The deeply hidden desires of boarding school master, John Gray, collide with an unspeakable crime. As he stands alone to safeguard a junior pupil from the brutal bullying of four prefects, he comes up against a school determined to protect its reputation, even if it means destroying a brilliant teacher.

This novel digs deep into the soul of the main character to unearth his most personal thoughts, desires, and secrets, which ultimately lead to a slow breakdown that is both intimate and intrusive to witness. It explores themes of hidden desire, temptation, and betrayal with an honesty that is rare.

By making one of the defining incidents of the novel not clearly black or white, but with shades of grey - no pun intended - the author kept me conflicted about what a reasonable outcome should be. The author’s skilful use of language also draws great imagery with an ease that retains the smooth flow of the text.

I found the novel so hypnotic that I read it in a couple of days, something which I have rarely done recently.

I have seen it mentioned that this work is reminiscent of William Golding's Lord of the Flies, which I very much agree with, and it is every bit as powerful.

This is a thoroughly compelling read, which I would highly recommend. ( )