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Malbry #2
Different Class
After thirty years at St Oswald’s Grammar in North Yorkshire, Latin master Roy Straitley has seen all kinds of boys come and go. Each class has its clowns, its rebels, its underdogs, its ‘Brodie� boys who, whilst of course he doesn’t have favourites, hold a special place in an old teacher’s heart. But every so often there’s a boy who doesn’t fit the mould. A troublemaker. A boy with hidden shadows inside.
With insolvency and academic failure looming, a new broom has arrived at the venerable school, bringing Powerpoint, sharp suits and even sixth form girls to the dusty corridors. But while Straitley does his sardonic best to resist this march to the future, a shadow from his past is stirring. A boy who even twenty years on haunts his teacher’s dreams. A boy capable of bad things.
With insolvency and academic failure looming, a new broom has arrived at the venerable school, bringing Powerpoint, sharp suits and even sixth form girls to the dusty corridors. But while Straitley does his sardonic best to resist this march to the future, a shadow from his past is stirring. A boy who even twenty years on haunts his teacher’s dreams. A boy capable of bad things.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2016
506 people are currently reading
7922 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Harris
134books6,132followersJoanne Harris is also known as Joanne M. Harris
Joanne Harris is an Anglo-French author, whose books include fourteen novels, two cookbooks and many short stories. Her work is extremely diverse, covering aspects of magic realism, suspense, historical fiction, mythology and fantasy. She has also written a DR WHO novella for the BBC, has scripted guest episodes for the game ZOMBIES, RUN!, and is currently engaged in a number of musical theatre projects as well as developing an original drama for television.
In 2000, her 1999 novel CHOCOLAT was adapted to the screen, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. She is an honorary Fellow of St Catharine's College, Cambridge, and in 2022 was awarded an OBE by the Queen.
Her hobbies are listed in Who's Who as 'mooching, lounging, strutting, strumming, priest-baiting and quiet subversion'. She also spends too much time on Twitter; plays flute and bass guitar in a band first formed when she was 16; and works from a shed in her garden at her home in Yorkshire.
Joanne Harris is an Anglo-French author, whose books include fourteen novels, two cookbooks and many short stories. Her work is extremely diverse, covering aspects of magic realism, suspense, historical fiction, mythology and fantasy. She has also written a DR WHO novella for the BBC, has scripted guest episodes for the game ZOMBIES, RUN!, and is currently engaged in a number of musical theatre projects as well as developing an original drama for television.
In 2000, her 1999 novel CHOCOLAT was adapted to the screen, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. She is an honorary Fellow of St Catharine's College, Cambridge, and in 2022 was awarded an OBE by the Queen.
Her hobbies are listed in Who's Who as 'mooching, lounging, strutting, strumming, priest-baiting and quiet subversion'. She also spends too much time on Twitter; plays flute and bass guitar in a band first formed when she was 16; and works from a shed in her garden at her home in Yorkshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 916 reviews
February 7, 2017
Different Class by Joanne Harris is a 2017 Touchstone publication.
“Injustice is the tiny shard of something broken in the soul that can never be mended.�
I had a feeling I was going to like this book, and my intuitions didn’t disappoint me.
Roy Straitley has taught Latin at the prestigious St. Oswald’s Grammar boys school for thirty years. But, the school is standing on rocky ground after a scandal and financial problems. The old ways are being shoved to the side in favor of technology, by a new headmaster, who is a former student of Roy’s.
As the new headmaster brings about sweeping changes, including girls in the classroom, Roy struggles to adapt. But, that is not the only thing niggling at him. The past has come calling, dredging up a sordid scandal from twenty -years prior, one that is still unresolved in Roy’s mind, and one that involves the new headmaster, a man Roy is convinced is out to settle old scores.
Fans of classic British mysteries will appreciate the slow, but steady pace of this novel, which is more atmosphere than action for a good while, but it is utterly absorbing because of the dark tones and feeling of foreboding.
Roy Straitley is a bachelor, a man who has devoted his entire life to teaching and is proud of his loyalty to the school. He loves the old traditions, the way the teachers and administration closed ranks around one another, even if they weren’t exactly best friends. But, those traditions are at stake now, and he finds himself being pushed out, told to accept his retirement and enjoy the rest of his life in peace. But Roy is a stubborn fighter, and he intends to see his old friend honored, and the truth exposed, once and for all.
Straitley's narration, is very thoughtful and telling, perfectly characterized, to the point where I thought I may have recognized Roy in some people I know, personally, especially when it came to his obvious disdain for modern sensitivities, and political correctness. Trust me,his musings are often very sarcastic, and amusing.
Between the back and forth narratives from the past to the present, a series of letters, written from one student to another, informs the reader of a series of dark crimes and confessions, which will reveal a shocking truth that will leave you wondering just how well you know your friends.
This novel is chock full of ironies, and juxtapositions, that reveal much about the darker side of human nature. It’s a thinking person’s novel, one that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so as not miss any of the nuances. This is also a lurid, complex tale of horror and suspense, a cat and mouse game, all told with a subtlety that gives the story an edginess, yet is filled with a mocking tone full of dark humor and wit, which delighted me to no end.
In all honestly, I have not read the other books by this author, and while I do believe some her books feature recurring characters, I don’t think they are categorized as a series and can be read as stand alones.
However, this author is now on my list of ‘must reads�, and I will definitely read more of her work.
4 stars
“Injustice is the tiny shard of something broken in the soul that can never be mended.�
I had a feeling I was going to like this book, and my intuitions didn’t disappoint me.
Roy Straitley has taught Latin at the prestigious St. Oswald’s Grammar boys school for thirty years. But, the school is standing on rocky ground after a scandal and financial problems. The old ways are being shoved to the side in favor of technology, by a new headmaster, who is a former student of Roy’s.
As the new headmaster brings about sweeping changes, including girls in the classroom, Roy struggles to adapt. But, that is not the only thing niggling at him. The past has come calling, dredging up a sordid scandal from twenty -years prior, one that is still unresolved in Roy’s mind, and one that involves the new headmaster, a man Roy is convinced is out to settle old scores.
Fans of classic British mysteries will appreciate the slow, but steady pace of this novel, which is more atmosphere than action for a good while, but it is utterly absorbing because of the dark tones and feeling of foreboding.
Roy Straitley is a bachelor, a man who has devoted his entire life to teaching and is proud of his loyalty to the school. He loves the old traditions, the way the teachers and administration closed ranks around one another, even if they weren’t exactly best friends. But, those traditions are at stake now, and he finds himself being pushed out, told to accept his retirement and enjoy the rest of his life in peace. But Roy is a stubborn fighter, and he intends to see his old friend honored, and the truth exposed, once and for all.
Straitley's narration, is very thoughtful and telling, perfectly characterized, to the point where I thought I may have recognized Roy in some people I know, personally, especially when it came to his obvious disdain for modern sensitivities, and political correctness. Trust me,his musings are often very sarcastic, and amusing.
Between the back and forth narratives from the past to the present, a series of letters, written from one student to another, informs the reader of a series of dark crimes and confessions, which will reveal a shocking truth that will leave you wondering just how well you know your friends.
This novel is chock full of ironies, and juxtapositions, that reveal much about the darker side of human nature. It’s a thinking person’s novel, one that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so as not miss any of the nuances. This is also a lurid, complex tale of horror and suspense, a cat and mouse game, all told with a subtlety that gives the story an edginess, yet is filled with a mocking tone full of dark humor and wit, which delighted me to no end.
In all honestly, I have not read the other books by this author, and while I do believe some her books feature recurring characters, I don’t think they are categorized as a series and can be read as stand alones.
However, this author is now on my list of ‘must reads�, and I will definitely read more of her work.
4 stars
November 29, 2016
How well do we really know our friends? How do we know what they’re hiding?
Different Class is a slow building complex thriller that got under my skin and kept me guessing until the final page. The tightly woven plot is a masterful game of cat and mouse.
