Charley's Woods: Sex, Sorrow & a Spiritual Quest in Snowdonia

The Oldie by Charles Duff is a memoir that recalls a strange, lonely childhood with brisk frivolity and a ruthless perception of other people's oddities, vices, and humours. It is rueful rather than boastful and abounds in lordly and theatrical anecdotes, waspishness, and mordant intelligence. It received rave reviews in hardback and was named a Spectator book of the year.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2019
Publisher: Zuleika

The Oldie, a book that exudes an intelligence and nobility, offers a glimpse into a way of being that is gradually fading from collective memory. In many ways, it is a precious gift.

Charley's Woods, penned by the author, is a delightful and astute portrayal. It brings back memories of a peculiar and solitary childhood, filled with brisk humor and a keen observation of the quirks, vices, and peculiarities of others. Charley's Woods is characterized by a wry tone rather than boastfulness. It abounds in anecdotes of grandeur and theatricality, accompanied by a biting wit and a sharp intelligence.

What sets this memoir apart is its tenderness and resilience. The author vulnerably shares personal experiences, revealing a deep, amusing, candid, tormented, lively, and insightful perspective. With unwavering honesty and an immense generosity of spirit, they delve into the complexities of their upbringing without flinching.

The book's prose is flawless, yet it carries a very personal voice throughout. Rupert Christianssen, a critic, praised it for its "flawless prose, but a very personal voice passim."

A Spectator book of the year, The Oldie received rave reviews in its hardback edition. It recounts the disturbed upbringing of Charles Duff, the adopted son of an aristocratic male cross-dresser and a bohemian lesbian. Charles grew up in a world that was simultaneously diverse and self-contained. He experienced a fusion of royalty, eccentric relatives, glamorous socialites, and a colorful ensemble of cooks, nannies, and butlers at his family's country house, Vaynol.

In London, Charley encountered his father's boyfriends, his mother's lesbian lovers, as well as renowned artists, musicians, and directors. Through the realm of theatre, he discovered his passion for academia and teaching. However, these worlds did not coexist harmoniously, leading to ruin, estrangement, and doubts about his own identity.

The Oldie is a captivating and poignant memoir that offers a profound reflection on the complexities of life, identity, and the enduring power of resilience. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and thrive in the face of uncertainty.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 197 x 136 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781999312541