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Absolute Beginners
Absolute Beginners | Colin MacInnes
9 posts | 11 read | 9 to read
London, 1958. Soho, Notting Hill . . . a world of smoky jazz clubs, coffee bars, and hip hangouts in the center of London's emerging youth culture. The young and restless - the absolute beginners - were creating a world as different as they dared from the traditional image of England's green and pleasant land. Follow our young photographer as he records the moments of a young teenager's life in the capital - sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, the era of the first race riots and the lead up to the swinging sixties . . . A twentieth century classic, Absolute Beginners remains the style bible for anyone interested in the Mod culture and paints a vivid picture of a changing society with insight and sensitivity.
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The_Penniless_Author
Absolute Beginners | Colin MacInnes
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Pickpick

A guided tour through London's burgeoning teenage scene and the beginnings of mod culture set against the backdrop of the 1958 Notting Hill race riots. I can't speak to the accuracy of his depiction, but I can say that he perfectly captures what it's like to be a teenager, waking up to the world around oneself and coming into one's own. It's a fast-paced book, crackling with energy. I buzzed right through it in two days.

Ruthiella Another Backlisted episode recommendation! 😉 1mo
The_Penniless_Author @Ruthiella And now I'm reading Anita Brookner. 😆 1mo
Leftcoastzen I read it a long time ago but remember loving it. 1mo
36 likes1 stack add3 comments
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TheSpineView
Absolute Beginners | Colin MacInnes
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#VolumesandVocals @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs
#UptownGirl - Billy Joel

I have not read this book. The description says it is a cute classic about Mod culture in London. Hmmm...

55 likes3 comments
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andrew61
Absolute Beginners | Colin MacInnes
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Pickpick

Set over 4 months in 1958, which culminate in riots across London as racial tensions erupt. This is a story told by a 19-year-old photographer relishing the glory of youth in a city emerging from its recent history. Colourful characters dominate as the narrator travels across a London, which is alive with new music and possibilities for both love, sex, and ambition. It was a great read, but I couldn't help constantly singing the Bowie refrain.

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TheEllieMo
Absolute Beginners | Colin MacInnes
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I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join in if you want!

#ABookADay2023

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Leniverse
Absolute Beginners | Colin MacInnes
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That moment when you‘re reading a book set in 1958 and it is sadly contemporary. 60 years on, same sorry state of affairs. 😕

#Reading1001

Reggie How depressing. 6y
Kristelh I liked this quote too. 6y
52 likes2 comments
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Kristelh
Absolute Beginners | Colin MacInnes
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11 likes1 stack add
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AshleyHoss820
Absolute Beginners | Colin MacInnes
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Pickpick

If you want a good coming-of-age story set in 1950's London, the era of sex, drugs, jazz, and race riots: stop here! 102/1,001 #1001Books