Firstly, I would like to treat this short but impressive book as "autofaction", a creative narrative that nevertheless closely follows a real life arc. So it is neither fiction nor autobiography, but somewhere between the two.

This is a good picture of many of the trials and tribulations with which everyone, whoever they may be starts off. If you are black and gay or approximately gay anyway, you have alot to contend with than many people starting out in life. We expect a sense of completeness, and indeed salvation with the arrival of Michaela.

This is a hard, gritty story in parts. There are some experiences that are I hope no longer a part of our European world, and his young companions often came to dispiriting ends, Nathan for example. This is besides being a moving personal story, a document of social history.

We are privileged to share in a background and an upbringing that was difficult but not all bad by any means. The author is a good observer and storyteller. The book is full of lively incidents, effective character sketches and vivid recall.

The author is an effective and communicative writer. He invites the reader to share in his experiences; he lays out life for us, he does not hold back. The book needs some textual editing, yes, but it is important to keep the authentic tone of voice exactly as it is.