Having taught at the prestigious, yet outdated, St. Oswald’s Grammar for 30 years, Latin master Roy Straitley is grounded in tradition. Straitley has given his life to St. Oswald’s. Thus, he reacts as his life has been threatened when he meets the new Head Master, Johnny Harrington, who 20 years ago was a student at St. Oswald’s. Straitley considers Harrington to be his nemesis, both in the past and in the present. He vows to take a stand to protect his school from the evil that is Harrington in order to maintain tradition. Little does Straitley know, his nemesis might not be who he seems.
Please note: this is not a fast-paced thriller. It’s packed with subtle details and slowly unfolds. I struggled with this aspect in the beginning, but kept at it. The pay off is well worth it, and I highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from ŷ and Touchstone in exchange for an honest review.
Different Class is a slow building complex thriller that got under my skin and kept me guessing until the final page. The tightly woven plot is a masterful game of cat and mouse.
Having taught at the prestigious, yet outdated, St. Oswald’s Grammar for 30 years, Latin master Roy Straitley is grounded in tradition. Straitley has given his life to St. Oswald’s. Thus, he reacts as his life has been threatened when he meets the new Head Master, Johnny Harrington, who 20 years ago was a student at St. Oswald’s. Straitley considers Harrington to be his nemesis, both in the past and in the present. He vows to take a stand to protect his school from the evil that is Harrington in order to maintain tradition. Little does Straitley know, his nemesis might not be who he seems.
Please note: this is not a fast-paced thriller. It’s packed with subtle details and slowly unfolds. I struggled with this aspect in the beginning, but kept at it. The pay off is well worth it, and I highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from ŷ and Touchstone in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2016
Whether small towns in France as in Chocolat or Five segments of an orange, or a return to St. Oswald, Harris has the enviable talent of taking the reader to the heart of her settings and characters. Of course, I have no first hand knowledge of an all boys school but I did go to Catholic schools most of my school years and they are both somewhat insular institutions or communities.
Straitly, is our narrator, the Latin Master, now in his late sixties , St Oswald's is his life, he is resistant to change, like many of the nuns in my school after Vatican II. So when a once troubled pupil of the school arrives as the new head, he is not very pleased. When the new head starts implementing changes, trying to force the elder masters to retire, many things thought to be buried in the past are unearthed.
A dark look at the hidden faces that are so often found in these type of communities, monsters hidden behind human faces. Interspersed between chapters are letters written by a boy to, another boy called Mousy. Young boys with dangerous proclivities, psychopaths in the making. The book travels back and forth, twenty years, when a friend of Straitly's is persecuted and convicted of something of which he was innocent. As the past rises to the surface many secrets are exposed not only pertaining to the boys but to those in authority as well. Stately wants only to save his school, his boys, but will be successful?
I enjoyed this, although a stereotype of sorts, I loved Straitly, firm but never cruel, he is a great character. Another good read by Harris.
Straitly, is our narrator, the Latin Master, now in his late sixties , St Oswald's is his life, he is resistant to change, like many of the nuns in my school after Vatican II. So when a once troubled pupil of the school arrives as the new head, he is not very pleased. When the new head starts implementing changes, trying to force the elder masters to retire, many things thought to be buried in the past are unearthed.
A dark look at the hidden faces that are so often found in these type of communities, monsters hidden behind human faces. Interspersed between chapters are letters written by a boy to, another boy called Mousy. Young boys with dangerous proclivities, psychopaths in the making. The book travels back and forth, twenty years, when a friend of Straitly's is persecuted and convicted of something of which he was innocent. As the past rises to the surface many secrets are exposed not only pertaining to the boys but to those in authority as well. Stately wants only to save his school, his boys, but will be successful?
I enjoyed this, although a stereotype of sorts, I loved Straitly, firm but never cruel, he is a great character. Another good read by Harris.
October 10, 2020
I was interested to discover that this was a follow up to , a book which I enjoyed very much indeed.
A it may be but many of the original players are still there, notably Roy Straitley, Latin master and lover of Liquorice Allsorts and secret cigarettes. He is a wonderful character whose whole life is the school and its boys. When a pupil from the past returns to the school as its Headmaster, he brings with him a heap of trouble and Straitley sees retirement looming in his near future.
This is a psychological thriller with some very twisty turns indeed. Characters are introduced with nicknames and it is hard to guess who some of them are. Harris has fun deliberately leading the reader astray, and I certainly had a few surprises along the way! Of course the whole book is beautifully written by this very talented author, nicely paced and hard to put down.
Totally enjoyable and I read it in a day. Highly recommended.
A it may be but many of the original players are still there, notably Roy Straitley, Latin master and lover of Liquorice Allsorts and secret cigarettes. He is a wonderful character whose whole life is the school and its boys. When a pupil from the past returns to the school as its Headmaster, he brings with him a heap of trouble and Straitley sees retirement looming in his near future.
This is a psychological thriller with some very twisty turns indeed. Characters are introduced with nicknames and it is hard to guess who some of them are. Harris has fun deliberately leading the reader astray, and I certainly had a few surprises along the way! Of course the whole book is beautifully written by this very talented author, nicely paced and hard to put down.
Totally enjoyable and I read it in a day. Highly recommended.
March 12, 2016
This is, without doubt, one of the best books i've read this year thus far. But it's only mid-March you say, what kind of endorsement is that? Well, i'm laying bets that i'll still feel this way in December. It's that good.
The novel is sharp in a way that leaves you shocked and bleeding. Told by two narrators, the serpentine plot is parcelled out slowly, then all at once. One voice, that of school Master Roy Straitley, is particularly cutting. His observations on other characters, the school, education, society, religion, among others, are full of acerbic wit, endlessly amusing. My personal love of the classics has, of course, no bearing on my enjoyment of Harris' creation and his frequent recourse to Latin phrases... The second voice, on the other hand, is much more sinister, leading the reader in to the dark depths of the human mind: lies, scheming, and murder. Together they create a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere, full of menace and uncertainty.
Harris excels in character, style, and plot. She hits you with so many surprises that I spent the last third of the book re-evaluating what I thought I knew and repeating 'I was not expecting that' in a dazed, but excited tone. The whole novel is excellently done.
Only in reading another review, did I find out that Harris had previously written , which is also set in the school. While I don't think it was necessary to have read it before starting this one, I feel i've missed out on a good story and have bought it already!
Huge thanks to Joanne Harris, Random House/Transworld Publishers, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is sharp in a way that leaves you shocked and bleeding. Told by two narrators, the serpentine plot is parcelled out slowly, then all at once. One voice, that of school Master Roy Straitley, is particularly cutting. His observations on other characters, the school, education, society, religion, among others, are full of acerbic wit, endlessly amusing. My personal love of the classics has, of course, no bearing on my enjoyment of Harris' creation and his frequent recourse to Latin phrases... The second voice, on the other hand, is much more sinister, leading the reader in to the dark depths of the human mind: lies, scheming, and murder. Together they create a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere, full of menace and uncertainty.
Harris excels in character, style, and plot. She hits you with so many surprises that I spent the last third of the book re-evaluating what I thought I knew and repeating 'I was not expecting that' in a dazed, but excited tone. The whole novel is excellently done.
Only in reading another review, did I find out that Harris had previously written , which is also set in the school. While I don't think it was necessary to have read it before starting this one, I feel i've missed out on a good story and have bought it already!
Huge thanks to Joanne Harris, Random House/Transworld Publishers, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2016
As Michaelmas term begins at St Oswald’s independent grammar school for boys, Latin master, Roy Straightly, is mourning the loss of a very old friend, former English master Harry Clarke, and at the same time, is dismayed to learn that the new head is a former pupil � one whom he never liked and certainly never trusted. Time hasn’t improved John Harrington, in Roy’s eyes, but everyone else seems to love him. Good-looking, an MBE, armed with formidable charm and flanked by two ‘crisis deputies�, Harrington has big plans for the ‘failing� school and throughout this clever, subtle book, the opposing forces of progress and tradition battle it out, just as Roy is reluctantly forced to take up arms against his old adversary.
As present-day Roy wonders whether his time at St Oswald’s might finally be coming to an end, the Roy of thirty years ago isn’t perhaps as alert as he should be to the dangerous influence of the young John Harrington, his ardent church going parents and his two young friends, MP’s son, Charles Nutter and the rather insignificant David Spikely. Partly through Roy’s recollections, and partly through the diary of one of the disruptive trio, we see a dangerous cocktail of bullying, abuse and obsession threatening the status quo, maybe even the existence, of St Oswald’s. Thirty years on, it’s all happening again. Almost from the first, menace drips from the pages like a leaky tap in the boys� cloakroom.
The chessboard theme, used to such brilliant effect in Harris’s previous book, Gentlemen and Players, is employed again here, only this time, White King Roy stands alone against the dark pawns, rooks and knights lining up against him. The Black King remains a shadowy figure for most of the book, appearing only as the narrator of a boy’s diary.
In an over-crowded marketplace, Joanne Harris has produced a crime novel that is refreshingly original. An elderly, scruffy schoolteacher isn’t an obvious choice of hero but I loved Roy Straightly in Gentlemen and Players and even more in this book. I love his passion for his subject and his school, his genuine love of the boys and of teaching, his quiet determination to do the right thing, regardless of personal cost.
St Oswald’s (the chessboard, if you like) is perfectly drawn, from the chalk dust that shimmers in the autumn sunshine to the musky oiled wood smell of the Honours boards. This is a clever, complex and captivating book.
As present-day Roy wonders whether his time at St Oswald’s might finally be coming to an end, the Roy of thirty years ago isn’t perhaps as alert as he should be to the dangerous influence of the young John Harrington, his ardent church going parents and his two young friends, MP’s son, Charles Nutter and the rather insignificant David Spikely. Partly through Roy’s recollections, and partly through the diary of one of the disruptive trio, we see a dangerous cocktail of bullying, abuse and obsession threatening the status quo, maybe even the existence, of St Oswald’s. Thirty years on, it’s all happening again. Almost from the first, menace drips from the pages like a leaky tap in the boys� cloakroom.
The chessboard theme, used to such brilliant effect in Harris’s previous book, Gentlemen and Players, is employed again here, only this time, White King Roy stands alone against the dark pawns, rooks and knights lining up against him. The Black King remains a shadowy figure for most of the book, appearing only as the narrator of a boy’s diary.
In an over-crowded marketplace, Joanne Harris has produced a crime novel that is refreshingly original. An elderly, scruffy schoolteacher isn’t an obvious choice of hero but I loved Roy Straightly in Gentlemen and Players and even more in this book. I love his passion for his subject and his school, his genuine love of the boys and of teaching, his quiet determination to do the right thing, regardless of personal cost.
St Oswald’s (the chessboard, if you like) is perfectly drawn, from the chalk dust that shimmers in the autumn sunshine to the musky oiled wood smell of the Honours boards. This is a clever, complex and captivating book.
June 6, 2016
If you’ve read 'Gentlemen And Players' and 'blueeyedboy', you will be familiar with the setting in this book, St Oswald’s Grammar School for Boys in the fictional Yorkshire village of Malbry.
As Joanne Harris says, "The books all stand alone. However, to put it into context, this book follows a year after 'Gentlemen And Players', and four years before 'blueeyedboy', and features some characters from both books."
In 'Different Class', our hero, Roy Straightly has been the school’s Latin master for 30 years. He is alarmed when he finds out that the new head is a former pupil, Johnny Harrington. ‘That pale-faced, bland, insufferable boy, with his impeccable uniform and his air of barely concealed contempt. How I hated him, then and now - and as he came towards me... I felt the past rush in on me like a cloud of mustard gas.�
Roy still sees the troublemaker when he looks at the new head, but everybody else is charmed by him. Harrington has big plans to bring the school, which has suffered a number of setbacks, firmly into the 21st Century. Straightly, who remembers every detail of the scandal surrounding the boy’s time at St Oswald’s, reluctantly takes up arms against his old adversary.
Joanne Harris has written in many genres, but her strength lies in psychological suspense, of which there is plenty in this book. The twists in the plot and the skilled narrative will keep you off balance and hooked until the end. I should mention that both 'Gentlemen And Players' and 'blueeyedboy' are listed in the 48 books on my ‘Books I Remember� shelf on ŷ, so it won’t come as a surprise when I give this novel 5/5.
Joanne Harris writes in a class of her own and I highly recommend you buy and read this book.
As Joanne Harris says, "The books all stand alone. However, to put it into context, this book follows a year after 'Gentlemen And Players', and four years before 'blueeyedboy', and features some characters from both books."
In 'Different Class', our hero, Roy Straightly has been the school’s Latin master for 30 years. He is alarmed when he finds out that the new head is a former pupil, Johnny Harrington. ‘That pale-faced, bland, insufferable boy, with his impeccable uniform and his air of barely concealed contempt. How I hated him, then and now - and as he came towards me... I felt the past rush in on me like a cloud of mustard gas.�
Roy still sees the troublemaker when he looks at the new head, but everybody else is charmed by him. Harrington has big plans to bring the school, which has suffered a number of setbacks, firmly into the 21st Century. Straightly, who remembers every detail of the scandal surrounding the boy’s time at St Oswald’s, reluctantly takes up arms against his old adversary.
Joanne Harris has written in many genres, but her strength lies in psychological suspense, of which there is plenty in this book. The twists in the plot and the skilled narrative will keep you off balance and hooked until the end. I should mention that both 'Gentlemen And Players' and 'blueeyedboy' are listed in the 48 books on my ‘Books I Remember� shelf on ŷ, so it won’t come as a surprise when I give this novel 5/5.
Joanne Harris writes in a class of her own and I highly recommend you buy and read this book.
March 19, 2021
This book made me feel nostalgic about school. Not my school, no. About this dream school I could be in. Why we had to study the same dull authors when world is bursting with life-changing books, why we couldn't have these teachers?
(if you don't recognize these scenes, you should know you missed 4 of the best movies about education. Seriously, go and watch them immediately!!!)
Dead Poets Society
The Emperor's Club
Renaissance Man
Les Choristes
What can I tell you about this book?
Harris is, as always, at her best with prose and humor, touching socially important themes. I need more of her books this year.
The audiobook was great, by the way! Read by Steven Pacey and Ewan Goddard. Really enjoyed and finished in 3 days despite the length (15 hours- wow, I am a hero!)
(if you don't recognize these scenes, you should know you missed 4 of the best movies about education. Seriously, go and watch them immediately!!!)
Dead Poets Society
The Emperor's Club
Renaissance Man
Les Choristes
What can I tell you about this book?
Harris is, as always, at her best with prose and humor, touching socially important themes. I need more of her books this year.
The audiobook was great, by the way! Read by Steven Pacey and Ewan Goddard. Really enjoyed and finished in 3 days despite the length (15 hours- wow, I am a hero!)
October 31, 2023
In short - So dark, so funny, so good
In long
I heard the author talking about this book in a radio interview and thought that it sounded interesting. Intrigued by the prologue I was hooked within the first chapter really and Roy Straitley, who we meet in it and who is one of the best characters I've read in quite some time. In fact the prologue contains the other voice heard in this book - that of one of the boys who was at the Grammar school in the 1980s and was taught by Straitley. The chapters shift between the two voices and two eras though this is clear from the chapter headings. The present time is 2005 and the events surrounding the school then. The 1981 chapters hints at, covers, events that affected Roy & the Grammar school at the time and the questions is whether some aspects of those events are relevant now? The school is failing and there is a new headmaster, ex pupil with a something of a reputation with those who choose to remember.
I really enjoyed reading this book. While the whole book is very good the icing on the cake was Straitley. He is a Mr Chips character in many ways however set in the modern era. In fact he feels like someone from a slightly earlier era and a great example of someone really rooted in time and particularly place that was part of the charm and appeal of the character for me. Life away from or without the school is an anathema to Roy Straitley. This really is a deftly created character with very dark and very dry humour which I loved. The book has the highs and lows of life, love, perversion and loyalty; it offers humour, humanity and pragmatism. In some senses the story in this book is quite simple, with variations on the theme having been written about before. However it is the high quality of the writing that makes is so unputdownable for me. I really found myself completely caught up in this story and putting it down was a rarity. I'd not read the earlier books in this collection and this works fine on its own. However I'll certainly look at reading earlier books when I can and other books from Joanne Harris - she deserves her reputation as a talented writer.
