A Boy's Own Story traces an unnamed narrator's coming-of-age during the 1950s.
It was his power that stupefied me and made me regard my knowledge as nothing more than hired cleverness he might choose to show off at a dinner party.
Beset by aloof parents, a cruel sister, and relentless mocking from his peers, the unnamed narrator struggles with his sexuality, seeking consolation in art and literature, and in his own fantastic imagination as he fills his head with romantic expectations.
The result is a book of exquisite poignancy and humour that moves towards a conclusion which will allow the boy to leave behind his childhood forever.
'Edmund White has crossed The Catcher in the Rye with De Profundis, J. D. Salinger with Oscar Wilde, to create an extraordinary novel' - New York Times
Part of the Picador Collection, a series celebrating fifty years of Picador books and showcasing the best of modern literature.
| ISBN: | 9781035091300 |
| Publication date: | 22nd January 2026 |
| Author: | Edmund White |
| Publisher: | Picador an imprint of Pan Macmillan |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 256 pages |
| Series: | Picador Collection |
| Genres: |
Biographical fiction / autobiographical fiction Sex and sexuality, social aspects Narrative theme: Coming of age Narrative theme: Identity / belonging Narrative theme: Social issues |
A Boy's Own Story traces an unnamed narrator's coming-of-age during the 1950s.
It was his power that stupefied me and made me regard my knowledge as nothing more than hired cleverness he might choose to show off at a dinner party.
Beset by aloof parents, a cruel sister, and relentless mocking from his peers, the unnamed narrator struggles with his sexuality, seeking consolation in art and literature, and in his own fantastic imagination as he fills his head with romantic expectations.
The result is a book of exquisite poignancy and humour that moves towards a conclusion which will allow the boy to leave behind his childhood forever.
'Edmund White has crossed The Catcher in the Rye with De Profundis, J. D. Salinger with Oscar Wilde, to create an extraordinary novel' - New York Times
Part of the Picador Collection, a series celebrating fifty years of Picador books and showcasing the best of modern literature.
A Boy's Own Story features in the following genres: Biographical fiction / autobiographical fiction, Sex and sexuality, social aspects, Narrative theme: Coming of age, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Narrative theme: Social issues
A Boy's Own Story is available in Paperback
A Boy's Own Story was written by Edmund White and published by Picador an imprint of Pan Macmillan
A Boy's Own Story has 256 pages
Yes it is part of Picador Collection series
£8.99