When Johnny Clarke becomes Head Boy of his prep school for his final term his troubles begin. Under the critical eye of his demanding headmaster and challenged by a strong-willed contemporary Johnny struggles for command in his role as well as for academic and sporting success. A further challenge comes his way in the form of a small boy’s allegation of impropriety on the part of one of the masters, but Johnny is inspired by the beautiful new matron and sees it all through to a triumphant and dramatic conclusion, though the fate of the school and its headmaster is not so rosy.

Set in the 1950s, A Storm of Cherries creates a sometimes bleak, sometimes affectionate and humorous picture of prep school life of the period. Anyone who experienced its peculiar cruelties and consolations will recognize staff and boys, language and lore; anyone who didn’t will enter a strange world

Popular praise for A Storm of Cherries

‘… very easy reading and compulsive to the end … you were describing exactly my prep school and most of my experiences.’

‘I was captivated by the story and the remniniscences it produced.’

‘Incredibly well-observed stuff: I loved it. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series.’

‘It is a fine piece of work: funny, deft, sad, and spot-on true … you have caught brilliantly the world of prep schools as they were.’

‘… everything is as I remember it. You negotiate between the ironic and the affectionate with considerable skill and … what really impresses me is the way in which you manage to recreate the child’s eye view … I’m much looking forward to the further adventures of Johnny Clarke.’

‘It all brings back my preparatory school days. Happy as they were, all the masters are living in your book.’