Note - I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In long
I heard the author talking about this book in a radio interview and thought that it sounded interesting. Intrigued by the prologue I was hooked within the first chapter really and Roy Straitley, who we meet in it and who is one of the best characters I've read in quite some time. In fact the prologue contains the other voice heard in this book - that of one of the boys who was at the Grammar school in the 1980s and was taught by Straitley. The chapters shift between the two voices and two eras though this is clear from the chapter headings. The present time is 2005 and the events surrounding the school then. The 1981 chapters hints at, covers, events that affected Roy & the Grammar school at the time and the questions is whether some aspects of those events are relevant now? The school is failing and there is a new headmaster, ex pupil with a something of a reputation with those who choose to remember.
I really enjoyed reading this book. While the whole book is very good the icing on the cake was Straitley. He is a Mr Chips character in many ways however set in the modern era. In fact he feels like someone from a slightly earlier era and a great example of someone really rooted in time and particularly place that was part of the charm and appeal of the character for me. Life away from or without the school is an anathema to Roy Straitley. This really is a deftly created character with very dark and very dry humour which I loved. The book has the highs and lows of life, love, perversion and loyalty; it offers humour, humanity and pragmatism. In some senses the story in this book is quite simple, with variations on the theme having been written about before. However it is the high quality of the writing that makes is so unputdownable for me. I really found myself completely caught up in this story and putting it down was a rarity. I'd not read the earlier books in this collection and this works fine on its own. However I'll certainly look at reading earlier books when I can and other books from Joanne Harris - she deserves her reputation as a talented writer.
Note - I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
June 4, 2016
Чудесно е, когато любим автор се завърне след дълго отсъствие с ново заглавие, нареждащо се сред най-добрите му постижения.
"Различен клас" на Джоан Харис спада към дарк книгите ѝ, както условно ги наричам и бих казала, че е може би един от най-силните представатели на тази част от творчеството ѝ. Действието се развива в познатата ни от "Джентълмени и играчи" мъжка гимназия "Сейнт Осуалдс", някои от героите са същите, но може съвсем спокойно да се чете самостоятелно.
Историята е мрачна и напрегната, люшкаща се между гледната точка на един остаряващ учител по латински език с борбен дух и тази на едно малко момче, на пръв поглед незабележимо, но преследвано непрекъснато от своите вътрешни демони, които го тласкат по пътя на зловещи деяния. Има го тънкото чувство за хумор, което така обичам, латинските препратки и сентенции (о, да аз съм учила латински в 8-ми клас, така че определено знам какво е да се потиш над спреженията и да учиш крилатите мисли на Сенека, Овидий, Вергилий и компания наизуст), има я сънната, зловеща атмосфера, в която нещо неизказано мрачно дебне в сенките, но е толкова кошмарно, че не смееш да го назовеш с истинското му име, за да не го призовеш към живот. Има го дори и едно ухилено градинско джудже, което изниква навсякъде около един от преподавателите и силно ми напомни на пътуващото джудже от "Амели Пулен".
С две думи от "Различен клас" получих всичко, което харесвам и ценя в една история, до последната точно поставена запетайка. И съм щастилва. Добре завърнала се, Джоан Харис, липсваше ми :)
"Различен клас" на Джоан Харис спада към дарк книгите ѝ, както условно ги наричам и бих казала, че е може би един от най-силните представатели на тази част от творчеството ѝ. Действието се развива в познатата ни от "Джентълмени и играчи" мъжка гимназия "Сейнт Осуалдс", някои от героите са същите, но може съвсем спокойно да се чете самостоятелно.
Историята е мрачна и напрегната, люшкаща се между гледната точка на един остаряващ учител по латински език с борбен дух и тази на едно малко момче, на пръв поглед незабележимо, но преследвано непрекъснато от своите вътрешни демони, които го тласкат по пътя на зловещи деяния. Има го тънкото чувство за хумор, което така обичам, латинските препратки и сентенции (о, да аз съм учила латински в 8-ми клас, така че определено знам какво е да се потиш над спреженията и да учиш крилатите мисли на Сенека, Овидий, Вергилий и компания наизуст), има я сънната, зловеща атмосфера, в която нещо неизказано мрачно дебне в сенките, но е толкова кошмарно, че не смееш да го назовеш с истинското му име, за да не го призовеш към живот. Има го дори и едно ухилено градинско джудже, което изниква навсякъде около един от преподавателите и силно ми напомни на пътуващото джудже от "Амели Пулен".
С две думи от "Различен клас" получих всичко, което харесвам и ценя в една история, до последната точно поставена запетайка. И съм щастилва. Добре завърнала се, Джоан Харис, липсваше ми :)
January 7, 2017
"in loco parentis"- yes, it was.
Do we ever fully know our best friends? When is it necessary to keep your friends close and your enemies closer? When do we achieve "PROGRESS THROUGH TRADITION"? How has tradition in education (or in base morality) become redefined?
This book is superb, it is ingenious, it is a masterpiece. When have you ever heard this reader say those things all together. Never before here.
If this register allowed for 6 stars, Joanne Harris has arrived to claim that scale.
Too many quotes and asides could and possibly would widen the window to get a glimpse within this classroom. But no- pry that door open yourself.
Never has there been a better timed book on top of it. To arrive fully framed within the exact era to a nuance of highly proclaimed historical interpretations or redefining of past paradigms. This 2016 treasure belongs exactly where it stands. MOST perfectly timed.
Timed to the cults of labeling difficulty, cults of naming and exalting victim hoods as aspiration and sources of hubris. Timed to the "know better" of sleek and marketed smiles and honeyed and most eloquent erudite wordplay of elite wordsmiths. And also to all the darkness found in our current murky modern ponds of media and "correctness".
And amidst the circles of misdirection to the voices of our diary keeper? Or our Mousey, or Poodle, or Goldie? Well, we always know our Mr. Straitley. When he speaks, we listen. But watch how those other characters do a Merry-go-ROUND of their own. Beyond clever, and what shows on the surface of the pond, or what reflects off the water, or what is hidden beneath the shiny surface or night of black oily swirls.
Read this one. The language is awesome. There were points when I reread a paragraph just to grab another glance at that terse skill to projections within a long book. Which is another dichotomy, yet again.
Watch out "those lashless and fishy eyes will stand out like a trout in the headlights". This is a book I recommend for all of you who have ever been in a classroom, had "the" teacher and know when it is much better to cut some slack on the matters that DO count. And not redefining those "matters that DO count" as only the ones that YOU believe have significance or are worthy of your agenda's countability.
Probably best book of 2017 and I'm only 7 days in! What a predicament!
Do we ever fully know our best friends? When is it necessary to keep your friends close and your enemies closer? When do we achieve "PROGRESS THROUGH TRADITION"? How has tradition in education (or in base morality) become redefined?
This book is superb, it is ingenious, it is a masterpiece. When have you ever heard this reader say those things all together. Never before here.
If this register allowed for 6 stars, Joanne Harris has arrived to claim that scale.
Too many quotes and asides could and possibly would widen the window to get a glimpse within this classroom. But no- pry that door open yourself.
Never has there been a better timed book on top of it. To arrive fully framed within the exact era to a nuance of highly proclaimed historical interpretations or redefining of past paradigms. This 2016 treasure belongs exactly where it stands. MOST perfectly timed.
Timed to the cults of labeling difficulty, cults of naming and exalting victim hoods as aspiration and sources of hubris. Timed to the "know better" of sleek and marketed smiles and honeyed and most eloquent erudite wordplay of elite wordsmiths. And also to all the darkness found in our current murky modern ponds of media and "correctness".
