Terry Ronald and I grew up in the same area of South London in which we both still now live. Terry and I went to the same primary school in East Dulwich, although it is now loft apartments, and we share many of the same memories. When he left St Johns & St Clements Terry signed my autograph book; 'King Terry Ronald', which was almost accurate.
I have never read a book from cover to cover in one sitting before I read this book, or have been so sad when one ended.
When I finished Becoming Nancy I said to Terry; "I wish I knew David Starr." He replied; "You do."
I am blessed to know Terry Ronald, but I am more happy to realize we can all now meet David Starr. Cue lights .. wind machine .. dry ice .. drum roll .. special thick mince ..
For David Starr, being cast as Nancy in the upcoming school production of ‘Oliver’ is quite a shock. But David is up to the challenge. Living in a three-bedroom semi in 1970s’ working-class East Dulwich, surrounded by his somewhat colourful relatives, he is bright, smart-mouthed, fanatical about pop music and ready to shine. As rehearsals begin, he strikes up a friendship with the handsome yet enigmatic Maxie Boswell, captain of the school football team. As their alliance deepens it appears they might become more than just good friends, but that can’t be right, can it?
Discovering a confidant in empathetic teacher, Hamish McClarnon, and spurred on by his no-nonsense best friend, Frances Bassey, David takes on the school bully, the National Front, and anyone else who threatens to stand in the way of true love.
Vibrant, warm, and full of life, this uproarious and touching coming-of-age novel, set against the backdrop of South-East London in the thrill of the late seventies, will transport you straight back to your first music obsession and the highs and lows of your first love.
‘I laughed out loud! Terry’s humour translates perfectly to the page and his book is a joy!’ Kylie Minogue
“Filled with fantastically original characters – such as David’s drama teacher Hamish who is ‘exotically both Scottish, and homosexual’ – brilliantly acute observations on adolescence, hilarious one liners, and nostalgic musical references that will transport you straight back to the seventies and early eighties. Becoming Nancy will touch your heart and leave you wishing you could hang out with the wonderful David Starr.”
