Neil is a fiction author of some note whose last book, Always the Sun, was longlisted for the Man Booker and while writing it he was inspired to turn to his own tortured childhood, of which this is the result so it has the feel of fiction but because it is true, it of course is inconclusive. One is left wondering what happened next but that, to me, is its only fault, if indeed one can call it a fault for this is a genuinely compelling and heartrending story of a confused young life.

Synopsis

When he was five, Neil's mother walked out of the family home. Two years later she returned with a new man; Derek Cross. His new stepfather prided himself on being an exemplary parent, kind, patient, never too tired to read him stories. Neil loved him. Yet underneath lurked another Derek Cross - a monster: conman, adulterer, liar, racist and a cold-hearted manipulator.

This is a story about being raised a racist and an outsider - and overcoming it; about family and step-family; about class and religion; and about how resentment breeds violence. And it's about what, in the end, the love of books can do for you.

About the Author

Neil Cross is the author of CHRISTENDOM, MR IN-BETWEEN, HOLLOWAY FALLS and ALWAYS THE SUN. He lives with his wife and two children. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation