Holiday by Michael Power (Cassell, 1962)
A wonderfully engaging and unique novel narrated by a 16-year-old boy (Jeremy) on a two-month beach holiday with his sister, grandmother, aunt and uncle. All the characters are complexly realized, the writing is bracing, and the peculiar world of 60s South Africa comes vividly alive. At times the anguished, angry clarity of the voice resulted in a beautiful or humorous turn of phrase that brought to mind Denton Welch. Would like to read more by this interesting author.
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