Audiobook9 hours
The Boy with the Perpetual Nervousness: A Memoir
Written by Graham Caveney
Narrated by Jonathan Cowley
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
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About this audiobook
Raised in a small town in the north of England known primarily for its cotton mills, football team, and its deep roots in the "Respectable Working Class," Graham Caveney armed himself against the confusing nature of adolescence with a thick accent, a copy of Kafka, and a record collection including the likes of the Buzzcocks and Joy Division. All three provided him the opportunity to escape, even if just in mind, beyond his small-town borders. But, when those passions are noticed and preyed upon by a mentor, everything changes.
Now, as an adult, Caveney attempts to reconcile his past and present, coming to grips with both the challenges and wonder of adolescence, music, and literature. By turns angry, despairing, beautifully written, shockingly funny, and ultimately redemptive, The Boy with Perpetual Nervousness is a tribute to the power of the arts-and a startling, original memoir that "feels as if it had to be written, and demands to be read" (the Guardian UK).
Contains mature themes.
Now, as an adult, Caveney attempts to reconcile his past and present, coming to grips with both the challenges and wonder of adolescence, music, and literature. By turns angry, despairing, beautifully written, shockingly funny, and ultimately redemptive, The Boy with Perpetual Nervousness is a tribute to the power of the arts-and a startling, original memoir that "feels as if it had to be written, and demands to be read" (the Guardian UK).
Contains mature themes.
Author
Graham Caveney
Graham Caveney is a freelance writer. He has written on music and fiction for the NME, The Face and the Independent. He is the author of two previous books, on William Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg.
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Reviews for The Boy with the Perpetual Nervousness
Rating: 3.874999975 out of 5 stars
4/5
12 ratings3 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5At the start of the book, Graham is reminiscing about his childhood and wonders at what point did his abuser decide he was going to molest Graham. Graham talks about his feelings as a teen and as an adult in a brutally honest manner. The Boy with the Perpetual Nervousness has moments of humor which makes this book bearable to read since it is about a very dark subject. Graham explains what it was like to grow up in a Catholic family in Accrington, England and his teenage years after being molested by his principle/priest. It's heartbreaking but also empowering to know he gets to tell his life's story and confront what he went through.
Note: I received a free audiobook from the publisher & LibraryThing to provide a honest review. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5This is an interesting read about a young man's journey during and after being molested by a priest that he admired. It shows us the thoughts that he has as he tries to understand and escape the reality forced upon him. It clearly demonstrates how bad things that happen to a person can alter the way they handle other situations, as well. There are times when his thoughts somewhat confused me while at the same time made perfect sense. A hard story to read about, but it is still worth the read.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I don't read (or in this case) listen to these types of books often. I don't have it in me to read something so heartbreakingly real. But, I have a long commute and put this one in as a request. I'm quite glad that I did.This story is one about sexual abuse and betrayal by someone that should never have done anything like that – Caveney's headteacher, a Catholic priest. Keep that in mind if you decide to get this book. Some parts of the story are every bit as horrible as you might imagine. The author held nothing back.Also, keep in mind that the way the story was written really draws you in. I do suggest that you get the audio version if at all possible. Some parts are very hard to get through. I probably would have put the book away and never finished it. It's a bit easier to take as you listen to someone else describe the abuse.