Black Swan Green
Author: David Mitchen
Amazon info
While I try to post my comments immediately after reading the book, sometimes the posts are delayed. And in this case, the delay was enough to have most of the traces of this fine book obliterated from my memory by the even more memorable books that followed. But as I read this "coming of age" story, I was thoroughly enjoying it. That is, once I could get past all the British slang. The novel stars Jason, 13 years old, and afflicted with a stammer, whom he personifies as "Hangman". He also has an alter-ego named "Unborn Twin", but not much is revealed about Unborn Twin. Reading this book makes me glad that I am not a 13-year-old boy in England, as the peer pressure, taunting, and bullying are fairly relentless. The book is a good read, with mysteries that unfold throughout (and some that don't) and a thorough engaging character. Although some of the sequences are a bit surreal and hard to fathom, it all becomes relatively clear by the end.
Recommended for those willing to endure a little complexity and who have already passed through their teenage years.