I like the nickname Jace for someone named Jason. I also like the idea of living in backwater England in 1982, except really I wasn’t born then. Plus stuttering closeted-poets who drive a humorous narration make for good reading.

The Falkland Islands were invaded by Argentina in 1982 which started the Falklands War (undeclared – because if you don’t declare your war then it isn’t as real). Interestingly while I expect the American populace – especially my own generation – entirely uninformed on the topic of wars that do not involve Americans; the British citizens in the book were quite excited/worried/obsessed. So quickly we forget. I suppose the things I am currently worrying about will also soon no longer matter, the world forgetting what has imprinted itself on my memory. The next generation building on a different foundation.

If swans weren’t real, myths’d make them up.

Also – no swans live in Black Swan Green (which is the name of the town).