A Good Start, Considering

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Summary: The struggles of a young boy in London following World War 2
Review: As the Second World War comes to an end, an eleven year old London boy finds himself lost in an unknown world. Alan Carey lost his parents durring a air raid and his grandmother died just before Alan started grammar school. After her death He was quickly taken to Barton House, a children's home that is "Victorian" in more ways than one. His friends (inmates) at the Home have various emotional disturbances and the staff range from mean to vicious. Alan soon becomes the victim of sexual abuse from a sadistic man named Jacko. The abuse brings Alan confusion, shame and sorrow. A teenage brother of Alan's school friend offers Alan love and affection, but the adult world soon seperates them from one another. They even have the gall to blame Alan for being the seducer of the wicked old man. In twelve months, Alan, who is a bright and sociable young boy learns that grownups can't be trusted. Allen is eventually thrust into a rather cruel and some what repressed independence.