The year is 1991, and Spud Milton's long walk to manhood is still creeping along at an unnervingly slow pace. Approaching the ripe old age of fifteen and still with no signs of the much anticipated ball-drop, Spud is coming to terms with the fact that he may well be a freak of nature. With a mother hell-bent on emigrating, a father making a killing out of selling homemade moonshine, and a demented grandmother called Wombat, the new year seems to offer little except extreme embarrassment and more mortifying Milton madness. But Spud is returning to a boarding school where he is no longer the youngest or the smallest. His dormitory mates, known as the Crazy Eight, have an unusual new member and his house has a new clutch of first years (the Normal Seven). If Spud thinks his second year will be a breeze, however, he is seriously mistaken. He is soon beset with women trouble, coerced into misguided late night adventures, and finds his dreams of a famous career on the stage in tatters after landing the part of the Dove of Peace in a disastrous house play production of Noah's Ark.Hilarious, bitter-sweet, tragic and real, join Spud as he takes another tentative step forward while all around him the madness continues.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
If anyone's capable of portraying hell, it's John Milton. In this case, hell is an elite, all-boys boarding school in Durban, South Africa, in 1990, and Milton is 13-year-old John "Spud" Milton, his nickname referring to the diminutive private parts of this preadolescent boy, an indicator of the level of humor and behavior (and privacy) at the school. Spud is a good guy, a companionable narrator whose journal captures his first year - classmates Mad Dog, Rambo, Gecko and Fatty, and teachers Sparerib, Viking and The Guv. Spud is a good observer and, unfortunately, his portrayal of boarding-school life rings true. A parallel story line - Nelson Mandela's release from prison - lends depth to Spud's tale as he begins to develop a social conscience. Some readers may tire of 300-plus pages of random acts of meanness and the parade of quirky characters, but those humored by it will be eager for the forthcoming sequel. A bestseller in South Africa, it's likely to be a hit with American readers as well. (Fiction. 12+) (Kirkus Reviews)
About the Author
John van de Ruit was born in Durban, South Africa and educated at the University of Natal where he completed a Masters degree in Drama and Performance. since 1998 he has been a professional actor, playwright and producer. His first novel, Spud, has become an international award-winning bestseller, and the fastest selling book in South Africa's publishing history.
--This text refers to an alternate
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Second is NOT a disappointment!,
This review is from: Spud: The Madness Continues--. by John Van de Ruit (Paperback)
There's only a few book series that have captured my imagination like Spuddy's life. Dear John... Don't stop writing these. I don't care how old Spud gets!
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant,
This review is from: Spud - The Madness Continues (Kindle Edition)
The journey never stops for Spuddy. If you enjoy light hearted, nostalgic, clean-cut boy school fun this book is a must read. The tallented John created a page turner with characters that climb into your heart and YOU refuse them to leave!
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