And amidst the circles of misdirection to the voices of our diary keeper? Or our Mousey, or Poodle, or Goldie? Well, we always know our Mr. Straitley. When he speaks, we listen. But watch how those other characters do a Merry-go-ROUND of their own. Beyond clever, and what shows on the surface of the pond, or what reflects off the water, or what is hidden beneath the shiny surface or night of black oily swirls.
Read this one. The language is awesome. There were points when I reread a paragraph just to grab another glance at that terse skill to projections within a long book. Which is another dichotomy, yet again.
Watch out "those lashless and fishy eyes will stand out like a trout in the headlights". This is a book I recommend for all of you who have ever been in a classroom, had "the" teacher and know when it is much better to cut some slack on the matters that DO count. And not redefining those "matters that DO count" as only the ones that YOU believe have significance or are worthy of your agenda's countability.
Probably best book of 2017 and I'm only 7 days in! What a predicament!
June 2, 2016
As I felt this story deserved comment from a schoolmaster, below is a letter to Mr Straitley from Josiah Powel (MA Harvard), Latin master & House Master of Latymer House, Saint Aidan's School, Wensleydale, Connecticut, who will figure in a novel I'm now trying to write.
My dear Straitley, It was most engaging to follow your latest exploits @ S. Oswald's. Here @ S. Aidan’s we too have had more than usual atra cura, as you’ll discover if my chronicler Bill Kupersmith exerts himself to bring us to the public, tho� ‘twere to be wished that he’ll not depict me as such as old fossil as Mme Harris portrays you. (Despite being in a wheelchair with a busted hip, I've rather better kept my figure.) I see that on your side of the pond as well, we schoolmasters, esp. those with Classical attainments, are now prime candidates for the knacker’s yard, our places taken by “educators� & “superheads� like your Johnny Harrington & Ms Buckfast (surely the boys will have some fun mispronouncing her name - imagine her being introduced to the school assembly by Dr Spooner!). Of course I hung on with baited-breadth (like your villain the rodent catcher) to see if you’d get the chop & pass into that bourn from which no traveller returns, OAP status. All in all, the account of your adverntures was quite intriguing, tho' "the mole" in your last outing (retold by Mme Harris in Gentlemen & Players) was a more attractive villain. But then I sussed that one out - here I remained mystified almost to the very end.
I could not help noticing a few places where la Harris seems to have the story wrong. It was most unlikely there ever was such a conventicle as the Church of the Omega in the 1980s, holding tenets about sexual orientation you’d more likely find in Utah or Uganda than Yorkshire. And there is not a chance in the 21st-c. that a school pretending to be progressive would officially condone & encourage bullying a gay student, who � as the character Ben points out � would cause the school admin endless legal trouble & bad publicity (imagine the columns in The Guardian) if they did. But that idiocy on the part of your school looks brilliant compared to their effort to censure you for assigning the episode of Nisus & Euryalus in Aeneid IX. What filthy minds! Don't they know that "all Virgil's songs are pure except that horrid one / Beginning with Formosum pastor Corydon"? Much more to the point, aren't they, & those bullying students' parents, aware that this very passage is set in the syllabus for GCSE A level Latin? Your school would be a veritable laughingstock & an astonishment @ the Head Masters' Conference. Direct your Boswell, Mme Harris, to reacquaint herself with English school life before endeavouring to recount your further adventures.
As you'll see (if Kupersmith applies himself to his current project), we've had a few Guy Fawkes night pyrotechnics as well - tho' ours fell on All Souls' Night. Like S. Oswald's, S. Aidan's has come dangerously adrift from its spiritual mooring, tho' I'm hoping our new chaplain the Rev. Ms Jen may steer us onto a better course. I think you'd like her; she's AC but not too High Church & if I may say so, most attractive & a doctissima puella too, being a new Latin mistress as well. A similar appointment would do your school a world of good. You'll also find admitting girls to all your forms will do wonders to civilise the boys @ your place, as well a adding some first rate scholars. (You have read Patrick Gale's Friendly Fire, haven't you?) As would more attention to the students' moral & spiritual formation. [Subtle Hint to author for her next book.]
Hope it'll not be too long before the hip's mended & I can cross the pond to join you @ the Thirsty Scholar to share a couple of pints of Old Peculiar. Vale, Josey.
It really was a surpirse that Joanne Harris would make a howler like getting Straitley into trouble for assigning a text that really is set on the GCSE exam syllabus. But that is not my only reason for holding @ four stars. Straitley has become an awfully tiring stereotype & the villain's thoroughly nauseous. I thought Gentlemen & Players was fresher & more original, tho' this one has an excellent plot. It's a most enjoyable read, but it could have been a much better & more accurate school story.
My dear Straitley, It was most engaging to follow your latest exploits @ S. Oswald's. Here @ S. Aidan’s we too have had more than usual atra cura, as you’ll discover if my chronicler Bill Kupersmith exerts himself to bring us to the public, tho� ‘twere to be wished that he’ll not depict me as such as old fossil as Mme Harris portrays you. (Despite being in a wheelchair with a busted hip, I've rather better kept my figure.) I see that on your side of the pond as well, we schoolmasters, esp. those with Classical attainments, are now prime candidates for the knacker’s yard, our places taken by “educators� & “superheads� like your Johnny Harrington & Ms Buckfast (surely the boys will have some fun mispronouncing her name - imagine her being introduced to the school assembly by Dr Spooner!). Of course I hung on with baited-breadth (like your villain the rodent catcher) to see if you’d get the chop & pass into that bourn from which no traveller returns, OAP status. All in all, the account of your adverntures was quite intriguing, tho' "the mole" in your last outing (retold by Mme Harris in Gentlemen & Players) was a more attractive villain. But then I sussed that one out - here I remained mystified almost to the very end.
I could not help noticing a few places where la Harris seems to have the story wrong. It was most unlikely there ever was such a conventicle as the Church of the Omega in the 1980s, holding tenets about sexual orientation you’d more likely find in Utah or Uganda than Yorkshire. And there is not a chance in the 21st-c. that a school pretending to be progressive would officially condone & encourage bullying a gay student, who � as the character Ben points out � would cause the school admin endless legal trouble & bad publicity (imagine the columns in The Guardian) if they did. But that idiocy on the part of your school looks brilliant compared to their effort to censure you for assigning the episode of Nisus & Euryalus in Aeneid IX. What filthy minds! Don't they know that "all Virgil's songs are pure except that horrid one / Beginning with Formosum pastor Corydon"? Much more to the point, aren't they, & those bullying students' parents, aware that this very passage is set in the syllabus for GCSE A level Latin? Your school would be a veritable laughingstock & an astonishment @ the Head Masters' Conference. Direct your Boswell, Mme Harris, to reacquaint herself with English school life before endeavouring to recount your further adventures.
As you'll see (if Kupersmith applies himself to his current project), we've had a few Guy Fawkes night pyrotechnics as well - tho' ours fell on All Souls' Night. Like S. Oswald's, S. Aidan's has come dangerously adrift from its spiritual mooring, tho' I'm hoping our new chaplain the Rev. Ms Jen may steer us onto a better course. I think you'd like her; she's AC but not too High Church & if I may say so, most attractive & a doctissima puella too, being a new Latin mistress as well. A similar appointment would do your school a world of good. You'll also find admitting girls to all your forms will do wonders to civilise the boys @ your place, as well a adding some first rate scholars. (You have read Patrick Gale's Friendly Fire, haven't you?) As would more attention to the students' moral & spiritual formation. [Subtle Hint to author for her next book.]
Hope it'll not be too long before the hip's mended & I can cross the pond to join you @ the Thirsty Scholar to share a couple of pints of Old Peculiar. Vale, Josey.
It really was a surpirse that Joanne Harris would make a howler like getting Straitley into trouble for assigning a text that really is set on the GCSE exam syllabus. But that is not my only reason for holding @ four stars. Straitley has become an awfully tiring stereotype & the villain's thoroughly nauseous. I thought Gentlemen & Players was fresher & more original, tho' this one has an excellent plot. It's a most enjoyable read, but it could have been a much better & more accurate school story.
