- ASIN: B07YYNV96L
- Language: English
- Print length: 200 pages
- Genre: Satire Fiction
The BookViral Review:
A superbly written sitcom-style foray into the world of teaching teens, ‘Peter Sutcliffe’s Waiting in the Corridor’ is a hilarious account of term six at Southgreen Academy, a secondary in the South-East of England.
Pitching it perfectly, Tim Munro’s Satire Fiction effortlessly captures the slightly hysterical nature of end of term shenanigans (albeit with a smidgen of artistic licence). Instantly recognisable to teachers, and rib-tickling to all, his riotous plot, running concurrently with the maturing of the aptly named pupil ‘Peter Sutcliffe’ (many politically incorrect puns intended!), is supported by his excellently constructed characters, variations of which could instantly be recognised in every secondary school in the U.K.
Reminiscent of great comedy-dramas such as ‘Sex Education’, Munro’s farcical tale carries underlying cleverly concealed serious messages about the education system, challenging policies, whilst an implicit thread upholds teachers as the professionals who actually know the best way to teach pubescent under-achievers.
Structured impeccably, Munro’s uproarious story builds from amusingly giggle-inducing to laugh-out-loud, as dynamics change and power struggles ensue, with, of course, the students, most notably the smart and cleverly manipulative Peter Sutcliffe, coming out on top.
With surprising cognizance of the teen psyche, Peter Sutcliffe’s character is brilliantly developed from irritating and somewhat rejected, to the mastermind of the pricelessly ‘bonkers’ climax, as is his relationship with the thuggish Carl Borman, a Nazi-obsessed youth with a surprisingly sensitive side, ultimately expertly controlled by the aforementioned.
What is more, from Principal to teachers and support staff to the caretaker, Munro sizes up each personality impeccably, deftly pitting one skilfully against the other. From the ‘Basil Fawlty’ like blue-tongued Sebastian, to ‘Randy Andy’ the P.E teacher, each creates a plethora of comedic opportunities, which Munro expertly uses to full advantage.
A side-splitting read with surprisingly insightful undercurrents, ‘Peter Sutcliffe’s Waiting in the Corridor’ is firmly and unreservedly recommended and a must-read for all teachers with a sense of humour!
