A Place of Safety
I expect simple behaviours here. Friendship, and love.
Any advice should be from the perspective of the person asking, not the person giving!
We have had to make new membership moderated to combat the huge number of spammers who register
















You are here: Home > Forum > A Place of Safety > Literary Merit > Soldier Boy by Robert Symes
Soldier Boy by Robert Symes  [message #79001] Sat, 21 March 2026 12:58 Go to next message
William King is currently offline  William King

Likes it here

Registered: October 2016
Messages: 103



This was a soft little tale set in another epoch and a world very different from today. It was very easy to read and although short and lacking the depth of a longer book, it touched several aspects of self-discovery, coming of age, and being gay. In the 70's the trials and tribulations were not quite what they are now, but this is part of our history and very relatable. If I have any criticism it is that it was too short. A glimpse into a world where teenagers bought LPs they listened to in their bedroom, mobile phones and satellite tv had yet to be invented, electric cars were science fiction. A war raged in Vietnam not like today in Iran, but not much different. I recommend you read it simply because it perfectly evokes the era.

https://iomfats.org/storyshelf/hosted/robert-symes/soldier-b oy/01.html
Re: Soldier Boy by Robert Symes  [message #79002 is a reply to message #79001] Wed, 25 March 2026 17:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Robert Symes is currently offline  Robert Symes

Getting started

Registered: March 2026
Messages: 1



I'm afraid it took me a few days to notice your post but I just wanted to say thank you for your kind words. It seems I achieved what I set out to do, for you at least. The characters are a few years older than me but I do remember 1974. Our family car back then was actually a Vauxhall Viva. As for the length, glad I left you wanting more! I'll think about whether I can expand it at some point, I think there is scope for it. Thanks again for your support.
Re: Soldier Boy by Robert Symes  [message #79004 is a reply to message #79002] Sat, 28 March 2026 14:01 Go to previous message
William King is currently offline  William King

Likes it here

Registered: October 2016
Messages: 103



"Robert Symes wrote on Wed, 25 March 2026 18:15"
Our family car back then was actually a Vauxhall Viva.

--
Our car around then (1969) was a big old Vauxhall Cresta with bench seats, three forward, one reverse gear, a cream colour, reminded me very much of those classic American monsters. Similar to this one: https://forum.iomfats.org/?t=getfile&id=5357&private=0
  • Attachment: IMG_6881.jpg
    (Size: 170.96KB, Downloaded 64 times)
Previous Topic: Gran's House
Next Topic: Netiquette here
Goto Forum: