The Pacifist's Guide to Self-Flagellation

by John Larkin

From the cold and damp mining town in northern England where he was born, to the sun-drenched streets of western Sydney, John Larkin’s (Larkin About in Ireland) memoir of childhood will have you laughing out loud and squirming with recognition. John survives being attacked regularly by his knife-wielding, teddy-bear-decapitating older sister, and along the way takes time out to offer a unique insight into classroom dumpers, Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men, pacifistic lollipop men, cocks and cocks in waiting, school milk, cobblers, kids who eat paste, deranged science teachers, and parents who tried to feed him to the sharks.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Sydney-based author and screenwriter, John Larkin, was born in England but grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has, at various stages of his writing career, supported his habit by working as a supermarket trolley boy, shelf-stacker, factory hand, forklift driver, professional soccer player and computer programmer. He now writes full-time. John has a BA in English Literature and a MA in Creative Writing from Macquarie University. John is currently the Writer-in-Residence at Knox Grammar School and UTS (School of Education).

Reviews

[Jolaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

mildly amusing

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny and warm romp through the early childhood of Larkin in his home country of England, before journeying to Australia and discovering a new way of life. This book had me chuckling and reading bits out loud to others - and it was something light to read (while having a pretty hard time.)

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insight into the childhood world of John Larkin. Funny in parts but more interesting in the detail of his childhood environment.

[Shallowreader VaVeros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hilarious book by John Larkin. A brilliant read.