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They may not mean to, but they do

   (3 reviews)

Newly coming to terms with being gay, following an abusive childhood and a failed relationship with a girlfriend, electrician Keith meets Thomas, who runs a local arts charity. Despite coming from vastly differing backgrounds, the two discover much in common, not least the need to come to terms with complex relationships to their fathers. But they also learn to enjoy exploring life together.

The story takes place largely in and around Leeds in Yorkshire, UK; some of the places mentioned do exist, but others are the author’s inventions. Some of the language may be idiomatic.

The title comes from the Philip Larkin poem, This Be The Verse.

‘They fuck you up, your mum and dad. / They may not mean to, but they do.’

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48419/this-be-the-verse

Copyright © 2024 Robert Hugill; All Rights Reserved.

Story Recommendations (17 members)

  • Action Packed 5
  • Addictive/Pacing 13
  • Characters 17
  • Chills 2
  • Cliffhanger 2
  • Compelling 14
  • Feel-Good 17
  • Humor 9
  • Smoldering 3
  • Tearjerker 2
  • Unique 7
  • World Building 6


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Summerabbacat

· Edited by Summerabbacat

   4 of 4 members found this review helpful 4 / 4 members

Another gem from the master of simplicity. @Robert Hugill has an exceptional talent for making the mundane fascinating, for shaping characters who are as ordinary as most people are, yet making them so appealing that you cannot help but be enthralled by their lives, charmed by the simplest of pleasures which give them joy and fulfilment.

This story, like Robert's other completed works, was a rewarding experience to read. I became far more invested in the main characters and some of the delightfully entertaining minor characters than I thought possible when the story commenced.

And no story set in the Hugillverse is complete without some of the local idioms, wry descriptions of the physical appearance of some of the characters and architecture, and at times a riotous sense of humour.

Robert's first story he wrote he has stated. What a spectacular literary debut. 

  • Like 1
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centexhairysub

   2 of 2 members found this review helpful 2 / 2 members

A thoroughly enjoyable tale of two men coming to terms with their past and learning how to deal with it as they try and move forward into a relationship with not only each other, but their authentic selves.  

The characters are so finely tuned that you truly feel these are people that you have known your whole life.  The writing and pacing are both first rate.  The writing is very descriptive, and the use of local idioms makes these seem like you are setting at a corner cafe having someone tell you all about it.  

So much of what makes this truly outstanding for me, is how @Robert Hugill takes those small moments that are often overlooked and makes them come alive.  

Embrace this story, and it will give you so much back.  

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Gary L

   2 of 2 members found this review helpful 2 / 2 members

After @Summerabbacat’s perfect review it seems difficult to say more.

 Nevertheless, I add more total agreement with his words.  The arrival of Robert’s works on GA has been v special and I place them between the tough and desperately sad stories which test our endurance whilst we read on avidly, and on the other hand, the lives of the rich and jet setters.  
Many thanks and congratulations @RobertHugill.

 

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