SuitabookDesirable
Frank Cottrell Boyce
- Reading
- Read it as a quick, humorous discussion book. Pause after George’s social change to ask how different characters respond, then revisit whether the conclusion resolves the question of genuine friendship.
- Themes
- Acceptance and popularity: George moves from being unpopular and socially rejected to receiving intense attention after using the aftershave. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
- Friendship and identity: George has very limited social support, and the story contrasts his earlier identity with the attention produced by the aftershave. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Attraction and stereotypes: The aftershave is described as making girls and teachers find George irresistible, while one reader objects to the story’s stereotypes. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
- Worth knowing
- Consider whether the story’s use of girls’ instant attraction feels funny, uncomfortable or stereotyped, and whether George’s treatment by peers changes when he becomes socially desirable.