This is stunning! I love it! I like the way that you narrate the changing parameters of acceptability, and, boy, does your discussion of some of those lyrics and our first year provoke some strong and wonderful memories. For example, I remember Poonam and I coming to your room, and you telling us about Richey’s disappearance, and the day going from there in that free-and-easy way in which so many days developed back then…

Also, you have helped me to understand a little better why I have ended up researching contemporary British coming-of-age films, and, indeed, why I ended up getting divorced and leaving my job a few years ago. Thanks, Jim, for a really great read. I will definitely be coming back to this piece.