MILTON KEYNES, UK. August 3, 2026 – Andrew Bustin is preparing to introduce readers to Eight Men Rowing, his first published book, arriving on 11 September 2026. Inspired by his own school years, the story combines humour, sporting competition and memorable friendships to paint a vivid picture of British boarding school life during the 1960s and early 1970s.
The book blends personal memories with entertaining fiction, offering readers an enjoyable look at growing up within the traditions and routines of a boarding school.
Taking place at the fictional St. Steven’s boarding school, the story follows a dedicated rowing crew as they pursue success on the water while navigating friendships, rivalries and the many challenges of adolescence.
Sport, school traditions and everyday life combine to create a collection of stories filled with determination, laughter and memorable encounters between pupils and teachers.
Instead of producing a straightforward memoir, Andrew has written a series of connected episodes inspired by his own experiences. Each chapter represents another stage of his school journey, from arriving at age 11 through to leaving at 18.
The result is a narrative that intentionally blends reality with fiction, leaving readers to decide where one ends and the other begins.
The first half of the book, WON, celebrates teamwork, sporting achievement and the dedication required to compete in rowing.
The second half, TOO, explores classroom life, school discipline and the everyday experiences that shaped generations of boarding school pupils.
Another distinctive feature is the inclusion of deliberate factual errors designed to encourage readers to investigate, question and discover the correct information themselves.
With its nostalgic atmosphere, sporting themes and light-hearted storytelling, Eight Men Rowing is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy British boarding school fiction and memoir-inspired stories.
Reflecting on what inspired him to write the book, Andrew Bustin said, “Eight Men Rowing is my tribute to the friendships, challenges and unforgettable moments of boarding school life. I wanted to capture not only the excitement of sport and the mischief of school days, but also the experiences that shape us long after we leave. I hope readers will enjoy the journey, smile at the stories, and perhaps reflect on their own memories along the way.”
Born in Sussex in 1953, Andrew spent decades pursuing a successful career before retiring and finally achieving his long-held ambition of becoming an author.
Although mathematics and science came more naturally to him than English, those early academic experiences inspired him to prove that determination could overcome expectations.
After more than three years of writing, Andrew completed Eight Men Rowing with the support of his wife, producing a book filled with originality, humour and interactive elements that encourage readers to engage with every chapter.
