Spud: Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Spud #4

by John van de Ruit

After an unexpected and diabolical farewell breakfast conversation with his father, Spud Milton returns to boarding school for his 1993 Matric year, his last as a schoolboy. Armed with a prefects’ tie and a raging libido, Spud soon discovers that being a large(ish) fish in a small pond has its fair share of challenges.
He finds himself embroiled in fighting for his own room, directing a house play where both lead actors refuse to learn their lines, and assisting in Vern Blackadder’s dramatic return from the dead with nothing more than a drip cord and a pair of oven gloves.

Amidst mounting pressure in the classroom and on the cricket field, Spud prepares to face down the most feared and dreaded challenge of them all – finding a date for the Matric dance.

In this hilarious final instalment of the Spud series John van de Ruit brings to a close his savagely funny blow by blow account of the agonies of growing up. The embarrassments, the thrills, the defeats, and the sheer -absurdity of daily life are wittily recorded in Spud’s unique voice as he prepares to make his own exit, pursued by a bear.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Comedy, Contemporary, Humor, Africa, Coming Of Age

416 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2012

About the author

John Howard van de Ruit is a South African novelist, actor, playwright and producer. He has been a professional actor, playwright and producer since 1998. He was born in Durban and educated at Michaelhouse, where he stayed in Founders House and from where he matriculated in 1993. He then went on to complete a Masters degree in Drama and Performance at the then University of Natal.

He is best known for his collaboration with Ben Voss on the satirical sketch show Green Mamba which has toured extensively throughout Southern Africa since 2002. His first novel was published in 2005 by Penguin, entitled Spud. The book was a runaway success in South Africa. It won the 2006 Bookseller's Choice Award. The sequel Spud- The Madness Continues... was released in mid 2007. Ruit has also sold the film rights to the book, and shooting will begin in 2008.

Reviews

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of a series and the end of an era for me.
As a South African I feel it imperative to say upfront that I do not really support our own artists and authors. Painters, I love, we can capture feeling on canvass like few others. Writing, in my opinion, at least until a few years back, struggled. We tend to overdo things, go emo in 3 seconds. Then I read my first Spud novel.
I was shocked. Here I found a novel that kept me captive, up late at night and making past-midnight hour calls to friends saying, asking and not waiting for a response -- have you read this? You must…..
So with the last book in the series the love I have found for South African authors came crashing down on me. The shame, the self berating is constant. Finding a single author that changed my mind pertaining to an entire countries ability to entertain -- astounding. So here is to an author, one who made children who would never have dreamed of reading an entire book, begging their parents for the next in the series, here is to grownups, getting the finer nuances of pain and growing up, we all faced it! We all look back with shock and nostalgia.
Here is to a country who has gems that is unexplored. That has citizens like me that pass them up for the next New York bestseller. Here is to me, for coming to my senses and realizing that being home grown is a good thing. A great thing. Taking a journey down streets you actually know is a journey worth taking.
A 5 * rating. I would if I could have given it 10 *. In my heart of hearts I give it a 100 * review rating and my appreciation for changing, very literally, my life.
WaAr

[Amanda Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spud Milton has matriculated and vanished into his future.
Matric, with its agonies: maths, strange school rituals, The Glock, Mermaid; and its ecstasies: drama, cricket, The Guv, Mermaid; has ended. The Crazy Eight have grown up. Spud has changed over the four books - in a good way.
I enjoyed reading the fourth novel as much as any of the others. Once again, I was struck by the simple fact that the series has been so successful because the books are just about a boy dealing with the difficulties of growing up. For South Africans, that pleasure is rare. We usually have to trudge through a political mess of meaning if we want to read a local author.
Van de Ruit is also a very good writer. His comedic timing and talent is as brilliant as ever. He has polished his style, and his writing has improved with each book.
South African fiction was given a second chance when Spud was published. I am grateful that Spud Milton enriched the reading lives of so many young South Africans.
4.5/5

[Gauri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series, I think, will always be my Harry Potter. It's simply that I was disappointed now more than ever in the series, because the camaraderie and friendship the boys had together thinned as they grew up. It's not the same without some of the original characters. Also, some of the jokes went over the line, and I really don't think the final book was very much like the first and second that I really enjoyed. However, I'm glad to have gone on one last ride with the characters.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one I consider to be my surprise read as I thought I had tracked down a library copy of a young adult novel with a very similar title. What a surprise I got when I was handed this one and realised that I had not checked the author as well as the title. Never mind, I still found this one entertaining despite the fact that I have not read the first three in the series.

