the boy with the thorn in his side

by Chantelle Atkins

‘I don’t have my headphones on yet, but the music is always in there. I have a constant walking soundtrack to my life you see. There is a song for everything.' In the decade of grunge and Britpop, 13 year old Danny is a music fan in the making. He is also on a mission to deter unsuitable men from his beautiful single mother. With his best friends behind him, a soundtrack in his head and first love on the horizon, things are looking good until local nightclub owner Lee Howard comes on the scene and sweeps Danny’s mother off her feet. What do you do when your mother is dating a real life monster and no one can see it but you? A dark and powerful drama about friendship, music and the choice between escaping and fighting back.

Genres: Young Adult

845 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2015

About the author

I have been writing stories since I was a very young child, and I write for the same reason I read a lot; I have to! It is always the character that comes to me first, usually a unique and persistent voice with a particular dilemma or circumstance. The rest of the story and plot will flow from there, but I will have had many conversations with the character before I start to write! I love writing dialogue, and personally wince when I read dialogue that seems unrealistic or false. I think my work is character driven,and falls under the gritty contemporary fiction genre.

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy with the Thorn in His Side is a gritty and real feeling story set in the mid-1990s and is about a teenage boy going through the usual struggles teenagers do, plus a whole lot more.

Danny is a teenage boy with attitude and a self-destructive streak, which initially annoyed me. Sometimes I just wanted him to keep his mouth shut and his fists in his pockets, but I gradually got used to it, and watched Danny mature as he was put through hell by his mum’s horrid boyfriend. By the end of the book, Danny and his friends felt like they were my friends (of my own past teenage self).

While there is a dark and brutal side to this story, it also felt very nostalgic, due to me being a teenager at the same time this story was set. Teenagers drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and the music, it was all about the music. As a teenager I lived for rock music, going to rock clubs and hundreds of rock gigs. I loved seeing live bands. I got such a thrill from it. I wasn’t a fan of most of the bands mentioned in this book, as I wasn’t that keen on indie or grunge, but I do remember the day Kurt Cobain’s death was announced, and my friend Jon being absolutely devastated. I can still picture that part of the school corridor we were stood in while the two of us talked about it. I felt really sad for him, as he worshipped Kurt.

I was more into rock (including classic and glam rock), liking bands such as Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Poison, Skid Row, Soul Asylum, The Almighty, NIN, Little Angels, No Doubt, Bush, Skunk Anansie, Moist, and Aerosmith. However, the one song that went round and round in my head throughout this book, was Bullet with Butterfly Wings, by The Smashing Pumpkins (I still love that song), as I thought some of the lyrics and the anger in the song really reflected Danny’s feelings and frustrations throughout this story.

This book is rather long, two books in one really. At first I wasn’t sure about the length. In the early stages of the book, things seemed a little slow and repetitive, but at the same time, that’s what life is like, so I wasn’t bored by the long story, probably just fretting about all the other books I need to read and review by the end of March. In fact, as the story progressed, I found myself needing to know what was going to happen, but at the same time really not wanting it to end.

There are some great and believable characters in this book. By the time I reached part two of this story, I was fully absorbed in the lives of the characters and felt like I was there with them, wishing they would listen to me when I screamed at them to do something. Part two felt more tense and brutal, and I even had tears in my eyes at the end.

This one is definitely highly recommended by me.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy with the Thorn in His Side is a gritty and real feeling story set in the mid-1990s and is about a teenage boy going through the usual struggles teenagers do, plus a whole lot more.

Danny is a teenage boy with attitude and a self-destructive streak, which initially annoyed me. Sometimes I just wanted him to keep his mouth shut and his fists in his pockets, but I gradually got used to it, and watched Danny mature as he was put through hell by his mum’s horrid boyfriend. By the end of the book, Danny and his friends felt like they were my friends (of my own past teenage self).

While there is a dark and brutal side to this story, it also felt very nostalgic, due to me being a teenager at the same time this story was set. Teenagers drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and the music, it was all about the music. As a teenager I lived for rock music, going to rock clubs and hundreds of rock gigs. I loved seeing live bands. I got such a thrill from it. I wasn’t a fan of most of the bands mentioned in this book, as I wasn’t that keen on indie or grunge, but I do remember the day Kurt Cobain’s death was announced, and my friend Jon being absolutely devastated. I can still picture that part of the school corridor we were stood in while the two of us talked about it. I felt really sad for him, as he worshipped Kurt.

