From Where I Stand

 

Kamla Momen was a clever, conscientous sixth-former, but at school she was always on edge, waiting for the next attack: shouts of 'Paki' from younger boys, a snub from a teacher, a poisonous comment from Cherie Reed.

 

She had made up her mind to bear it all in silence for the sake of her education, but two things made her change her mind: a particuarly wounding insult and her talks with Jonathan Ullman.

 

Jonathan was obsessed with the modern world's horrific record of inhumanity, and considering her own experience in the light of his dismaying facts and figures, Kamla decided to make a protest that no one could ignore.

 

Meanwhile, Mary Ullman, Jonathan's young sister, was unlucky enough to attract the attention of her classmante Sharon Walker.

Sharon was bursting with energy and bored to tears with school: she longed for action and for a few days bullying poor limp Mary took on all the vengeful excitement of a crusade.

 

From Where I Stand  is a vivid, absorbing account of five days in a Comprehensive school. It is also a warning about what can happen in a society where all kinds of prejudice are allowed to flourish unchecked.

 

Out of Print.