|
|
Title:
|
Stuart: A Life Backwards |
|
Authors:
|
Masters, Alexander |
|
Genre:
|
Non Fiction |
|
Pages:
|
296 |
|
Year:
|
2005 |
|
Language:
|
English |
|
Description:
|
The story of a remarkable friendship between the author, a reclusive writer and illustrator and Stuart, a chaotic, knife-wielding beggar whom he gets to know during a campaign to release two charity workers from prison. Interwoven into this is Stuart's confession: the story of his life, told backwards. With humour, compassion (and exasperation) Masters slowly works back through post-office heists, prison riots and the exact day Stuart discovered violence, to unfold the reasons why he changed from a happy-go-lucky little boy into a polydrug-addicted-alcoholic Jekyll and Hyde personality. [Small font]
Comments from Groups: This book promoted a lot of discussion. Everyone in the group found it very moving and it opened to an indepth discussion of sexual abuse and substance abuse, and the injustices of 'the system'. A few personal accounts of personal experiences were shared within the group. Everyone felt it was a life changing book, which would alter our perception of society. We all enjoyed the book and would definitely put it on a 'recommended' list. Queenstown 010 This book was a real eye-opener.... It was funny, it was sad. It was a disturbing read and we had a very good discussion. Te Kuiti 002 We all found this book a very hard book to get into, but were all glad to have read it in the end. It caused such a great discussion and alot of life's lessons recalled. Hard to believe some people have such a raw deal in life. Whakatane 011
|
|
Categories:
|
Non fiction, Biography, Award winner, Tragedy/disaster, England, Small font |
|
Reviews
[Please log in to write a review]
|
By: NELS 002
|
2019-08-22 13:33:15 |
|
|
Most of the group didn't 'enjoy' the book, but felt it gave great insight into this type of person. Lots of discussion. |
|
|
By: TIMAR 016
|
2019-08-22 13:30:35 |
|
|
|
Thoroughly enjoyed by those who read it - some found the style unusual and challenging. |
|
|
By: WHAKA 012
|
2019-08-22 13:29:32 |
|
|
|
The whole group said this was a hard read. It started off slowly so a number didn't finish the book. Those that did, however, said it was well worth persevering. Our discussion centred on how easy it seemed to be to become part of the homeless community and how hard it was to leave it behind. A lot of council/government initiatives just didn't work. |
|
|
By: WELL 079
|
2019-08-22 13:26:43 |
|
|
|
Lively discussion. Very well-written. |
|
|
By: ALEXA 003
|
2019-08-22 13:21:24 |
|
|
|
Great read. A fascinating story brilliantly told. It's a narrative that is bound to elicit discussion and differing opinions. |
|
| |
BDS is a member of the Federation of Workers Educational Associations
Top
