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Written by: 9/17/2009 4:31 PM
As Spud Milton continues his diabolical stagger through adolescence, he learns one of life's most important lessons: when dealing with women and cretins, nothing is ever quite as it seems. 'I'm practically a man in most areas,' writes Spud confidently on his sixteenth birthday. The year is 1992 and, as always in South Africa, radical change is in the air. The country may be on the bumpy road to an uncomfortable redemption, but Spud Milton is hoping for a smooth ride as he returns to boarding school as a senior. Instead, he discovers that his vindictive arch enemy is back to taunt him and that a garrulous Malawian has taken residence in his dormitory, along with the regular inmates and misfits he calls friends. Spud's world has never seemed less certain; he attempts to master Shakespeare, wrestles constantly with God and the power of negative thinking, and develops an aversion to fried fish after a shocking discovery about his grandmother, Wombat. Spud - Learning to fly transports the reader on an authentic tragicomic journey, deep into the sublime and ridiculous world of being a teenager.
Review By: Rudi Wicomb - Bookworm rating 5/5
John Van De Ruit has once again crafted a compelling and funny year in the life of John “Spud” Milton. Less boisterous than the previous two novels, Spud - Learning to Fly reflects the ongoing changes going on in our dear Spuddy’s life. Thankfully, the more reflective moments are broken up by some brilliant flashes of comedy brought to you by that mad group of incorrigible friends, the Crazy 8 (with extra Garlic!) Friendship and Personal Growth are the theme’s most pressed upon in this latest novel with Spud going through some pretty significant events and changes, ultimately leading to a rather bittersweet story experience for this reviewer. The changes of pace in the narrative is reflective of Spuds’ transition in this new school year and can be a bit slow for some but to me was completely justifiable. You either go with it, as a reader or you going to get mired in the slow bits. Overall, I loved it! Die hard Spud fans are going to love it and ultimately stay with Spud on his journey. First time/Casual readers not so much, which is not really a train smash because there’s always the next year in the life of John “Spud” Milton” to win readers over. And may it be a good one.
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