A certain formula for success

Simon Raven has found a successful formula for his novels: the effect of sexual degradation on the upper classes. This is the fourth novel in his 'Alms for Oblivion' sequences and his hero Fielding Gray appeared as a minor character the other volumes. Fielding Gray in this novel gives the story of his early life in what is the now familiar Raven pattern. His name of course is an indication of his character—an intelligent boy with a homosexual bent.

Fielding is in his last year at a public school, heir apparent to the head boy and the likelihood of a brilliant university career in Classics before him. Although he is warned against it be proceeds to seduce a younger schoolmate who eventually turns to prostitution and suicide when Fielding deserts him. The relationship is used by a schoolfellow to win the school leadership and by Fielding's mother to force him to abandon a university career.