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Spud – The Reunion by John van de Ruit

Spud The Reunion John van de RuitAbout this book

(Blurb from PanMacmillan SA)

“It is 2003 – ten years since Spud Milton’s class of 93 matriculated and the boys went their separate ways. Despite their seemingly unbreakable bond, the Crazy Eight – Rambo, Mad Dog, Vern, Fatty, Garth Garlic, Boggo, Simon and Spud – have not kept in touch. Or at least, not as far as Spud knows. When he receives an invitation from the school to attend the ten-year reunion weekend, Spud is determined to avoid the event at all costs, but he hasn’t reckoned with the bombardment of intrusive messages and threatening phone calls from his former dorm mates. No one is going to bend his arm, not this time; he is immune to peer pressure and wise to Rambo’s devious manipulation techniques. Spud has moved on. And, anyway, he has enough to worry about on the home front.

At twenty-eight Spud is stuck in a one-third life crisis. Reflecting on a decade of spectacular non-achievement, at a point where he’s coming to realise that his glittering stage career might have stalled before it’s even begun, casts him into deep gloom. For the former scholarship kid, the prospect of once again having to measure up to his blue-blooded school friends – and be found wanting – has him riddled with anxiety. Not only that. Spud still doesn’t have a serious girlfriend, which has seen him resort to a questionable international bath-sexting relationship with an old flame. Not to mention that circumstances have forced him to move back in with his parents and his senile grandmother, Wombat, whose walks never end where they began.

After a wildly unsuccessful fishing trip with his father, as well as a return to his old way of figuring things out – writing in his diary – to his own surprise, Spud finds his reunion resistance crumbling. Curiosity and courage win the day. It’s just a weekend, after all … what could possibly go wrong?”

Age 16 +
Paperback
Publication Date:  08 November 2024
Imprint: Pan Macmillan South Africa

Spud The Reunion John van de RuitMy thoughts:

The Spud series by John van de Ruit has been a beloved favourite since its debut in 2005. The latest instalment, “Spud – The Reunion”, brings back the nostalgia and humour that fans have cherished, focusing on the 10-year reunion of the Crazy Eight.

In “Spud – The Reunion”, we find John ‘Spud’ Milton returning to his high school for a reunion with his former classmates, the Crazy Eight. Spud is now ten years older, and with that maturity, he brings a reflective tone to the narrative. His life hasn’t exactly panned out as he imagined—his career is floundering, and his romantic life is non-existent. However, the reunion becomes an opportunity to reconnect with his past and see how his friends have fared.

Highlights
  • Nostalgic and Hilarious: The book captures the essence of boarding school life with a perfect blend of humour and nostalgia. Van de Ruit’s writing evokes memories of dining hall meals, dormitory pranks, and the angst of school life, making readers laugh and reminisce.

  • Character Development: While maintaining the characteristic craziness of the Spud series, this book shows a more mature and introspective side of Spud. The familiar characters, like Spud’s eccentric parents, especially his dad, are still delightfully amusing.

  • Realistic and Relatable: The reunion setting allows for a realistic exploration of how people change—or don’t—over time. It captures the awkwardness and mixed emotions of meeting old friends and confronting past memories.

  • Themes of Reflection: Spud’s reflections on his past and present life add depth to the humour. The themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the enduring bonds of friendship are beautifully woven into the story.

Spud The Reunion John van de RuitThemes
  • Nostalgia and Growth: The novel explores the bittersweet nature of looking back on one’s youth, contrasting the wild, carefree days with the responsibilities and challenges of adulthood.

  • Friendship and Brotherhood: The powerful bonds formed during school days are a central theme. The Crazy Eight’s antics and loyalty to each other highlight the importance of these enduring friendships.

  • Self-Discovery: Spud’s journey is also one of self-discovery as he navigates his past memories and current struggles, seeking a sense of purpose and identity.

 

Conclusion

“Spud – The Reunion” is a hilarious, reflective, and nostalgic addition to the Spud series. John van de Ruit’s skillful storytelling brings back beloved characters and settings while adding a layer of maturity and introspection. Fans of the series will treasure this reunion with Spud and his friends, finding both laughter and poignant moments in their journey.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this book offers a delightful escape into the world of Spud, filled with humour, heartfelt moments, and a touch of South African charm.

With thanks to Pan MacMillan SA for the opportunity to read this book.

*PS – I can highly recommend listening to the audiobook as well, it is brilliantly narrated by Joe Vaz.

#RoeliaReads #fortheloveofspud #SpudTheReunion #CrazyEight #JohnvandeRuit

Spud – The Reunion: An interview with author, John van de Ruit – Hello Lifestyle Magazine

About this author:

John van de Ruit – Pan Macmillan

 

 

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