The Eighth Man

by Michael Williams

When Frankie Opperman - surfer, rugby captain, and Helderkloof High's golden boy - is found drowned in the school pool, Jake Mulligan is called to investigate. He finds himself at the heart of a school in crisis, yet no one seems willing to help. Why the baffling silence from Frankie's former
friends? Is the cool barrier put up by Frankie's recently-dumped girlfriend just her nature? When Jake turns to the flirtatious Diana Polesky, who seems to be courting expulsion, and then to the eccentric but much-loved English teacher, the investigations take an unexpected twist.

Michael Williams's latest novel tells a tense and brilliantly choreographed story that weaves its way through school rivalry and racism, loyalty, betrayal, and initiation into young adulthood with extraordinary insight and realism.

Genres: School

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Michael Williams is a writer of plays, musicals, operas, and novels and the Managing Director of Cape Town Opera in South Africa. He began writing "radio plays" while studying at University of Cape Town and had his first novel published when he was twenty-five years old. He has written operas for young people based on African mythology as well as the libretti for symphonic operas that have premiered around the world. Michael is the author of several books, including the highly praised young adult novel Crocodile Burning. He finds writing fiction to be the perfect antidote to the drama of keeping an opera company alive in Africa.

Reviews

[Erika Théron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange sudden shifts in narrative perspectives and quite a few clichés - but a very enjoyable read for teenagers.

[Lukhanyo Msindwana]

Great book

[Tony Pretorius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book

[Xander · Rating 2 out of 5]

school assigned

[Johan · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book