February 1, 2016
My favourite kind of Joanne Harris novel. Brooding, menacing and claustrophobic. We're back at St Oswald's school, setting for the equally fantastic Gentlemen and Players, and back in the company of Latin master Mr Straitley who is having to grapple with more unwelcome ghosts of the past. The book goes back and forth in time, partly through the eyes of Mr Straitley and partly through a sociopathic diarist who's intentions leave the reader uncomfortable from the get go.
Similar in tone to Blueeyedboy I'd recommend this to anyone who wants something a step above the recent glut of psychological thrillers. The writing is so smart and atmospheric and the plot so skilfully woven. The reader is never allowed to get too comfortable as there's always another plot twist or revelation just over he page. I devoured the majority of this book on a windy Sunday afternoon, the cliche of "I just couldn't put it down" is often used but I genuinely struggled to tear myself away from this one. Brilliant stuff from Joanne Harris once again.
I was lucky enough to receive a free ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Similar in tone to Blueeyedboy I'd recommend this to anyone who wants something a step above the recent glut of psychological thrillers. The writing is so smart and atmospheric and the plot so skilfully woven. The reader is never allowed to get too comfortable as there's always another plot twist or revelation just over he page. I devoured the majority of this book on a windy Sunday afternoon, the cliche of "I just couldn't put it down" is often used but I genuinely struggled to tear myself away from this one. Brilliant stuff from Joanne Harris once again.
I was lucky enough to receive a free ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.
January 31, 2017
Having thoroughly enjoyed "Gentlemen and Players," I couldn't wait to go back to the world of Master Roy Straightly, the classics teacher at an all boys private school. This novel puts you in the place of an aging teacher who truly cares about his students while having everything he believes attacked. His musings and anecdotes amused while the dark underlying story slowly comes to the light. The story unfolds like an onion bouncing between two perspectives where you find a dark hidden spoilage in the middle.
Truly an exceptional literate mystery that will leave you wanting more. Cheers to Joanne Harris!
Truly an exceptional literate mystery that will leave you wanting more. Cheers to Joanne Harris!
August 27, 2016
Different Class is set in a private boys grammar school in crisis. A school which is just about to be introduced to its new “Super Head� and accompanying crisis team. However, it is not the first time St Oswalds has seen trouble and the arrival of the new head will plunge Roy Straightley, Latin master, back 20 years in time to when the new head was himself a new boy.
It is a very dark read and one that you have to take special care in reading so that you don’t miss out on some of the subtleties of the story. I was thoroughly enjoying the read right until the author threw a curveball at about two thirds of the way through and then I was hooked right to the end. I haven’t read either of her other novels set in Malbry and I found that this one could be read as a standalone. However, we never really find out in this read the full circumstances that bring the crisis team to St Oswalds although this may have been part of Gentlemen and Players. The story is told in two time frames � 20 years ago and today and there are a number of characters, some of whom are known occasionally by their nicknames and I did find it a bit muddling at times. I kept having to stop and reevaluate what I was reading to get it straight in my mind.
That having been said, my only real gripe about the book was the vague sense of dissatisfaction at the end which just left a sour taste in my mouth. Apart from that I really enjoyed the read. I particularly loved the musical references, especially the David Bowie.
I received a review copy from the publisher via Netgalley.
It is a very dark read and one that you have to take special care in reading so that you don’t miss out on some of the subtleties of the story. I was thoroughly enjoying the read right until the author threw a curveball at about two thirds of the way through and then I was hooked right to the end. I haven’t read either of her other novels set in Malbry and I found that this one could be read as a standalone. However, we never really find out in this read the full circumstances that bring the crisis team to St Oswalds although this may have been part of Gentlemen and Players. The story is told in two time frames � 20 years ago and today and there are a number of characters, some of whom are known occasionally by their nicknames and I did find it a bit muddling at times. I kept having to stop and reevaluate what I was reading to get it straight in my mind.
That having been said, my only real gripe about the book was the vague sense of dissatisfaction at the end which just left a sour taste in my mouth. Apart from that I really enjoyed the read. I particularly loved the musical references, especially the David Bowie.
I received a review copy from the publisher via Netgalley.
March 17, 2017
I must have missed something with this book. There seems to be a majority of glowing reviews. I just didn't enjoy it all that much.
The premise seemed good but the writing was drawn out and boring. There were too many nicknames which changed depending on which narrator was speaking...so it caused me to have to go back and reread too many times.
Then we have the narrators. You don't even know who one of them are until more than half way through and they are both annoyingly unreliable. I can normally appreciate an unreliable narrator, but this didn't work for me.
I found myself being more frustrated at the disjointed storytelling than I was at wanting to know how it ended.
Disappointed.
The premise seemed good but the writing was drawn out and boring. There were too many nicknames which changed depending on which narrator was speaking...so it caused me to have to go back and reread too many times.
Then we have the narrators. You don't even know who one of them are until more than half way through and they are both annoyingly unreliable. I can normally appreciate an unreliable narrator, but this didn't work for me.
I found myself being more frustrated at the disjointed storytelling than I was at wanting to know how it ended.
Disappointed.
May 6, 2016
On the positives I enjoyed the plot. The parts I thought I'd guessed were wrong and it kept me turning pages.
But.... another identity twist? I didn't see it coming. (I should have. I've read her other stuff and it is becoming a bit of a habit ) but instead of it seeming clever it just irritated me. I felt cheated and wasn't sure I could be bothered realigning my understanding with the new facts.
And was it not edited? It's so repetitive. I wondered if it was because he was old to start with and that his tendency to repeat himself all the time was a device to show his age. But I think not.
It felt a bit like the first half had been written in a different order and then spliced together. The second half was less repetitive which was good but then I started to look for things. Where were the liquorice allsorts in the second half? You couldn't move for them in the first. And that stabbing finger...
All in all it was ok. I wanted to know what happen and I liked the school master's character but I'd say it was not quite up to her usual high standard.
But.... another identity twist? I didn't see it coming. (I should have. I've read her other stuff and it is becoming a bit of a habit ) but instead of it seeming clever it just irritated me. I felt cheated and wasn't sure I could be bothered realigning my understanding with the new facts.
And was it not edited? It's so repetitive. I wondered if it was because he was old to start with and that his tendency to repeat himself all the time was a device to show his age. But I think not.
It felt a bit like the first half had been written in a different order and then spliced together. The second half was less repetitive which was good but then I started to look for things. Where were the liquorice allsorts in the second half? You couldn't move for them in the first. And that stabbing finger...
All in all it was ok. I wanted to know what happen and I liked the school master's character but I'd say it was not quite up to her usual high standard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2018
4.5 звездички
Над страниците на "Различен клас" продължава да тегне същата мрачна и готическа атмосфера като в "Джентълмени и играчи" . Отново сме в компанията на учителят по латински- Рой Стрейтли-, който трябва да се бори с нежелани призраци от миналото.
Книгата ни прехвърля напред и назад във времето, отчасти през очите на Г-н Стрейтли, и отчасти- през тези на негов ученик, който си води дневник и ни разкрива ужасяващи детайли до края. Учителят по латински се сблъсква с кошмари от миналото. Спомените и усещанията са запазени живи, а умопомрачението, което лъха от разказите на момчето граничат с извратена лудост.
Читателят може да настръхне, най- вече заради уродливостта на идеите и намеренията.
Историята е много заплетена. Към края, когато вече реших, че всичко е ясно, всъщност се оказа, че нищо не е такова, каквото първоначално си мислех . Сюжетът е много умело изграден, а персонажите са още по- задълбочени.
" Джентълмени и играчи" и " Различен клас" са свързани помежду си, но могат да се четат самостоятелно.
И двете книги са страхотни, но втората ми хареса една идея повече.
Над страниците на "Различен клас" продължава да тегне същата мрачна и готическа атмосфера като в "Джентълмени и играчи" . Отново сме в компанията на учителят по латински- Рой Стрейтли-, който трябва да се бори с нежелани призраци от миналото.
Книгата ни прехвърля напред и назад във времето, отчасти през очите на Г-н Стрейтли, и отчасти- през тези на негов ученик, който си води дневник и ни разкрива ужасяващи детайли до края. Учителят по латински се сблъсква с кошмари от миналото. Спомените и усещанията са запазени живи, а умопомрачението, което лъха от разказите на момчето граничат с извратена лудост.
