Old School by tobias wolff

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Cliff's review indeed seems to cover a wide range of aspects within the field.

However, there is one significant point that I feel compelled to mention. I deducted a star from the review because it left the main character in a rather unresolved state. It was as if the story had built up this central figure, only to abandon them without proper closure.

Moreover, the way the Christian forgiveness, which served as an important subtext of the novel, was completed through another, unexpected character, also left me with some reservations. It felt a bit disjointed and perhaps not as smoothly integrated as it could have been.

Overall, while Cliff's review had many strengths, these two aspects prevented it from receiving a full five-star rating from me.

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Dick_Saucer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I was able to relate to this to some extent. When I was younger, my parents sent me to military school for four years. I was familiar with the environment described in the novel: an all-male school, the competitive aspects (both academically and in terms of physical standards), the sense of being part of a class, mandatory chapel, smoking in the barracks, eating family-style in the mess hall, and the Honor Code, which stated, "A Cadet Does Not Lie, Cheat, or Steal, nor Tolerate Those Who Do."

Ironically, this was a book about books, authors, ideas, and art in the form of writing. The story was told in the first person and was set during what I assume was the protagonist's senior year. The school held writing contests, and the winner got to meet a famous author such as Robert Frost, Ayn Rand, or Ernest Hemingway. Tobias Wolff drew heavily on his own experiences and feelings from that year to create a vivid and lifelike story. The writing style was engaging and easy to read, and I was hooked from start to finish. Some of the imagery was so vivid that I could easily visualize it in my mind.

Overall, this was not a bad book, and I'm glad I took the time to read it. I would recommend it as a quick and well-thought-out story. It offers a unique perspective on life in a military school and explores themes such as honor, integrity, and the power of literature. Thanks!

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Fonse

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

In "Vieja escuela", Tobias Wolff delves into the life of a young aspiring writer at an exclusive boarding school in New England during the sixties.

The plot centers around the school's annual literary competition, which offers the winner the opportunity to meet their favorite author. Wolff, however, turns this event into a catalyst for the protagonist to reflect on his identity, his shortcomings, his fears and insecurities, and his desire for acceptance and belonging in a world that is foreign to him. This desire for acceptance will push the protagonist to compromise his own ethical values.

The novel is a true homage to literature and a meditation on the ethics of artistic creation. It will likely be more appreciated by those of us who have or have had the pretension of filling a blank page with words, as it shows the internal struggles that writers face in their creative process. Readers who write will recognize the tension between the search for a unique voice and the temptation to imitate the great authors.

Although the plot could easily have veered into the paths of the movie "Dead Poets Society", Wolff's skill leads him to quickly abandon that path and masterfully guide us towards other destinations, filled with lies, half-truths, regrets, and redemptions.

The novel contains multiple literary allusions that, while enriching the narrative and highlighting the main themes of the work, will delight the more experienced reader. These references not only add depth but also establish connections with the literary tradition that influences the characters, reflecting the aspirations, influences, and dilemmas of the protagonist and his companions, while highlighting the struggle for authenticity and integrity in life and in writing, central themes of the novel.

"Vieja escuela" is a highly recommended work for writers or aspiring writers, although it will also appeal to readers who are attracted to coming-of-age novels or "bildungsroman" or those who enjoy works that address ethical or moral reflections.

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toasthaste

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Smart, smart, smart book.

It truly is an intelligent piece of work. The way it deftly shifts from the protagonist's narrative to Arch's narrative after the climax is simply brilliant. And of course, Arch's narrative is also about the protagonist himself, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity.

This novel is not only layered and complex but also highly readable. It engages the reader from the very beginning and keeps them hooked until the very end. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Overall, this is a must-read novel for anyone who loves intelligent, engaging literature. It is a testament to the power of great storytelling and will leave you thinking long after you have finished reading.

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Gigglebox

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Strong Writing

"Old School" by Tobias Wolff is an incredibly captivating novel. Set within the walls of a highly prestigious boys' prep school during the 1960s, it delves deep into a plethora of themes. The theme of ambition is explored as the boys strive to achieve success and stand out in their academic pursuits. Identity is another prominent theme, as the characters grapple with who they are and who they want to become in the face of the school's expectations and traditions. Additionally, the power of literature is a central focus, as it has the ability to inspire, transform, and connect the boys in unexpected ways. Wolff's writing is sharp and incisive, painting a vivid picture of the school's environment and the complex relationships between the characters. His exploration of class dynamics adds an extra layer of depth and nuance to the story, making it a truly thought-provoking and immersive read. Fans of character-driven storytelling are sure to be captivated by this novel and will find themselves reflecting on its themes long after they have turned the final page.

