‘Next Term, We’ll Mash You’ by Penelope Lively
Next Term, We’ll Mash You by Penelope Lively is the story of Charles Manders who “had black hair, slicked down smooth to his head. His ears, too large, jutted out, transparent in the light from the window, laced with tiny, delicate veins. His clothes had the shine and the crease of newness.” Together with his parents, he visits St Edward’s Preparatory School, a boarding school for boys aged 8 to 13 with “Great big grounds and only an hour and a half from London.”
While Mr and Mrs Manders talk to the headmaster, his wife takes Charles around the campus to meet the other students. Charles is met by many inquisitive children who want to know all about him, but he also finds out what usually happens to the “new boys.”
Without even asking him if he likes the school or not, Charles’ parents decide to send their child to this school but “His [Chalrles’] face is haggard with anticipation.”
Penelope Lively is a novelist, short story writer and author of children’s books. She was born in Egypt in 1933.
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