The teen novel kicks off in Brighton 1962. Cool records and sharp
fashions form the backdrop sounds and sights to this story of 15-yearold Naseem Al Yawar (‘Naz’), a young man on the verge of adulthood
and heading for his first experience of love. Naz is a typical foul-mouthed, disaffected teenage boy, bright
but with no interest in school apart from a love of literature instilled in
him by an inspirational teacher, Mr Easton - nicknamed ‘Easy Easton’.
The latter encourages Naz to write, directing him to read many authors
including Henry Miller and John Steinbeck . Raymond Chandler is a
particular favourite: ‘I love his crispness and gusty dialogue,’ says Naz. The world is opening up for Naz, but his Arab father – a moody,
bitter man - is disappointed at what life has brought him and envious of
his son’s youth and freedom.