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Timothy-309

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

What a remarkable book! Despite its seemingly tranquil title, "Old School" by Tobias Wolff has been an absolute engrossing emotional roller coaster that left me feeling quite dizzy.

The setting of this novel is an elite boarding school in the United States during 1960 - 61. The unnamed narrator, one of the "book-drunk boys" obsessed with literature and creative writing, believes that "one could not live in a world without stories." The school regularly organizes a competition, and the prize is a private audience with a notorious author. This desire to win leads the protagonist down a path with no return, much like in Robert Frost's poem.

The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, which likely inspired Wolff, is depicted in an image.

Sandy, one of my favorite Goodreads friends, commented that despite some convincing suggestions, "Old School" hadn't yet made it to her TBR shelf. She added that maybe my recommendation would do the trick.

Truth be told, it's definitely Wolff who works the magic here. If he were asked to write down the instructions for it, I doubt he'd be willing to share the tricks of the trade initially. But let's assume he could come up with something like this:

The trick's name is "Old School," with a trickiness level of four stars out of five. The supplies needed include talent, wisdom, sensitivity to various writing styles, penmanship, the ability to stir strong emotions with a few words, and irony.

The magic effect is an enchanted and shaky reader who can't put the novel down and can't stop thinking about it.

The preparation and secret steps involve starting with a rather prosaic topic and gradually transforming it into something harrowing and special. The plot summary may not give you a thrill, but the novel's impact might surprise you.

Get ready for a two-in-one trick and treat.

Tips to perform the trick like Wolff include giving the book a great title that has multiple associations, making a firework display of writing skills by pastiching different styles, following Chekhov's advice to ask questions rather than answer them, resisting the temptation to use overly emotional words, creating unforgettable characters (although the portrayals of some writers seemed a bit exaggerated), not being a one-trick pony by covering a wide range of thought-provoking areas, entertaining the audience with a hint of humor, being a true magician rather than just an illusionist, not revealing how the trick worked, and not missing a trick by letting "Old School" mesmerize you.

Don't miss out on this outstanding novel and let it work its charm on you.

Images such as those of Harry Anderson's "Boarding School" and Norman Rockwell's "Boy Reading an Adventure Story" add to the overall atmosphere and enhance the reader's experience.

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ththth12

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

It was the nature of literature to behave like the fallen world it contemplated...

For me, at least, narratives about prep-academia have always felt like escapism. (Think Dead Poets Society and The Holdovers.) In my case, it's a wish-fulfillment pipe dream to be surrounded by a culture of intellectualism where everyone is as crazy about literature as you are. Picture little isolated worlds where the mind reigns supreme, everything is symbolic, heightened, and real. Coming from a suburban public school in the 21st century, it's an easy fantasy to have wanted to believe in.

Old School follows the story of an unnamed scholarship student from the Pacific Northwest at a boys' prep school in New England. It is highly focused on literature, with all the students vying to write the best piece of fiction to be chosen by a visiting writer of significance. First, it's Robert Frost, then Ayn Rand, and finally Ernest Hemingway (who is clearly an inspiration to Wolff's writing, humorously meta on-the-nose in this novel). The narrator, an aspiring writer, attempts to measure up to the greats, and thus begins his journey of self-discovery.

Like the cultural touchstones of prep-academia I mentioned above, Wolff portrays the school as a place of institutional decay and pretension, where the only way to break free is through direct defiance of lies. Nobody is truly "good" - but the failure is less of a personal shortcoming and more of an omnipresent fact of life. Creative struggles are another recurring theme, as creativity is an act of both imitation and innovation. I related to this more than I'd like to admit.

Wolff's "Hunters in the Snow" is quite possibly one of my favorite short stories of all time, as it feels like a microcosm of everything - acerbic yet mundane, depraved but not quite to the point of irony. I loved Old School for similar reasons, though the stakes are a bit lower in true academic fashion. Wolff fills his writing with literary references that add color to the pages and make discerning readers feel like insiders. Otherwise, it's great and very engaging prose - it's clear Wolff is a "writer's writer."

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Mandarni

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

For a detailed Hebrew review, link to my blog -

https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/אסכו...

In this text, we are presented with an invitation to explore a detailed review in Hebrew. The link provided leads to the author's blog, which presumably contains in-depth analysis and discussion about a particular subject.

By clicking on the link, readers can access a wealth of information and gain a better understanding of the topic at hand. The blog seems to be a valuable resource for those interested in Hebrew literature, culture, or any related field.

Whether you are a native Hebrew speaker or someone who is learning the language, this blog could offer interesting insights and perspectives. So, don't hesitate to check it out and discover what it has to offer.

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Old School

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