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Home Time Blues
Tired to death of teaching in a Scottish secondary school, Archie Thorn is desperate for something to break the monotony of his existence.
This is the story of two days when everything does change, but not in a way that anybody, including Thorn, could have predicted.
In an acutely observed and provocative novel, the author explores unexpected developments in the life of someone at odds with the system.
‘Unconventional and sometimes very funny, this novel takes a unique look at some of the issues which can plague the life of a teacher.’
This is the story of two days when everything does change, but not in a way that anybody, including Thorn, could have predicted.
In an acutely observed and provocative novel, the author explores unexpected developments in the life of someone at odds with the system.
‘Unconventional and sometimes very funny, this novel takes a unique look at some of the issues which can plague the life of a teacher.’
234 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 2, 2025
‘It’s always funny until someone gets hurt,’ said Bill Hicks. ‘Then it’s just hilarious.’
Archie Thorn is a reluctant teacher of unwilling pupils in crumbling school led by the aptly named Mrs Butcher and is literally at the end of his tether when he encounters the final insult. Anyone who has ever taught English in a Scottish secondary school on the wrong side of the tracks will recognise Archie’s world; the endless frustrations of trying to get pupils over the hurdles expected by the bizarre curriculum; the chagrin that the literature one loves is dross in the eyes of bored kids who’d rather be on their phones; the banal staffroom conversations on methodology; the pretence that what they are engaged in is actually worthwhile and the management that treats your Herculean efforts with a lack of respect and consideration.
It all gets too much for Archie one morning when he encounters the final insult and decides to take a stand. His resistance escalates with increasing tension and humour until help steps in from an unexpected quarter.
You will laugh out loud at this story, but there may be a bit of you that will also weep, for to misquote Wilfred Owen, the humour is in the pity. We would not laugh so much were we not firmly invested in Archie, his gentle self-mocking, his good relationship with his pupils and his earnest desire to do the best for them in spite of the odds and his need to go on paying the mortgage.
As a Scot and a former teacher, who gave up the classroom for something less soul destroying, this book is dear to my heart. I salute the author and I salute my friends and colleagues still in the game.
Archie Thorn is a reluctant teacher of unwilling pupils in crumbling school led by the aptly named Mrs Butcher and is literally at the end of his tether when he encounters the final insult. Anyone who has ever taught English in a Scottish secondary school on the wrong side of the tracks will recognise Archie’s world; the endless frustrations of trying to get pupils over the hurdles expected by the bizarre curriculum; the chagrin that the literature one loves is dross in the eyes of bored kids who’d rather be on their phones; the banal staffroom conversations on methodology; the pretence that what they are engaged in is actually worthwhile and the management that treats your Herculean efforts with a lack of respect and consideration.
It all gets too much for Archie one morning when he encounters the final insult and decides to take a stand. His resistance escalates with increasing tension and humour until help steps in from an unexpected quarter.
You will laugh out loud at this story, but there may be a bit of you that will also weep, for to misquote Wilfred Owen, the humour is in the pity. We would not laugh so much were we not firmly invested in Archie, his gentle self-mocking, his good relationship with his pupils and his earnest desire to do the best for them in spite of the odds and his need to go on paying the mortgage.
As a Scot and a former teacher, who gave up the classroom for something less soul destroying, this book is dear to my heart. I salute the author and I salute my friends and colleagues still in the game.
February 22, 2022
If ever there was a book which accurately described Scottish schools and the feelings of teaching day in and day out with uninterested pupils and unsupported teachers then this is it.
Archie covers everything in alternate chapters. His daily classroom life and his situation.
There is a twist in the story. I will say no more, other than it reeks of desperate plan to escape his current teaching experience.
Being a teacher we all have experienced days such as Archie's ones but never, ever resorted to such a plan to get out the hole.
A good book which holds the attention to the last. If you are not a teacher, then you might not be sympathetic to Archie's daily life. Take it from me, as a retired teacher, some aspects of your daily work as a teacher is accurately described.
Archie covers everything in alternate chapters. His daily classroom life and his situation.
There is a twist in the story. I will say no more, other than it reeks of desperate plan to escape his current teaching experience.
Being a teacher we all have experienced days such as Archie's ones but never, ever resorted to such a plan to get out the hole.
A good book which holds the attention to the last. If you are not a teacher, then you might not be sympathetic to Archie's daily life. Take it from me, as a retired teacher, some aspects of your daily work as a teacher is accurately described.
June 10, 2022
This is a very funny book and if like me, you once dreamed of being a teacher, but quickly came to your senses, then it is a revelation and you will be grateful you changed your mind.
A great book for student teachers, new and retired teachers as well as older pupils and the general public.
I previously read Christopher Rush satire Last Leeson of the Afternoon about teaching in Fife and there must be more teaching tales out there, waiting to be published.
I am currently researching my local primary school during the First World War for my History MLitt where the teacher notes in the school diary that “Jenny is absent to to death”.
At least modern teachers don’t get called up to fight in the trenches.
A great book for student teachers, new and retired teachers as well as older pupils and the general public.
I previously read Christopher Rush satire Last Leeson of the Afternoon about teaching in Fife and there must be more teaching tales out there, waiting to be published.
I am currently researching my local primary school during the First World War for my History MLitt where the teacher notes in the school diary that “Jenny is absent to to death”.
At least modern teachers don’t get called up to fight in the trenches.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews