FernFolio

It’s the summer of 1945, and all of Ottawa awaits word that the war in Asia is over and that the world can return to happy times. However, young Martin O’Boy’s life is too complicated to be transformed by the end of war. His father is an emotionally abusive drunk and his mother, though well meaning, is drained by the demands of looking after Martin’s mentally handicapped twin brother, Phil, and constant worries about money. With the death of his beloved Granny, Martin feels alone in the world, without love or affection.
Along with his friend, Billy Bateman, Martin is invited by his school music teacher to be a summer choir boy at a local church. There he makes the acquaintance of Mr. George, the organist, who seems to be a kind man, watching out for the boys and playing tag games with them during breaks in choir practice. When Mr. George tells Martin that he’s become very fond of him, and suggests that they spend time together after choir practice, the boy is flattered, but something happens during their outing that Martin could never have anticipated or imagined.
Boy O’Boy is a beautifully told story about some very difficult issues. Doyle’s spare writing style, adept handling of rhythm and cadence, and keen eye for the small, important minutia of life make this a must-read for intermediate students.
FernFolio Editor