On the Edge of a Lifetime

This beautifully crafted autobiographical novel overflows with life: hope, courage, disappointment, error, compassion, indifference, selfishness, comedy, philosophy, spirituality, religion, honesty, deceit, death, triumph. Sent to a Special School in Scotland in the 50s, following the misdiagnosis of a 'bad heart', the author recounts life-forming experiences, some enhancing, some daunting, which culminate in his decision to 'get an education'. He, and his family, act with determination, and he is answered: he presents himself to the headmaster of the Academy, who in spite of bureaucratic opposition enrols him. But the education he has already received is priceless, for it has drawn out of him empathy, steadfastness and humour which will enable him as life unfolds to find a path that unites the margins with the centre. The author's academic writings are complemented by literary and popular excursions of which this is a gripping example. Though it reads easily, the questions and issues it raises are key to our current cultural and spiritual crisis. If you like writing light on the surface but which challenges you from its depths, then read this book.