Overview: Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron

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Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You is a novel written by Peter Cameron. It is a young adult novel about the life of the protagonist, James Sveck. The protagonist was isolated from him family, and could only relate well with his grandmother. James never liked his peers at all. This can be seen when he confesses, “I don't like people in general and people my age in particular” (Cameron 34). In addition, he never wanted to college, all he wished for was to buy his own house and live on his own away from his parents, and people of his age. James lived with his mum and sister and worked at his mom’s gallery. He only loved his grandmother, and the gallery manager, John. His cynical attitude of not talking to anyone earned him a visit to a psychiatrist. In the end, James faked his identity in order to pursue his feelings, but things did not turn out as expected.
The novel centres on an 18-year-old named James Sveck. James is a relatable character despite being bizarre and unusual. He is depicted as smart, and a sensitive person who does not like people around him. Many readers will connect and relate to him, as what he was going through, Is what all teens go through. Many teens after graduating from high school are always confused with what to do with their lives. James thoughts and observations makes up the entire story, together with the other minor characters in the story. James is the exemplification of the awkwardness teens go through, and the uncertainty about what they want to do with their lives. Through James’ life and experiences, the author is able to show the reader the pains in teenage years.
The author uses first person narration, where the narrator is James Sveck. The point of view is in first, this makes the rea...

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...is an amazing, enjoyable, touching and relatable book that no one should miss out. The book is the best for youth in high school. It is an exploration of the self-identity, love, and isolation in adolescence. The book gives a clear picture about the psychological pain brought about by loneliness, and one not being able to understand the world he/she lives in. James was homosexual but could not express his feelings openly because of fear. This book is suitable for mature teens because of some sexual references. The book will compel the readers to question, and validate their lives as they struggle to find a place in the world. Cameron’s book is an engaging, and moving story with ridiculous, clueless, sad and funny characters. It is a perfect slice for teenagers.

Works Cited

Cameron, Peter. Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You. New York: Picador, 2009. Print.

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