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Necessary to complete the series.Accurate account of Matric student modus operandi, but somewhat boring and lacking humour of earlier books in series.

[Nisarg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am feeling nostalgic already. Spud series came to an end for me as I shall turn it's last page and always remember the unforgettable experience. I t as given me a surreal presentation of life, not only as a student of a boarding school but also served me as a friend to guide me through the strange complexities of teenage transition. It is a work of fiction, but the story is as real as 'Hogwarts' for me, which is to say, so much more real and alive tan anything else.

We all love happy endings.

The protagonist then sailed merrily with his hand clenched around his lover as the giant ocean engulfed their ride.

But humans are complex animals. They also hate endings. When a good book ends on a happy note, It is a bitter-sweet moment of so many thoughts buzzing in your brain. Exactly what happened when I ended Spud. Good stories are like a ride down the road with all your friends, an unforgettable journey. Spud has been like drugs for me (I am a good boy and take an oath on momma's life that I have never indulged in drugs). You constantly want more. I am already on a verge of a breakdown and I simply want more 'Crazy 8" adventures and Lunatic ravings.

No matter how horrible the school was we all want to be a part of it. That exactly is human nature. The characters were complete and utter bastards but we all fell for their individual character traits. Each and every character is special for me, from the loony Rain-Man to the high headed, Boggo. The characters are not likeable but the 'crazy 8' as a whole pumps adrenaline in your body, making you feel rebellious. Half the teachers are raving mad and absolute nuts or deranged psychopaths who deserve to be jailed. ASAP! Then there is Eve, the chic and possibly the only female staff. She simply is not and can not remain sane. As fire drives out fire, so insanity insanity. Then there is his family. Needless to say, absolute grade-A crack addict level insane. Like any normal teenage boy, Spuddy gets girls(I am so not normal).

Considering how spud is surrounded by absolute nutty madness, it comes as a shock on how he manages to find his sanity.

The book is in the form of a diary. Needless to say, his life is so much more better than mine. The setting of a boarding school is amazing and I look forward to loose myself in a hostel for a few years. Live in a hostel, go night swimming, pick up chics (never happening).

Above all, It is John van de Ruit's writing which makes the series so funny and remarkable.

Prompt: He ran rather awkward.

John Ruit: He ran limping like a deranged crack addict monkey chasing a banana.

Not even close, but I tried.

I will end this review(?) on this note.

'The crazy 8' went out with a bang, not a whimper.

EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR!

[Rebecca Rockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

With great sadness, I have finished the 4th and final book in John van de Ruit's "Spud" series, "Exit, Pursued By A Bear". This South African author has had huge success with this series which is based on his years at Michaelhouse, a beautiful old private boarding school in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands - the first book was made into a movie starring John Cleese as "The Guv" but I didn't really enjoy the movie much. The books are written in the form of the diary of John "Spud" Milton and really capture the atmosphere in this country at the time (1989 - 1993) as well as what school life was like for boys in a private boarding school. It is absolutely hilarious, as well as tragic, sad, cringe-making, poignant and sometimes downright revolting! It is a real reflection of the good and bad parts of an all-boys school and a glimpse inside the mind of a teenaged boy. Although the setting is in South Africa, and obviously a lot of the slang is unique to this country, I think that anyone who has ever been to school, or known a teenaged boy, would be able to relate to it. The 4 books are consistently brilliant and I can't recommend them highly enough. Here is my last, cryptic, word on the matter. In the words of Vern (now you'll have to read them!): "Sideguy"!!

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this book, you have a sense of loss. You know this is the last adventure with the Crazy 8 and it adds to the introspective overtone of this book.

Spud returns to do his final year of school, and you can see the immediate pressure he's under. Diary entries are not as regular as previous ones but do not fret! The madness continues. This has just as many laugh out loud moments as the others and its great to see the members of the Crazy 8 mature.

Overall, its a sad book and I know I will miss Spud Milton and his gang of cretins.

[Sonja Arlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this entire series and it kept on reminding me of stories I heard (by accident) of my dad in boarding school (raiding the school pantry and trying to give each other home-made tattoos with everyone ending up with only a black dot cos it was too sore).

