Dance on My Grave

Dance on My Grave
Age Range
14+
Release Date
January 01, 1982
ISBN
0099502917
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In this revelatory, groundbreaking novel, the love of sixteen-year-old Hal Robinson for self-confident Barry Gorman is revealed through Hal’s own observations, press clippings, and the scattered notes of a social worker. These various perspectives contribute to an extraordinarily sensitive portrait of the intensity of first love.

The Horn Book writes, “The author is marvelously gifted at suggesting the ecstasy and insecurity that accompany new love—including its emotional and physical, social and spiritual aspects. A major strength of the book, the central conflict hinges not on the lovers being gay, but on their having two idiosyncratic and contradictory personalities.”

In this revelatory, groundbreaking novel, the love of sixteen-year-old Hal Robinson for self-confident Barry Gorman is revealed through Hal’s own observations, press clippings, and the scattered notes of a social worker. These various perspectives contribute to an extraordinarily sensitive portrait of the intensity of first love.

The Horn Book writes, “The author is marvelously gifted at suggesting the ecstasy and insecurity that accompany new love—including its emotional and physical, social and spiritual aspects. A major strength of the book, the central conflict hinges not on the lovers being gay, but on their having two idiosyncratic and contradictory personalities.”

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great book about love, loss, friendship and promises to keep
(Updated: June 26, 2026)
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Reader reviewed by Kira Blue

Dance on my grave by Aidan Chambers is one of the most moving books I've ever read. It is one of my favorite books. It is a beautifully written story about a sixteen year old boy's struggle for his own identity, love, friendship and a promise to keep. It is written as a look back for the main character Hal, he tells us the story of his relationship with the late Barry Gorman, who died in a motor-cycle crash.


The story is set during Hal's sixteenth summer, where he meets Barry, who he falls in love with. The time they spend together is filled with new experiences for Hal. The story is witty, sad and intelligent.

Chambers uses press clippings and reports on Hal's mental health in addition to just telling the story. It is well written, and makes you think. One of the best things about it is how the focus of the story is on the love between Hal and Barry, and their personalities and how they differ, and not on them being gay.

Definitely a good read.
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