Starter for Ten (novel)

Starter for Ten is a 2003 novel by British author David Nicholls. It is a coming-of-age story set in 1985, focusing on Brian Jackson, a working-class student from Essex who wins a place at the University of Bristol. He aspires to join the university's University Challenge quiz team, viewing it as a path to social acceptance and personal validation.

The narrative follows Brian's experiences navigating the unfamiliar world of university life, including his romantic entanglements, academic pressures, and the complexities of newfound independence. A significant portion of the plot revolves around his attempts to impress Alice Harbinson, a sophisticated and attractive teammate, while overlooking the genuine affection of Rebecca Epstein, another member of the quiz team.

The novel is characterized by its humor, wit, and nostalgic portrayal of 1980s British culture. It explores themes of class differences, ambition, love, and the challenges of self-discovery during adolescence. The University Challenge competitions serve as a backdrop to Brian's personal journey, highlighting the pressures and anxieties he faces in trying to prove himself.

Starter for Ten was adapted into a film of the same name in 2006, starring James McAvoy as Brian Jackson.