I was more into rock (including classic and glam rock), liking bands such as Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Poison, Skid Row, Soul Asylum, The Almighty, NIN, Little Angels, No Doubt, Bush, Skunk Anansie, Moist, and Aerosmith. However, the one song that went round and round in my head throughout this book, was Bullet with Butterfly Wings, by The Smashing Pumpkins (I still love that song), as I thought some of the lyrics and the anger in the song really reflected Danny’s feelings and frustrations throughout this story.

This book is rather long, two books in one really. At first I wasn’t sure about the length. In the early stages of the book, things seemed a little slow and repetitive, but at the same time, that’s what life is like, so I wasn’t bored by the long story, probably just fretting about all the other books I need to read and review by the end of March. In fact, as the story progressed, I found myself needing to know what was going to happen, but at the same time really not wanting it to end.

There are some great and believable characters in this book. By the time I reached part two of this story, I was fully absorbed in the lives of the characters and felt like I was there with them, wishing they would listen to me when I screamed at them to do something. Part two felt more tense and brutal, and I even had tears in my eyes at the end.

This one is definitely highly recommended by me.

[Nori Fitchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly this book tackles some very real and heavy subject matters so is not for everyone.

The Boy With the Thorn in his Side is wonderfully well written though it does take a couple chapters to get into.

The descriptions are so vivid that I want to reach in and help Danny or yell at him or just clean the Anderson’s house.

The only real sticking point for me are the longer chapters from Lee Howard’s perspective. They make me uncomfortable as I don’t enjoy being in the mind of that monster.

[Helen Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly drawn into this book, not least because the character was pretty much the same age as I was in that era and the fact that music was a huge influence and impact on his life and meant so much to him absolutely resonated with me. His tastes were a little different to mine but we have some common loves and I totally share his concept that musical taste can transcend genres and you like what you like. Also the importance and loyalties of good friendships which can last a lifetime totally clicked with me too.
The similarities and fluffy nostalgia end there, unfortunately and the actual dark and despairing theme of the book counterbalance and feelings of safety and happiness of good memories. The unpredictability and hopelessness of his situation when pitted against the evil of his mother’s new boyfriend are absolutely heart and gut wrenching.
The way he looks back in the narrative from a later part of his life and identifies when things start to go wrong and what he could’ve done differently are also poignant and painful to read at times. It echos the experience of the reader who feels distant and hopelessly unable to help as we are too far removed. The realness and plausibility of the situation where a child has no control and is not believed whilst being abused are also horrific. This is, at times, the movie equivalent of watching from behind a cushion, compelled to watch but excruciatingly sad and scary to do so. The sadness is felt even more at the recurrent suggestion of what unfolds in his later life as a direct cause and effect. I was totally gutted when this part of the story ended but also slightly relieved! I absolutely need to read the next part and the next etc… I don’t think I’ve been moved by a book quite so much in a long time and it’s definitely going to stay with me.

[Debbie Jinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a singer and music lover, I was intrigued by this book and didn't quite know what to expect. A boy so passionate about his music that songs played in his head in every aspect of his life. A life that was difficult to say the least, filled with rebellion, bitterness and violence. An insane psychopath as a step father, and a mother who ingnored what was happening right in front of her eyes. No wonder what occurred as a result of this!
I loved this book from start to finish, captivating and horrifying, it drew me in and wouldn't let go until the end. The kind of book so well written that every turn of the page had something new to explore. The other characters also made the book a great read.
If you enjoy a light read with a bit of romance and giggles it would probably not be your thing, otherwise I would recommend it to any avid reader. Brilliant!

[Sandrine Genier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not light reading; it is almost relentlessly grim and graphic and at times very painful to read. In this story you will meet arguably one of the more frightening and truly horrific monsters in fiction. The most innocent and benign situations turn into fresh nightmares. As hard as it is to read at times, you can't abandon Danny and his situation. You have to stick with him to the inevitable and bittersweet end. The characters are so authentically drawn and the dialogue flows so naturally you come to feel you know these characters intimately, which makes the story situation that much more disturbing. I know there are real life monsters like this out there and that people have had to endure such madness daily. I found myself trying to come up with solutions for Danny, but all fell short of providing lasting peace. Danny's salvation is his love of music and the strength he has to draw on in order to survive the unthinkable.