I must say Vern was a clear favourite this time round with all his Side Guy comments. It’s a bit sad to say goodbye to all the characters but I am looking forward to new work from this Author.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm feeling so sad that this series is done - my goodness, I'm going to miss Spud, the Guv, Rain Man and others. I am amazed by how van de Ruit manages to make such comical relationships feel so sincere. And also by how he's managed to age Spud realistically. I've got a real soft spot for this series.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I also matriculated in 1993, this was a wonderful trip down memory lane. A bit of a slow start, but a brilliant ending to a stunning series. I thought the author did really well maturing everyone's voices whilst keeping them in character. I look forward to reading more from him

[Star Kachisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic conclusion to a much loved character. I think I can safely say that I enjoyed this final installment almost as much as the debut. Sad to see it all come to an end, but what an entertaining read.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect ending to a perfect series!

[Alana Renske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm at a loss for words to describe how much this series meant to me as someone in their final year of school. The hilarious, adventurous antics of the crazy eight will definitely stay with me for a long time, even after my own exit pursued by a bear.

[Nerine Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

While schoolboy antics might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the doings of John “Spud�� Milton, or Spud, as he’s affectionately become known, have found a way to creep into many readers’ hearts. Mine included. Book four brings the series to a close, and rightfully so, on a high note.

John van de Ruit’s writing offered numerous quiet sniggers and sometimes even downrightnasty giggles – and I’m a notoriously tough nut to crack when it comes to humour in the written word. But the weird looks from fellow commuters were worth it. Van de Ruit has created a world that seems as though it must be real, but with a twist of the absurd. Perhaps it’s because he manages to hold on to that sense of reality that had me gobbling up the pages.

He has triumphed in much the same way that I feel authors such as JK Rowling have successfully engaged readers, by creating a vast cast of three-dimensional characters. Everyone has their favourite, be it cheering for the demented Vern, or the Guv’s comicallymorose statements or even Garlic’s eternal obsession about Lake Malawi. And, while some of us who grew up reading the Adrian Mole books can draw parallels
between Sue Townsend and Van de Ruit, Spud as a character comes off more optimistic in his naiveté than the somewhat depressing Adrian Mole.

Writing in journal format also poses a challenge, especially with standard expectations of narrative structure, but Van de Ruit balances the various aspects of his protagonist’s life well. Each story arc, be it Spud’s cricket and academic careers, his love life or themisadventures of the Crazy Eight, is balanced. While satirical elements are present, the outcomes never feel contrived. Cricket matches get rained out. There are no miraculous turnarounds for bad maths marks. The ephemeral nature of young romantic entanglementsrings true, and the Crazy Eight behave much like boys we remember from our teenage years.

While the temptation to beg the author to write another Spud book is strong, I agree with Van de Ruit’s decision that this is the last in the series. The ending made me smile and recall the last weeks of my own matric and that sense of an infinitely pliable universe,almost two decades ago.

To push for more would kill Spud’s spirit. And here’s the catch. You cannot go back to those mad, wild times of standing on the cusp of adulthood, but you can relive them vicariously through the experiences of others. Thank you, Spud, you’re forever young.

[Shelagh P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from my blog: The Word Fiend

Rating: 10

John van de Ruit's Spud books are a publishing phenomenon in South Africa. My theory is that a large part of their appeal is the fact that van de Ruit has managed to make the reader feel that they are part of the story. We've followed John “Spud” Milton through his last three years of boarding school – cheered at his successes, cringed at his family's madcap antics and followed his less-than-simple love life. And now with Spud – Exit, Pursued by a Bear we join Spud for one more year of adventure, discovery and would-be romance.

A book written entirely in diary form runs the risk of losing its sense of narrative, so it's a testament to John van de Ruit's writing skill that Spud – Exit, Pursued by a Bear reads comfortably as a continual story. It's been great to see how Spud's voice has matured through the series and it remains true to character and age. It's this consistency in storytelling and voice that allows the reader to dive straight into the book from page one.

In Spud- Exit, Pursued by a Bear John van de Ruit is back to the form that had me falling in love with Spud and the rest of the Crazy Eight in the first book. There's a great balance of laugh-out-loud humour with the more serious theme of personal identity and the challenges of impending adulthood and independence. And there are some priceless comedic moments which had me laughing out loud and in serious danger of choking on my coffee at one point. But the comedy never feels forced and that is the gift of a writer with real talent for the genre.

Spud – Exit, Pursued by a Bear is the perfect ending to a series that has captured people's hearts and imaginations.

[Riana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spud kicks off his final year at Michaelhouse School for Boys. Being a prefect and making decisions about his future turns out to be more taxing than he thought, and on top of that there is the recurrent girl trouble.

This installment felt like it lacked some action and movement, although there were some funny moments and the lingering anxiety and extra dry (and almost weary) humour seemed fitting in a way.

