MILTON KEYNES, UK. August 3, 2026 – British author Andrew Bustin will publish his first book, Eight Men Rowing, on 11 September 2026. Combining humour, nostalgia and sporting memories, the novel takes readers back to life at a boys’ boarding school in Britain during the 1960s and early 1970s, capturing the friendships and experiences that shaped a generation.
Mixing sporting adventure with personal reflection and entertaining storytelling, the book presents an engaging perspective on school life from the viewpoint of a young pupil growing up in a very different time.
Set at the fictional St. Steven’s boarding school, Eight Men Rowing follows a close group of aspiring rowers as they experience the highs and lows of competitive sport while building lasting friendships, facing rivalries and creating memories that stay with them into adulthood.
Rowing and rugby provide much of the action, while the traditions of boarding school life create the backdrop for stories filled with determination, youthful humour and the occasional confrontation with members of staff.
Rather than writing a traditional autobiography, Andrew has created a collection of stories inspired by real experiences. Each chapter represents a different school year, beginning with his arrival as an 11-year-old pupil and ending when he leaves at 18.
Readers are encouraged to decide for themselves which events are fact and which have been enhanced by fiction, creating an enjoyable blend of truth and imagination.
The book is divided into two parts. The first section, WON, focuses on teamwork, sporting success and the commitment required to excel in rowing.
The second section, TOO, turns its attention to everyday boarding school life, exploring classroom pranks, disagreements with teachers and disciplinary methods that reflected the attitudes of the era.
Andrew also introduces a unique interactive feature by including a number of deliberate inaccuracies throughout the book. These details encourage readers to question what they read, research the facts and engage with the story in a different way.
Combining sporting nostalgia, coming-of-age storytelling and gentle humour, Eight Men Rowing will appeal to readers who enjoy memoir-inspired fiction, classic boarding school tales and stories celebrating lifelong friendship.
Reflecting on his inspiration, 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 Bustin fulfilled a lifelong ambition of becoming an author after retiring from a successful career in local government, entertainment and catering. His interest in writing began during his school years and eventually led to the completion of his debut book.
Although English was never his strongest subject at school, Andrew’s determination to challenge expectations became part of the motivation behind his writing journey.
Completed over a period of more than three years, Eight Men Rowing reflects decades of life experience and creativity. Supported by his wife throughout the process, Andrew has produced a debut that aims to entertain readers while encouraging them to interact with the story in unexpected ways.
Scheduled for release on 11 September 2026, Eight Men Rowing marks the beginning of Andrew Bustin’s literary journey. It will be available to purchase from major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes& Noble, Kobo, Walmart in Hardcover and Paperback.
The release is published by UK-based Maple Publishers, a company known for supporting imaginative and engaging works in literature, with book cover design, and book layout by White Magic Studios.