[Elle Mulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely absorbed me. I identified straightaway with the main character, Danny, having also grown up in the UK in the 90s, and the music he describes being very much a part of my own teenage years. I wanted so badly for Danny to break free of his torturous situation, living with a such a monstrous step dad, that I raced through the pages and could not put the book down. The characters in this book are its strength; each one crafted so well that you feel like you could reach out and touch them. The book is very long, and could quite possibly have concluded two thirds of the way in, yet a part of me didn't want it to end; I was grateful for the journey and fulfilled by the ultimate conclusion. You don't have to know the music to enjoy this book, although it helps. I would recommend this book to adults wanting to take a trip down memory lane, and young adults with an open mind. Can't wait to read more from Chantelle Atkins.

[B. Fleetwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chantelle Atkins has a good, strong voice making this a powerful and tense novel.
Covering the subjects of teenage passions, abuse and addiction in the Britpop era of the 1990s, it is - on the whole - an uncomfortable read.
Danny, our protagonist is only fourteen years of age and seemingly unable to articulate his problems to either his elder brother or his mother.
There is an awful, dark inevitability of Danny's treatment by Howard, his mother's partner however I was not fully convinced by his mother's lack of interest or action. I found her character infuriating and it took an enormous leap to accept what boiled down to her neglect for her son's welfare and placing her own needs above his.
I did know this was part 1 of a series so whilst I had not expected a full conclusion, I had expected some kind of denouement. For me, this was missing. From the outset of the book, the reader is told Danny is looking back at his life and what he should or shouldn't have done. We are given many clues he has since taken matters into his own hands but we do not find out anymore.
For me, this was a bit of a let down after such a well-written book.
Thanks to TBC for a review copy.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The boy with the thorn in his side part 1 by Chantelle Atkins.
In the decade of Grunge and Britpop, 13-year-old music fan Danny is on a mission to deter unsuitable men from his beautiful single mother. With best friend Michael on board and first love on the horizon, things are looking good. But the good times are shattered when powerful nightclub owner Lee Howard sweeps Danny’s mother off her feet. Howard is a dangerous man who has twisted plans for Danny…Told from both Danny and Howard’s points of view, who is Howard and what does he ultimately want? As Danny seeks escape through music, he finds a loyal ally in troublemaker Michael, but are they making an enemy of a man who will be a thorn in their sides for years to come?
A good read with good characters. Likeable story. 4*.

[Steph Gravell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not be put off by the length of this book, the story gathers great pace and you are always wanting more, more, more and praying for the good things that often seem just out of reach for Danny. Danny's musical soundtrack to his life gives the perfect insight into his emotions at any given time. The characters are all completely real - I feel like I would recognise anyone of them if I passed them in the street.
This is a brilliant, gritty, real life read, I would recommend it for young adults (although beware of the swearing!) anyone with a little nostalgia for the BritPop era. and anyone who enjoys an emotional, hard hitting roller coaster of a read.

[Sim Alec Sansford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not to be taken lightly this story dives deep into the trials and tribulations of the tortured protagonist, Danny. Whilst the story was dark at times and Danny, at points, was unlikable in his approach to situations I found him to be surprisingly relatable.

There were elements of my teenage self reflected in the pages and it was interesting to read the opposing perspective when the narrative switched to "step-father", Howard, who calmly delivered menacing lines like 'Now I'm going to be your enemy until the day you die.'

The story kept me on edge throughout and Chantelle's writing style is clear and enveloping, I cannot wait to read more.

Five stars!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book of this two book series, I was eager to follow up with Danny's Story.. and book two didn't not disappoint! I was gripped from start to end! Highly recommended, and would love to read more from the author

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy With The Thorn In His Side is the third book I have read by author Chantelle Atkins and I have loved all of them. Atkins is a highly original author with something to say and a unique way of saying it. I believe she started writing this book at the age of twelve, which is pretty incredible. The title comes from a song by The Smiths, the relevance of which will become clear as you read the book.