Читателят може да настръхне, най- вече заради уродливостта на идеите и намеренията.
Историята е много заплетена. Към края, когато вече реших, че всичко е ясно, всъщност се оказа, че нищо не е такова, каквото първоначално си мислех . Сюжетът е много умело изграден, а персонажите са още по- задълбочени.
" Джентълмени и играчи" и " Различен клас" са свързани помежду си, но могат да се четат самостоятелно.
И двете книги са страхотни, но втората ми хареса една идея повече.
April 24, 2016
This is the eleventh book I have read by Joanne Harris, and definitely view her as one of my all-time favourite authors. I love how she is able to write so many different genres. As someone who loves to read a variety of genres, this makes her the perfect author for me.
Unfortunately, this particular book didn’t quite grip me in the way many of her other books have. I much preferred Blueeyedboy and Gentlemen and Players. I found Different Class a little slow and it failed to surprise me in the way some of her other books have. Having said that, it was still well written and had a collection of intriguing characters.
I would like to thank the publisher, Doubleday for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this particular book didn’t quite grip me in the way many of her other books have. I much preferred Blueeyedboy and Gentlemen and Players. I found Different Class a little slow and it failed to surprise me in the way some of her other books have. Having said that, it was still well written and had a collection of intriguing characters.
I would like to thank the publisher, Doubleday for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2021
This book is sent shortly after, "Gentlemen and Players," and again revolves around St Oswald's, with both Mr Straitley, curmudgeonly Latin master, and a former pupil, known as Ziggy, narrating events - both in the present timeline and the past, during the early 1980's.
This is a dark and disturbing novel, with St Oswald's again plunged into crisis. After the events in the previous novel, St Oswald's, beset by rumour and scandal, has been given a new Head. This turns out to be Johnny Harrington, a boy that Straitley recalls with discomfort. Harrington, and two other new boys, were involved in a scandal at the school; resulting in the downfall of a schoolmaster, who was Straitley's friend and Straitley is always loyal - to his friends, to his boys and, most of all, to St Oswald's itself.
As always, Straitley is a Classicist in a modern world, fighting against change. In this novel it is the removal of the Honours Boards, pigeon holes removed in favour of 'email,' rebranding, refurbishment, the horror of Sixth Form girls, and the threat of retirement. As Straitley digs his heels in, we read Ziggy's diary and of past events which will effect the present. I found this a little slower than the first St Oswald's novel but look forward to reading the next book set in the school, "A Narrow Door."
This is a dark and disturbing novel, with St Oswald's again plunged into crisis. After the events in the previous novel, St Oswald's, beset by rumour and scandal, has been given a new Head. This turns out to be Johnny Harrington, a boy that Straitley recalls with discomfort. Harrington, and two other new boys, were involved in a scandal at the school; resulting in the downfall of a schoolmaster, who was Straitley's friend and Straitley is always loyal - to his friends, to his boys and, most of all, to St Oswald's itself.
As always, Straitley is a Classicist in a modern world, fighting against change. In this novel it is the removal of the Honours Boards, pigeon holes removed in favour of 'email,' rebranding, refurbishment, the horror of Sixth Form girls, and the threat of retirement. As Straitley digs his heels in, we read Ziggy's diary and of past events which will effect the present. I found this a little slower than the first St Oswald's novel but look forward to reading the next book set in the school, "A Narrow Door."
December 17, 2017
Книгата ми хареса в пъти повече от "Джентълмени и играчи"! Още по-мрачна, още по-готическа от първата част! Стилът на Джоан Харис (поне в тези две нейни книги, които прочетох) ми допадна изключително много. Пише с лека ирония, с едно много фино чувство за хумор...и всички тези двусмислени и недоизяснени (всъщност изяснени, но не и в пряк текст) неща и обстоятелства от историята, обратите. ... Дори и заглавието на романа придобива съвсем друг смисъл на последните страници. За мен романът е ако не абсолютно перфектен, то на крачка от това!
Мисля,че има мегдан и за трета част , въпреки риска от шаблонност . Дано! Че вече ми липсват героите и "Сейнт Осуалдс" :)
Мисля,че има мегдан и за трета част , въпреки риска от шаблонност . Дано! Че вече ми липсват героите и "Сейнт Осуалдс" :)
June 28, 2016
I bought this book after hearing Joanne Harris talk about it (and lots of other things too!) at the Hay Literary Festival a few weeks ago. I also got it signed by her!
Joanne is one of my favourite authors and this book did not disappoint. It is set in a private grammar school St Oswalds in a fictional town in the north of England, as was a previous book 'Gentlemen and Players'. The main character once again is the irrascible Classics Master Roy Straitley, and half of the book is told from his point of view, the other half in the form of diary entries of an 'Old Boy' who is obviously psychotic. But who is this Old Boy and what dark secrets does he hold about his teenage years?
Joanne was a teacher in a similar school to this before becoming a writer, and the depiction of the school, its teachers and pupils was one of the joys of this book. The psychological suspense plot of the book was excellent too and kept you guessing until the end.
A good read. Three cheers for St Oswalds and Mr Straitley!
Joanne is one of my favourite authors and this book did not disappoint. It is set in a private grammar school St Oswalds in a fictional town in the north of England, as was a previous book 'Gentlemen and Players'. The main character once again is the irrascible Classics Master Roy Straitley, and half of the book is told from his point of view, the other half in the form of diary entries of an 'Old Boy' who is obviously psychotic. But who is this Old Boy and what dark secrets does he hold about his teenage years?
Joanne was a teacher in a similar school to this before becoming a writer, and the depiction of the school, its teachers and pupils was one of the joys of this book. The psychological suspense plot of the book was excellent too and kept you guessing until the end.
A good read. Three cheers for St Oswalds and Mr Straitley!
January 2, 2018
It would have been 3, had I not been a teacher. The story, imho, needs some editing (and most importantly, cutting) but the subtle yet profound grievance about newfangled "correctness" and "appropriateness" of classroom material � oh boy, do I relate to this.
January 4, 2022
"Perhaps that’s why I’m telling you all my secrets, Mousey. Imaginary friends � like dead ones � don’t talk. They never give the game away. Still, it might be nice to find someone who shares my interests. Someone who likes to break the rules. Someone to share in the fun stuff. The fun stuff, like at Netherton Green. The fun stuff. Like murder."
One year after book one, Gentlemen and Players, Roy Straitley, a Latin teacher at St Oswald's Grammar School for Boys (and also girls this time) has faced difficulty with the new headmaster, old case, and murders.
Although I very like Roy and this was a great Suspense and Mystery but, a crazy student who enjoyed abuse and harming animals is not really a book with 5 stars for me.
One year after book one, Gentlemen and Players, Roy Straitley, a Latin teacher at St Oswald's Grammar School for Boys (and also girls this time) has faced difficulty with the new headmaster, old case, and murders.
Although I very like Roy and this was a great Suspense and Mystery but, a crazy student who enjoyed abuse and harming animals is not really a book with 5 stars for me.
March 26, 2017
A very different read that engaged every aspect of me. Incredibly interesting, one of those books you need to really chew over. Full review to follow.
June 7, 2018
Absolutely, tremendously stunning. Loved this SO much. Wow, this author is SO versatile.
April 12, 2017
A very clever book about the world of a boys school, and of course, about all the world. Anyone who has worked in a school will know it is a stale place, with secrets and alliances.
In this case, there is child abuse. And there is also a gay teacher ( at least one) , religion, tradition, and I guess we all know where it's going to end up. In a situation like this, there are so few ( if any) real friends and an awful lot of " my best friend is gay...but." type filth. So very well done.
I loved the clever tricks of the identities, and the slow unfolding. I loved the humour too, reminded me a little of Malcolm Bradbury perhaps.
What a shitty place the world is .
In this case, there is child abuse. And there is also a gay teacher ( at least one) , religion, tradition, and I guess we all know where it's going to end up. In a situation like this, there are so few ( if any) real friends and an awful lot of " my best friend is gay...but." type filth. So very well done.
