Summary

The short story “Like Charlie” by John Boyne depicts a sailing trip taken by Nick, a ten year old boy, and his father, Lewis. It is clear that Lewis does not like Nick, as he is too calm and feeble for his taste, not masculine enough. The one Lewis clearly prefers is Charlie, Nick’s older brother. Unfortunately, Charlie is sick so Lewis had no choice but take his younger son sailing.

Nick annoys his father when he pleads to read a book instead of sailing. He is not allowed to walk on the deck with his shoes on; he is not allowed to read and not even to learn how to sail. Wanting to impress his father, the boy compliments the bowsprit of the boat, calling it “beautiful”. Enraged, his father hits him, believing that this is not a manly thing to say.

Nick wants to annoy his father and imagines how and if Lewis would kill him on the boat. In an act of rebellion, he puts his hand inside his pants and waits for the father’s reaction. Indeed, Lewis is enraged and calls Nick an “animal”. He also expresses his wish that Nick would be more like Charlie.

Extremely calm, Nick buttons his pants and kicks his father, who falls overboard screaming. Nick quietly declares that the whole incident was an “accident” and walks away.

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