Collins captures the twilight zone -- the transition from childhood innocence to adult awareness of sexuality. Here, the thundering 'fire & brimstone' priests and strap-happy Christian Brothers do constant battle with their 'shameless, sacrilegious gutter-snipe' pupils. The boys caper through a world where their animal spirits and sexual curiosity keep them on a collision course with the pomposities of the adults in charge of them. Funny, definitely, but also poignant, especially for readers who had a similar education.