'Two teenagers, unlike and inseparable–is it homosexuality? Fifteen-year-old Justin Vincent, cynosure and snob, leads the opposition at a posh Sydney school to that "bloody little ethnic tyke," new classmate Rudi Mayer. But "Cool Rudi"–a self-willed loner since his Austrian musician father's death–intrigues Justin by going his own imperturbable way; and with a little help from Brahms' "St. Antony Chorale," the two become bosom friends. The turnabout scene is a little sticky, and the mutual devotion of the two boys thereafter is even more so. Consequently, much as one admires Rudi and likes Justin for appreciating him, the pivotal episode–in which the relationship between the boys, back in Austria on a class trip, suddenly totters on the nature of Rudi's intentions (proclaiming his love, he asks Justin to stay in Austria with him)–has an offputting sentimental ring. Of course Rudi didn't mean what Justin momentarily suspects and another boy, overhearing their conversations assumes; and the book goes down, finally, on the sweetness and bitterness of their innocent love lost.'
Source:
Kirkus Review (https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/eleanor-spence/a-candle-for-saint-antony/). (Sighted: 29/5/2014)
