Laff

By: John Boyle

Write A Review

Paperback | 15 February 2004 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
352 Pages

Edition Type
New edition

Dimensions(cm)
19.9 x 12.7 x 2.5

Paperback

RRP $24.99

$23.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $5.94 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

In 1955 John Boyle and James Lafferty became friends at school in Scotland. They both lived in Ferguslie Park- the worst housing scheme in Paisley- and they were in the same class in Senior Secondary. At the Academy, they felt ashamed of where they lived; yet in Teegie', in their school uniforms, they were mocked by the local Undesirables as 'snobs'. It made allies of them. Their friendship began in that era of rock 'n' roll and Teddy Boys. They shared the confusion of young men growing up in a harsh, macho culture, the frustrations of adolescent sexuality on dates with convent girls, and the impossibility of hearing their beloved rock 'n' roll anywhere other than on the wireless- it was never played in the dancehalls. Yearning to break free of their limited lives, for two years they were rarely apart. But when Laff dropped out of school and left for exotic destinations in the Merchant Navy, it set the friendship on a course that would end in tragedy. GALLOWAY STREET, John Boyle's humorous yet moving account of his childhood in a poor Irish immigrant family in Scotland, was enthusiastically received. Now, in LAFF, he explores an adolescent friendship that left its mark on him for the rest of his life.

Industry Reviews

'Boyle's memories are marked with fondness rather than sentimentality...with a sad twist in the tale guaranteed to grab you' * The Scotsman *
'All the moving, tentative quality of male friendship is caught in flight. The period detail is exact, the ear for dialogue deadly' * Dubliner Magazine *
'The significance of this friendship distinguishes Boyle's memoir from others...Far less self-pitying than Angela's Ashes' * Glasgow Herald *
'Deftly chronicles a 1950s Catholic childhood. Particularly well drawn is the intensity of that first special friendship which one can never fully leave behind' * Sunday Tribune *

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.