William Taylor (1) (1938–2015)

1.75 This was my third time reading, and first time I really hated this. Two teenagers have just lost their best friend, and email back and forth as one is in Aotearoa, the other in the USA. This book is filled with homophobic and racist slurs, and though that's on purpose for the characters to learn and grow, it was very difficult to read. It was VERY progressive for 1990's Aotearoa, but there's no reason for me to read this in the current day.

Approximately 750 children from war-torn Britain were sent to New Zealand. History shows many of these children suffered like Jake Neill.

This is a disturbing book regarding Jake's treatment at the hands of the Pearson family who used him like a slave, beat him and verbally and physically abused him. In particular Jake suffered terribly at the hands of the sadistic son, Darcy Pearson.

It was difficult to read this book, but it was very well written and compelling. It is a book of human courage show more and determination to survive despite incredible odds. show less

Before I explain what I liked about this book, let me get what I didn't like (well, more like that I had to overcome) first. The writing style. The book starts out in very vague tones and you don't really know whose point of view or ... much of anything. Eventually this resolves itself into the story, but it's kind of hard going at first. The reason is because this is a book written in and about New Zealand, so it uses slang that I'm not used to, but it works. In fact, it works extremely show more well. It's the story of David Mason and Theo Meyer, two teenagers trying to sort out their lives. David is a star rugby player, but it's sure that's what he wants to do with his life. Theo's a newcomer to the city and lives with his grandmother. It's a story about love and sex and growing up -- and then so much more. Taylor doesn't so much delve into the sex part of things, but there are a couple of extremely well written and intimate scenes between David and Theo. The story is both sweet and heartbreaking -- as well as moving. There are a couple of scenes that are extremely breathtaking. And, once you finish, you're left with a bittersweet taste, but at the same time, there's this hope that people will be able to love. show less

Two young men, David and Theo, meet in a small town and find themselves unexpectedly attracted to each other. Their feelings complicate and even spur several changes occuring in the way they view and treat the world. David has to deal with the hopes that have been placed on him by so many, and begins to define himself outside of their vision of him. Theo on the other hand focuses on their relationship and the impact it will have on their future. These issues are explored in a way that brings show more out the boys' great understanding, sensitivity and humour despite their being at an age when the hormones of adolescent frustrations zing through their system with almost too much urgency for forethought. show less