I was disappointed that there weren’t more detailed writings on their house play, “Rinse the Blood of my Toga.” There was more said on the choosing and auditioning of the play than the practising and performing, which was some of my favourite parts of his previous years. However, there were quite a few change-of-the-everyday tales that I loved, such as the boys’ trip to Lake Malawi.

I found the paragraph spacing in this book lavish and often awkward, interrupting the chain of thought. Towards the end there were some clumsy choices of grammar, but since this is a diary style piece of writing, it is perhaps also fitting for a tired matric pupil nearing the end of the year.

Many loose ends are left untied at the closing of the book and although Spud makes quite a big deal of his last school day, the story ends with an air of “see-you-later.” Thinking back to my own matric year, I now realise that one finishes school with almost only loose ends. Everything is an uncertain puzzle and it is hard to imagine that your life is about to change considerably. Perhaps it won’t.

In conclusion, this was not my favourite Spud book, but I think it was a fitting ending to this charming tetralogy. I will miss John van de Ruit’s marvellous knack with serious humour. Hopefully he will not lie down his pen yet.

[Yasmin Gafoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So our John 'Spud' Milton is all grown up! When did that happen? In Exit, Pursued by a Bear we follow him through his final year as a school boy. Facing the familiar challenges of matric: work, friends and that big undefined future, the Crazy 8 take us on an (as always) impossible mad journey. As you read through this you'll find yourself dreading the end and constantly cheering on Spud who has finally come in to his own, no longer intimidated by anyone. Hard to believe this is the little boy from 1991 with his mocked diaries and angelic voice.

I was introduced to Spud when I was in high school and my best friend and I became slightly obsessed. Spud references define my first years of high school and we even tried to document our crazy/wonderful/mad/unforgettable antics in our own Spud-esque diaries. The end to this series is yet another stab to my youth.

This was a perfect end to (ignoring book 3) a wonderful series. It was heart warming, genuinely hilarious (people around me got quite annoyed at my guffawing) and incredibly relatable. I felt myself nostalgic for when I experienced the same things Spud did in this book. Saying goodbye to the only thing you know is terrifying and exhilarating at the same time and John van de Ruit captured it perfectly.

Seeing the end is a proud moment for readers across the world especially South Africans because through these books and movies, JvdR's (essentially Spud's) every dream came true. Well done, I hope half of us are as successful.

[Fluffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story ends. For us at least.

This book really explored the protagonist's growth as an individual. He really comes forward in his strives towards adulthood and you start to see the man the boy will become. He shows his confidence and quirks in this one and how he has grown. It's quite exciting to see how he's changed.

One of the frustrations of this book is the many unanswered questions it leaves at the end, this is fine as it is a diary and would continue but it leaves you feeling a little unfulfilled. There is just a lot I would like to know that I never will...
If I were being honest I would say the third book was a more upbeat ending and this one seemed sort of thrown on. It has a few deviations from the rest of the series and some things pop in without proper explanation.

I did enjoy it though and the end did jerk a few sad smiles and tears as the book closes on the school life of Spud Milton. It really is incredible to see his growth as a character through these books and is good fun in it's absurdity and light-heartdedness.

Just me but I'm sure to read them again when I'm in need of some laughs.

[Joe Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly one of the funniest, dramatic, romantic and in general one of the best series of books i have read. I would recommend this book to everybody from ages 13+. The first book got me hooked, the second book made me desperate to read the rest, the third book made me really get into it and just wanted to read more and more. Finally the fourth book summarised the story perfectly. At the end of the book (when he leaves school) the writer left me hanging. The main character (milton) has problems with his girlfriend, career options and him leaving school a virgin. He hasn't written another book so i think about of what might of happened to good old milton and his mates and things that have happened of the years of whats happened to him. I love how from the first book the writing didn't have much literature, big word or complex sentences (because he was only 13). But through out the books you could see all the words getting more and more complex as he grows older and can wright better.

[Paul Brogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my personal laugh-o-meter alone, van de Ruit's last in his series of books about being a boy at an elite school in South Africa merits my four stars. At a literary level, I love how he was able to change Spud's voice over those four books, from a 13-year old's knack-jump to a 17-year old's obsession with sex and careers.

My own experience at an all-boys' school and the special challenges that it brought also aligned me sympathetically with van de Ruit's accurate depiction of life in the rarefied air of blazers, school ties, rugby, and Latin. If you were lucky enough to avoid such an ordeal — or if you are a girl — you may have more difficulty identifying, but I loved it.

