Publisher's Synopsis
MISCHIEF, DEATH AND REDEMPTION ROCK THE IDYLLIC WORLD OF A LITTLE BAND OF BERMUDIAN BOYS.
Fried White Grunts follows the fascinating adventures and misadventures of a young boy and his Hill Gang, a little group of kids who live on one of the highest hills on the island paradise of Bermuda. But all is not idyllic in their childhood world as death, mischief and the innocence of youth intertwine, thrusting them into the reality of loss and the promise of hope.
I was six years old when we hanged David Robinson.
If it hadn't been for the Durango Kid we probably never would have done it. As it was, it wasn't much fun anyway because he just went right along with it, and you have to admit that a hanging probably isn't as interesting if the person you're hanging just goes along with it. But David was like that -- easy going and compliant, ready to oblige all the time, just wanting to be one of the gang.
Which is why he died.
"...This lively book gives you insight into the time, the place, and the curious way that boys' minds work. It is filled with telling details and crisp dialogue that will keep you reading."--Elaine McCluskey, award-winning author of 'Hello Sweetheart' and 'Valerie the Great.'
"...There's sweetness in this book, and stories of kindness ... lots of laughs and there's tragedy too -- one awful event no one will ever forget. Colin Duerden writes deftly, and either he has an astonishing memory, or he's just really creative, or both ... beautifully written, and I wanted it to go on and on. But ... it ends and you'll be indignantly saying 'yes, yes but THEN what happened?' "--Dr. Nancy White, Singer, Songwriter, Co-author of the hit musical 'Anne and Gilbert.'
"...stories of the Hill Gang capture adventure and boyish bravado and at the same time, touch our souls with their innocence in the face of loss. A very enjoyable read- both heartfelt and humorous."--Diana Whalen, Former Deputy Premier and Minister of Justice, Nova Scotia, Canada.
"Welcome to a hill in the Bermuda of yesteryear and to heart-warming stories of the children whose home it was. By turns both funny and achingly poignant, we follow this endearing little band of characters as they learn all about life and perhaps also a little about death."--Martin Buckley - Manager, The Bookmart at Brown & Co., Hamilton, Bermuda.
"...moving tale of mostly pre-teen boys ... no more.about such boys than are Twain's Huck and Tom books.
In every way that matters, Fried White Grunts is a grown up book by a grown up man."--Terry Todd, Professor, University of Texas at Austin, Texas.
