Draws on eighteen months of research in a racially diverse working-class high school to explore the meaning of masculinity and the social practices associated with it, discussing how homophobia is used to enforce gender conformity.

Eighteen months of fieldwork in a racially diverse working-class high school this is an exploration of the dynamics of masculinity among boys.

He's a slut. He's a nerd. He's a waiter, bored at work. This is his diary.

Brierley's Boarding School for Boys, 1930sGray - a kindly but weak teacher with a secret he cannot revealHodges - a headmaster who wields a terrifying and brutal powerKeen - a first year boy bullied viciously and mercilesslySmythe - a ringleader intent on enforcing his fagging rightsThompson - a prefect struggling just to surviveA new term opens with appalling tragedy, the repercussions of which lead to devastating consequences. The headmaster, who will stop at nothing to cover up the incident, fights for the reputation of Brierley's, while several of the school's inhabitants are left fighting for their lives.A novel of approximately 74,000 words. Readers should note that the book contains strong language, scenes of a sexual nature and adult themes.fagthenovel.comA NOTE FOR REVIEWERS: Any review mentioning the word 'fag' in its title or content will be deleted automatically by Amazon. If you wish to leave a review, please refrain from using the word. Thank you.