And if you find the humour a little adolescent, let me remind you that this is kind of the point. Men may spend more time reliving their childhoods — if ever they really stopped living them at all — than do women.

Rah rah.

[Kristenj2009 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, poignant tale of a boy growing into a man's shoes. Spud made me laugh, chuckle from amusement and, at times, rofl. I actually felt a little tearful and melancholic at the end of it all.

On a happier note, Spud rocked! It was a good way to end off the series 'with a bang not a whimper' and Rambo is officially my idol.

Boggo is still as devious, Fatty as fat, Vern as insane, Simon as reserved, Garlic as vivacious and Rambo as cunning as ever and I had I good laugh with all these oddball personalities living together at school along with Spud's witty commentary of course.

Jan van de Ruit did a brilliant job of bringing these characters to life and showing throughout the diaries as Spud slowly came into his own. Well done, Spud: Exit, Pursued by a Bear is definitely going up there on my top shelf. I hope everyone out there gets a chance to laugh as much as I did throughout this superb series.

[Lyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly funny, and by far the best in the series! van de Ruit has yet again caused me to laugh in random situations, earning me many a worried look from my family. I'm sorry its the last book in the series, but he ended the series off with a bang, not a whimper, just as was expeted by all the Spud fans throughout the world.

I wish we could follow SPud in his journey through Varsity and into the "big wide world" but I know that won't happen, as funny and entertaining the journey might (will) be.

Spud is a must-read byt anyone who is willing to laugh aloud at the content no matter where you might be reading.

Exit, pursued by a bear.

[Johan Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looked forward to reading this book with slightly mixed feelings, Spud is one of those series that you never want to end.

Van de Ruit certainly didn't disappoint on the laughs front and it was all I could do sometimes not laugh hysterically at the absurdity. This book also does a good job of saying goodbye to a bunch of characters that feel like old friends to the reader.

The only issue I have is with the way the book ends, there are a couple of plot arcs left hanging with no resolution. Perhaps this means there is scope for the continuing adventures of Spud? Maybe not, I got the impression from well before publication that this was going to be the absolute final Spud book.

[Megz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally done! This book took me forever to read (not because it's boring, but because school has been keeping me too busy).
I really enjoyed this book, it was definitely on par with the rest of the series. Van de Ruit has a gift for portraying the soul of the young boy - I even got annoyed with the way they ostracised poor Garlic, considering his kindness. It's amazing how Spud grows and develops, and I got goosebumps at the end of the book. Definitely a book I recommend. Now I need to find Van de Ruit somewhere so he can sign my copies!

[Priya Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a stunning end to a rip-roaringly entertaining and stupendously enjoyable series! All the things that make the Spud books so great were present and expertly woven into this final chapter. I think anyone out of school or just leaving can easily relate to all that Spud is going through while simultaneously being wistful and thankful that matric wasn't so crazy (I think).

It was a great confluence of events to be reading this just after going back to school for my 10 year reunion, showing again thy there is a right time to read a book.

[Janis]

Having read the third edition of Spud a while after the second one, and finding it less humorous and not remembering the characters that well, I was not looking forward to reading Spud: “Exit, pursued by a bear” nearly a decade later. However, this 4th instalment was both funny (I often read with a smile on my face and sometimes letting a giggle slip out) and engaging, so much so that not recalling the personalities and histories of the Crazy Eight didn’t matter that much. Little reminders of the political landscape in South Africa helped locate the novel in time.

[Lai-Kwan Daisy Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the the final book in the Spud series where Spud is a prefect in martic. I thought this novel was not good as the rest of the series because it lacked comically references and was much more serious than the rest of the series. Nevertheless, I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys easy and warm hearted readings. Spud: Exit, Pursued By A Bear

[Marco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best book in the series, that honour would go to Spud: learning to fly. It is however an awesome, gripping and fascinating read. I love how John Van de Ruit has been able to capture the spirit of growing up and maturing without changing the character. Im saddened by the thought that this is the last book in the series, however Im sure that like many other fans out there, we'd love for the author to publish The Guv's memoirs, now that would be classic!

[Sufia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad......:(((((((
I don't know why I'm so attached to this series! I think this final book is the perfect finale for spud. Reading this I fell in love with the characters and I can feel all the emotions they went through the trip to Malawi, their cricket games, and their other crazy adventures..though I don't want it to end, all good things must come to an end right? :'(

Overall, a heartwarming, funny,silly and emotional read! I highly recommend reading this series!