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A review by lottiebrookes
Borstal Boy by Brendan Behan
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
Behan is a fascinating and strong character, recounts his time as a YP in England with great intellect. Regularly referencing literary greats and historic heroes/events, Behan’s account of Borstal and other institutions is lyrically set out. Definitely slow in pace, but this reflects his time spent in institutions.
His insight into the true division among men are unexpected. Having been excommunicated by the Catholic Church as a result of being an active member of the IRA, Behan finds that his beloved Christianity fails him (yet he never fails it). Ultimately, it appears that class is the primary divider/unifier amongst this demographic at this time. Neither religion nor political position - although he does remind the reader that these facets of identity are in some capacity intertwined. However, at the end of the day it all seems to come down to tobacco, friendships, and food.
I found this to be insightful, and at times rather emotional.
His insight into the true division among men are unexpected. Having been excommunicated by the Catholic Church as a result of being an active member of the IRA, Behan finds that his beloved Christianity fails him (yet he never fails it). Ultimately, it appears that class is the primary divider/unifier amongst this demographic at this time. Neither religion nor political position - although he does remind the reader that these facets of identity are in some capacity intertwined. However, at the end of the day it all seems to come down to tobacco, friendships, and food.
I found this to be insightful, and at times rather emotional.