Brighton Funk

The teen novel kicks off in Brighton 1962. Cool records and sharp fashions form the backdrop sounds and sights to this story of 15-yearold Naseem Al Yawar ('Naz'), a young man on the verge of adulthood and heading for his first experience of love. Naz is a typical foul-mouthed, disaffected teenage boy, bright but with no interest in school apart from a love of literature instilled in him by an inspirational teacher, Mr Easton - nicknamed 'Easy Easton'. The latter encourages Naz to write, directing him to read many authors including Henry Miller and John Steinbeck . Raymond Chandler is a particular favourite: 'I love his crispness and gusty dialogue,' says Naz. The world is opening up for Naz, but his Arab father - a moody, bitter man - is disappointed at what life has brought him and envious of his son's youth and freedom.