John Osborne (10) (1981–)

After a summer spent in Scarborough he starts to reminisce about his childhood spent on British seaside holidays. Osborne is not bothered by the Costa del Whatever, and decides to spend his minimal budget on trips to the beach.

He travel to beaches and resorts (is that the right word) in the different parts of the country, and whilst he is there remembers the things that he loved like beach cricket, 2p shove machines, a visit to a pier and staying in a B&B. He has a go on a zimmer frame simulator, gets slightly terrified at a Punch and Judy convention. Oh and he has a 99 flake. Of course.

Some of the places that he visits have seen better days. He meets the people at Beachy Head that in some cases are the last chance that some people have before ending it all, and goes to a saucy postcard museum on the Isle of Wight. He visits some of the sandcastle competitions that take place, and hears the conspiracy theories as to why Brighton pier burnt down.

I have read some of his other books before, and thought that Radio Head was the better one. This is almost a good as Radio Head, as he writes with such enthusiasm for the beach and the seaside holiday that he brings the memories flooding back. Makes me want go to Swannage Sunday now.… (mehr)