MC Danny is a boy with a soundtrack. Music is never far away and it accompanies him through his young life. Most of us have gone through this, grown up with certain music, had our idols and heroes, those who have defined us and inspired us with their melodies, their lyrics, their riffs, their image, their energy. We all have those songs that get under our skin, that we escape into: songs with a personal message, songs to calm us, songs to inspire us or energize us and so it is for Danny. ‘I’d hear a great song…and I’d feel the need to jot down the lyrics, or to write about it in some other way. I could never just keep it inside myself…Sometimes I found it hard to listen to what people were saying to me, because there were all these words and all this music inside my head. I wanted to be alone with it, or I wanted them to get it the way that I did. It meant so much, you see, and it made me feel so much..’

I always felt that having grown up in the 60s and then being a teen when Bowie was a rising star, followed by punk and then the New Romantics, nothing could beat it. So it’s inspiring to read from Danny’s point of view as a teen in the 90s with the explosion of Nirvana and grunge, music that also moved me so much, albeit at a later age. In fact, reading the book made me want to listen to many of those Nirvana tracks I’d not heard for years.

At the start of the book in 1996 Danny’s an angry messed-up teenager selecting three knives to do away with someone. He’s a youth whose head is buzzing with life and yet he feels so dead, a youth whose been pushed to the brink. We feel his inner mental turnmoil and want to know what he’s up to with these knives? What has he gone through to reach this point? Who does he want to kill and more importantly why? Who is the ‘thorn’? The enemy?

Then we go back three years to 1993 to when Danny moves to his new house with his mother and older brother and to his new school. Trouble is never far away because Danny is a boy who gets into fights. But he and his mum have made a bargain: he will stay out of fighting and trouble as long as his mum stops dating losers. But at his new school, Danny needs to fight to make his mark from the off. It’s not long before he gets in with a likeminded crowd. They share music, especially Nirvana and The Stone Roses – but also older sixties classics: Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Donovan to name a few. Music defines Danny and his headphones are never far away.

But then events start to take a darker turn when Danny’s mother starts dating nightclub owner Lee Howard: a monster of a man who takes glory in violence and control. We feel the menace and the tension building. We are there with Danny every step of the way, as he suffers appalling abuse, fights back, is unable to fight back, hangs round with his friends, takes refuge in music and drugs, and falls in love for the first time. We all recognise and remember the intensity of those teenage friendships. Atkins does teenage angst so well. ‘People talk about forever, not knowing what it means. I don’t think forever is a pleasant thing. It just means until you die. Forever ends when you cease to exist….Forever is there until you don’t want it to be anymore. I don’t want to live like this forever…and there it is, astounding in it simplicity’. All the characters fizz and crackle off the page. Like them or loathe them, we are with all the characters, we believe in them, feel as they do.

It’s not a short book but it is a compelling page-turner. Atkins’ writing is raw, intense, immediate, like a Nirvana song or a gritty film. It never lets up.

[Miriam Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful and compelling novel, telling the story of an alienated and damaged adolescent boy. The book opens with Danny, the central protagonist, searching for a knife with which to kill someone. Chantelle Atkins cleverly keeps us guessing throughout the following chapters who exactly it is that he hates so much and why they have incited him to murder.
Atkins is an excellent writer, using language to vividly create Danny's world; from the beginning we are drawn into his story and held riveted until the end. The relationships between the teenagers, both between the boys and between Danny and his girlfriend Lucy, are vividly and convincingly portrayed.
While we empathise first and foremost with Danny, the author also wins our sympathies for his volatile mother and put-upon elder brother, using Danny's narrative to help the reader realise things that Danny himself fails to see.
As the novel develops, the story grows darker and more disturbing.

[Susi]

This book deals beautifully with some dark issues. Written not only from the main characters perspective but also from the "perpetrator" this gives inside into the feelings on both sides.
The books music references are unusual but making it very special. I just wished a playlist would be included at the end.
As I got towards the end of the book I was worried that it would end abruptly but was happy to see that it did take me further than expected and I was so pleased with the outcome.
Can't wait to read the sequence now.