Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Shastonian...I know, I was there, 20 Sep 2002
I found this a delightful read, with nostalgia and gentle memories on every page. A book that can be read all at once or in sections, not necessarily in order.Describes in detail the school life of the author from age 11 to 18 which, being one of his peers, brings memories flooding back. A must for anyone who was at school in the late 60s/early 70s when the pace of life seemed that much more manageable.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An American Perspective, 15 Sep 2002
I thoroughly enjoyed this very personal, detailed account of boarding school life. Having known more than a few "Brits" in my life, I found that no matter how articulate they were (and they usually are, thanks to their schooling!), I could never really get the whole picture of what school must have been like for them. With this book, not only do you get the details of what living away at school was like, you get this up close and personal, well-written, amusing and often poignant account -- complete with alliances as well as adversaries, fond as well as embarrassing memories, and most importantly for me, a bird's-eye glimpse of a different culture -- all written in quintessentially British style. This is a must-read for anyone curious to learn exactly how and why British men generally seem better educated as well as better behaved, and how they at the same time have come to be so devilishly capable of delivering far more effective and wildly creative practical jokes. Now I understand how many Brits seem to gain that extra edge in business, as I believe they learn early how to wend their way through that oft-maligned "good ole boys network." Indeed, they obviously gain lots of practice at school! I was amazed to finally understand the distinct difference between our educational system and theirs, and felt much more enlightened after reading this charming and personal account of life for one young boy, which I suspect was the same for many young men growing up at this time in England. Any Anglophile will enjoy this total immersion into the life and times of McKie and his fellow students at school. I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful, endearing, entertaining book without reservation, especially now, with the Harry Potter books gaining such fame and renown, this is a true story that once again proves that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction! Ha! Enjoy.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fast Times at a British Boarding School, 20 Aug 2002
By A Customer
Stewart McKie takes us behind the crest on the jacket and gives us a first hand account of the hilarious hijinx of his life at a British Boarding School. Where Animal House meets Harry Potter, this romp through the adolescent escapades of McKie and his mates is witty and at times hilarious. A great read, especially for Americans, who may not be familiar with the whole boarding school experience.McKie's look back is not sentimental or sappy. It wasn't always laughs, and he does glimpse at the the awkward and some times brutal experiences of those who did not quite fit in. The book keeps a quick and lively pace as it is more a collection of anecdotes than a running narrative. It does not require to be read beginning, middle, end. Shastonian paints a vivid picture of a boys life and I would not be surprised if it turned up in the movies.
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