It is 1965. John Garnett is 18 years old and on the verge of adulthood. The author is the narrator. He uses John's sharp wit to tell his story. This is sometimes expressed through the cathartic 'radio voice' of his imagination. Humour, satire and nostalgia are the tools to steer the reader through an entertaining account of John's next two years. John uses the rose-coloured spectacles of humour to escape the reality of his dysfunctional family life. He trades the rural tranquillity of East Anglia for student life in the newly emerging, concrete utopia of the City of Birmingham. He is looking forward to training as a teacher - a virgin pedagogue. History in the making evolves around him. Novel fragrances of freedom are in the air. Our hero is on a roller coaster. John's experiences belie much of the folklore of the sixties. The novel provides an arena where the author's portrayal of the flip side of that period sees reality lock horns with myth. For some, the revolutionary evolution took longer to flower than legend would suggest. Share the sensation of growing up in this brave new world. Topical events and popular culture are integral to the work.