I loved the clever tricks of the identities, and the slow unfolding. I loved the humour too, reminded me a little of Malcolm Bradbury perhaps.
What a shitty place the world is .
June 29, 2023
4,5 ⭐️ .. Oh, dieses Ende wieder 👌
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September 27, 2018Има автори, които човек започва да обича още с първата книга. И започва да чете всичко тяхно, просто защото е тяхно. Понякога се влюбва в прочетеното, понякога просто го харесва, а понякога откровено се разочарова - аз вече имах своето разочарование от Джоан Харис, и то всъщност не беше едно - с "руническата" поредица" и със "Семе на злото".
Но въпреки тези разочарования продължих да я чета. За щастие, други не последваха.
Джоан Харис не е от авторите, които публикуват по една или дори две книги всяка година. Нейните книги се появяват рядко. А умее да пише така, че когато вече си се докоснал до нейна книга и искаш още, а това "още" го няма, те обзема истинска абстиненция. Искаш нейна книга. Копнееш за нейна книга. Нуждаеш се от нейна книга.
И най-после книгата идва.
Всичко това би трябвало да обясни защо толкова се зарадвах, когато на българския книжен пазар най-после се появи новата й книга - "Различен клас". Купих я при първа възможност, но до вчера чакаше реда си.
Преживяването от четенето на тази книга е много особено. Имам чувството, че се връщам на уж познато, но въпреки това добре забравено място. Книгата е своеобразно продължение на "Джентълмени и играчи", за която имам спомени, че ми хареса, смрази ме и ме остави удивена, че подобна история може да се разиграе сред един наглед скучен "декор", какъвто е едно училище. Честно казано, не си спомням подробности. Само името на училището, някои имена на участници в събитията... и толкова. Но понякога е достатъчно да помниш дори само усещането, за да очакваш отново добра история.
Тази обещава да бъде такава - с необяснимо мрачна атмосфера, препратки към минали събития, нови срещи между стари познати, някои от които вече са "от другата страна" - бивши ученици, които са вече учители; интриги, планове.
Написах това малко след като започнах книгата и бях прочела около 50 страници. Снощи стоях до полунощ да я довърша. И мога само да потвърдя всичко, което написах по-рано за нея. Стряскаща, почти зловеща книга, но стряскаща и зловеща по начин, който не ти позволява да спреш да четеш. Това е Джоан Харис, също толкова добра, колкото в "Шоколад", но в една съвсем друга област. "Различен клас" е много неща едновременно - училищна история, мистерия, /психологически/ трилър, "кримка". И успява да бъде всичко това еднакво добре, с еднаква сила и убедителност. Хареса ми, страшно много ми хареса, това, че в този роман няма невинни. Всеки има тъмна страна, всеки има вина, всеки е едновременно жертва и престъпник.Накрая някак не ми се вярваше, че е свършила - толкова бях потънала в историята.
Лично за мен, тази книга има твърде малко минуси. Дойде ми в повече описанието на насилието над животни и фактът, че беше разгледано като нещо обичайно - да, наистина, от гледна точка на децата, но това не е оправдание, макар че ми беше ясна целта на това описание.
Вторият "минус" - кавичките са защото вероятно не всички са имали този проблем - беше, че понякога ми беше трудно да се ориентирам кой разказва историята в момента, а и в началото ме объркваше "прескачането" от стари към нови събития. Но това е нещо дребно, което в никакъв случай не влияе на качеството на книгата.
Накратко: "Различен клас" ми хареса. Много. За мен това е запомняща се книга, която навежда на доста мисли - за тъмната страна на всеки от нас и това, че тя винаги може да бъде събудена; че традицията и "аристократичността" на една институция - в случая училището "Сейнт Осуалдс" - не винаги са директна гаранция за почтеност, и че злото и мрачното може да обитава навсякъде. На моменти това усещане беше доста наситено, но без да прекрачва границата.
Наистина тази книга се появи след доста дълго чакане, но то определено си струваше. Препоръчвам я на всички почитатели на Джоан Харис - и изобщо на всички, които обичат добрите истории. Няма да се разочаровате.
Но въпреки тези разочарования продължих да я чета. За щастие, други не последваха.
Джоан Харис не е от авторите, които публикуват по една или дори две книги всяка година. Нейните книги се появяват рядко. А умее да пише така, че когато вече си се докоснал до нейна книга и искаш още, а това "още" го няма, те обзема истинска абстиненция. Искаш нейна книга. Копнееш за нейна книга. Нуждаеш се от нейна книга.
И най-после книгата идва.
Всичко това би трябвало да обясни защо толкова се зарадвах, когато на българския книжен пазар най-после се появи новата й книга - "Различен клас". Купих я при първа възможност, но до вчера чакаше реда си.
Преживяването от четенето на тази книга е много особено. Имам чувството, че се връщам на уж познато, но въпреки това добре забравено място. Книгата е своеобразно продължение на "Джентълмени и играчи", за която имам спомени, че ми хареса, смрази ме и ме остави удивена, че подобна история може да се разиграе сред един наглед скучен "декор", какъвто е едно училище. Честно казано, не си спомням подробности. Само името на училището, някои имена на участници в събитията... и толкова. Но понякога е достатъчно да помниш дори само усещането, за да очакваш отново добра история.
Тази обещава да бъде такава - с необяснимо мрачна атмосфера, препратки към минали събития, нови срещи между стари познати, някои от които вече са "от другата страна" - бивши ученици, които са вече учители; интриги, планове.
Написах това малко след като започнах книгата и бях прочела около 50 страници. Снощи стоях до полунощ да я довърша. И мога само да потвърдя всичко, което написах по-рано за нея. Стряскаща, почти зловеща книга, но стряскаща и зловеща по начин, който не ти позволява да спреш да четеш. Това е Джоан Харис, също толкова добра, колкото в "Шоколад", но в една съвсем друга област. "Различен клас" е много неща едновременно - училищна история, мистерия, /психологически/ трилър, "кримка". И успява да бъде всичко това еднакво добре, с еднаква сила и убедителност. Хареса ми, страшно много ми хареса, това, че в този роман няма невинни. Всеки има тъмна страна, всеки има вина, всеки е едновременно жертва и престъпник.Накрая някак не ми се вярваше, че е свършила - толкова бях потънала в историята.
Лично за мен, тази книга има твърде малко минуси. Дойде ми в повече описанието на насилието над животни и фактът, че беше разгледано като нещо обичайно - да, наистина, от гледна точка на децата, но това не е оправдание, макар че ми беше ясна целта на това описание.
Вторият "минус" - кавичките са защото вероятно не всички са имали този проблем - беше, че понякога ми беше трудно да се ориентирам кой разказва историята в момента, а и в началото ме объркваше "прескачането" от стари към нови събития. Но това е нещо дребно, което в никакъв случай не влияе на качеството на книгата.
Накратко: "Различен клас" ми хареса. Много. За мен това е запомняща се книга, която навежда на доста мисли - за тъмната страна на всеки от нас и това, че тя винаги може да бъде събудена; че традицията и "аристократичността" на една институция - в случая училището "Сейнт Осуалдс" - не винаги са директна гаранция за почтеност, и че злото и мрачното може да обитава навсякъде. На моменти това усещане беше доста наситено, но без да прекрачва границата.
Наистина тази книга се появи след доста дълго чакане, но то определено си струваше. Препоръчвам я на всички почитатели на Джоан Харис - и изобщо на всички, които обичат добрите истории. Няма да се разочаровате.
May 27, 2016
This is the first time a Joanne Harris novel has disappointed me. I really felt that it was not up to her usual standard and that perhaps her heart just wasn’t in it. It all felt a bit too contrived and tricksy, and I couldn’t work up much enthusiasm for any of the characters. Harris’s trademark tropes are all here but this time they palled on me. It’s an interesting enough plot, and the twists are well managed, but I never fully engaged with it. Not a patch on Gentlemen and Players, certainly, although the setting is the same.
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