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pavonini's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
4.0
My first book on the public school system in the UK, so for me it was very eye-opening. Approached with a decent balance of "this is what happened to me" vs "these are the effects on society", managing to walk that line and not be too self-centred though based on his own experiences. Those poor children.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Suicide
majaisabella's review against another edition
5.0
THIS is how I like my nonfiction. This book was reflective, interesting, poetic, and informative all in one, and managed to read like a fiction book on a topic that doesn’t lend itself to that at all, AND without a strong natural narrative, and that’s a skill. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of listening to such a gentle and thoughtful yet cuttingly incisive analysis of private schools and the types of men they produce. It makes me want to read some of this author’s fiction work!
tucholsky's review
3.0
Nicely, almost wistfully, written. I concur with every single word written. I suspect I was looking for a more impirical analysis of the disastrous effect of private schools on Britain. For example the draining of teaching talent from the state sector, the relative comparison to state education or the faked up charitable status, so using knowledge and ability to enrich themselves at the publics expense. Worthwhile reading all the same
shannon_jayne1's review
informative
reflective
2.75
I found this book insightful and the author presented many great points. I liked the mix of personal storytelling and factual exploration. I did however find it poorly organised with some subjects merging/being repeated.