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Old School

By Tobias Wolff
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.84 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 13,811 ratings, 1,613 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Old School by Tobias Wolff is a poignant coming-of-age story set in an elite American boarding school during the early 1960s. The narrative follows the aspirations and challenges of a scholarship student who becomes embroiled in the school's prestigious literary competition. As renowned writers visit, the protagonist must confront themes of identity, authenticity, and the pursuit of creative integrity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by explorations of identity and ambition, particularly in the context of a boarding school setting during the early 1960s. The story delves into the pressures of conformity and the desire for literary recognition, offering a thoughtful examination of the consequences of one's choices and the search for authenticity.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A novel from an American writer.

By the author of This Boy's Life, Old School has been longlisted for the 2005 IMPAC literary prize Huge press coverage and acclaim for the hardback which has sold over 12,000 copies To be backed with press advertising and promotions

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

At one prestigious American public school, the boys like to emphasise their democratic ideals—the only acknowledged snobbery is literary snobbery.

Once a term, a big name from the literary world visits and a contest takes place. The boys have to submit a piece of writing and the winner receives a private audience with the visitor. But then it is announced that Hemingway, the boys' hero, is coming to the school.

The competition intensifies, and the morals the school and the boys pride themselves on—honour, loyalty, and friendship—are crumbling under the strain. Only time will tell who will win and what it will cost them.

Old School is a compelling exploration of ambition, integrity, and the consequences of our choices within the oft-idealised world of academic competition.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Old School by Tobias Wolff is often praised for its evocative portrayal of a coming-of-age story set in an American prep school. Critics appreciate its cleverness, emotional depth, and the beautifully crafted narrative reminiscent of classics like Dead Poets Society and The Catcher in the Rye. The novel is described as enduring and wise, with some reviewers comparing Wolff's work to the esteemed Philip Roth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780747574651

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 February 2005

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 208

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Tobias Wolff

About the Author

The author of three collections of stories, Tobias Wolff lives with his family near Stanford University, where he is the director of the creative writing programme.

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