest of the bibliography of this exceedingly talented, engrossing and witty writer.
It's worth the effort, though, because the book provides a wonderfully vivid snapshot of how a bunch of clever folks of widely varied personalities responded to the challenges of their time. These are people with well-developed social consciences, great senses of humor and a deep appreciation for their friendships, but they're also incredibly furtive and childish about sex and their education has badly under-prepared them for the exigencies of making a living, which leads many of them to become awfully cynical awfully quickly as soon as the prospects of fame and wealth start to intrude upon their intimacies.
Come to think of it, these were probably the most widespread character flaws amongst the people I went to college with, back in the 1990s. Perennial problems of the educated classes, or has our civilization just been in a weird holding pattern for the past 50 years? Hmm.
Now that it is hard (impossible?) to get the miniseries it might be worth reading this novelization but I wish they would issue it on DVD.
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