John Boyle writes about his youth, and especially his friendship with school friend James Lafferty, Laff. Born of Irish immigrants, in the mid 1950s both boys lived in Feguslie Park, which the back cover of the book describes as the worst housing scheme in Paisley (an internet search revealed it to be the most deprived area in Britain).

Until he meet Laff John was in effect alone, but with Laff's arrival at the Academy John instantly found an ally - living in the same area but going to the academy both boys were regarded as snobs by the rougher local inhabitants.

The author describes their growing friendship, the area in which they lived, and the changing times with the arrival of rock'n roll, the changing fashions and the threat of conscription. He talks openly, freely and honestly about his feelings, and especially his close friendship with Laff and their dreams of escaping to see the world. With both boys being born of uneducated parents, it was inevitable that pressure would be on them to leave school at the earliest opportunity, and Laff was the one to find himself in that situation. His departure deeply affected John, but worse it was to lead to tragedy; but John was determined to honour his friend and this would eventually prompt to John seek his own dreams.

Laff is a most affecting story, having grown up in the same era (but in considerably more affluent circumstances) I was able to relate to much of the boys' growing up. But what is most touching here is the closeness of the friendship the two boys enjoyed, and the author is quite honest about how far the friendship would allow them to go, and of his feelings for his friend. ( )