Product Description

One of the landmark books of our time, "The Hand-Reared Boy" was the first British novel to explore, frankly and with unabashed honesty, the sexual awakening of a young boy as he grows from childhood to adolescence. With wit and perception it described preocupatioons that are common to all young males as they reach puberty but which had never before been treated so explicity. Rejected by thirteen publishers who were more accustomed to Brian W. Aldiss as an awad-winning writer of science fiction, the novel finally achieved publication through sheer newsworthiness. Reviewers recognised it for what it was - a delightfully funny and enjoyable account by the young Horatio Stubbs of his burgeoning sexuality, with genuine insights into the turbulent emotions of adolescence. Today "The Hand-Readed Boy" no longer provokes the same sense of shock, but it remains a classic study of a boy's journey to self-discovery, culminating in his growing awareness that other people are more than sexual objects. Its refreshing candour, self mockery and absence of prurience mark it out as a book of lasting value.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #311741 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-02
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Synopsis
A classic study of a journey of self-discovery, this book has stood the test of time, and nearly 30 years after it was first published, can be enjoyed as a witty portrayal of experiences common to all young males as they reach puberty and adulthood.'

Customer Reviews

Erotic yet not pornographic
Despite the fact that this book is based at the turn of the last century, nothing has really changed with boys ripening into puberty. This book deals candidly with a boy discovering about his sexuality & masturbation, both on his own, with his brother (and sister for that matter), and with his classmates within an all boys boarding school. It then follows through into his early manhood and into the losing of his virginity although, as in real life, continues to experience the joys of masturbation. Although explicit in every detail, and perhaps not for anyone who is easily offended, The Hand Reared Boy has the ring of a true story that most adult males can relate to. It is bawdy, hilarious, and at times extremely erotic. However, this is an excellent example of the difference between erotica and pornography.