Review: Starter for Ten

Ah to be a fresher. Excited, ready to obtain all the knowledge possible and interact with like minded individuals. That’s what it’s like, isn’t it?

Starter for Ten is a novel published back in 2003 by David Nicholls about Brian Jackson and his first year at University during the 80’s. The title refers to the television programme, University Challenge (every University student’s ambition), the BBC quiz show where students answer questions on subjects like the 18^th Century Literary movement, Viking mythology and what the common name for the narcotic analgesic is (It’s morphine, by the way).

The plot revolves around first year student Brian Jackson—navigating his way through a world of social mores, protests, parties and first love without a compass.

Reading this, various friends popped into mind from my first year and now second year also. I may have met a couple of guys very similar to the protagonist, but I have also certainly met a lot of the peripheral characters too.

Nicholls nails each University stereotype to a T; yet you don’t feel angry with him for placing you in such a pigeonholed ideal. Instead, you agree. Why yes, I am a little nerdy and openly enjoy my degree. Oh wait, or am I the one who sleeps in and thinks “shit! Overslept again” each morning?

It’s a coming of age novel that is sharply observant and witty.

Nicholls has managed to convey real warmth and character, and Brian comes across as an unselfconfident teenager, who is aware wholly when he’s saying or doing something stupid but just can’t seem to stop himself, like most.