The Go Between

One of the most influential British novels of the 20th century, The Go Between is a story of forbidden love, Edwardian strictures, betrayal and tragic naivety. Told from the perspective of Leo Colston, a callow 12-year-old middle-class boy, the story starts when he is invited by upper-class school friend Marcus Maudsley to stay at his elegant family home in the summer of 1900. Leo is instantly enthralled by Marcus's family, and most especially his beautiful older sister Marian. When Marcus is taken ill, Leo is left to his own devices, but finds himself alone and adrift in a world of alien social mores and adult concerns.