I'm Fine
A true story of trust, betrayal and exploitation
Published on 21. August 2025
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-1-78563-423-9 (ISBN)
Description
'Incredibly powerful' - Diriye Osman
In 1996, at the age of fourteen, Richard Hall met a man who changed his life. Two and half decades later, he called the police. As a result, the man was jailed for twenty-two years.
This is the story of what came before the police: how a teenage boy who had been hounded at school because he was gay walked into a world where he thought he would be safe, but which he was too inexperienced to navigate. In his naivety, he thought what happened next was normal, or somehow his fault.
In a vivid, compellingly readable account, Hall recreates with unnerving frankness - and with surprising bursts of humour - the year in his childhood when the attention of older admirers went to his head, with lasting consequences for the rest of his life.
I'm Fine is not just the intensely moving story of one mixed-up boy's private hell. It also stands as a powerful warning about predators operating with the impunity conferred on them by 'community' status.
In 1996, at the age of fourteen, Richard Hall met a man who changed his life. Two and half decades later, he called the police. As a result, the man was jailed for twenty-two years.
This is the story of what came before the police: how a teenage boy who had been hounded at school because he was gay walked into a world where he thought he would be safe, but which he was too inexperienced to navigate. In his naivety, he thought what happened next was normal, or somehow his fault.
In a vivid, compellingly readable account, Hall recreates with unnerving frankness - and with surprising bursts of humour - the year in his childhood when the attention of older admirers went to his head, with lasting consequences for the rest of his life.
I'm Fine is not just the intensely moving story of one mixed-up boy's private hell. It also stands as a powerful warning about predators operating with the impunity conferred on them by 'community' status.
Reviews / Votes
'An incredibly powerful memoir. The courage, fortitude and fire it takes to share a story of this magnitude is nothing short of miraculous' Diriye Osman, author of Fairytales for Lost Children'An exceptional coming-of-age story that manages to be both a joyous love letter to a time in our lives when everything seems possible and a damning expose of those who seek to prey on us while we are learning who we are. I'm Fine is so charming and engaging and funny and sad and real that it's hard to believe this is Richard Hall's debut' Bethany Clift, author of Last One at the Party
'Many gay men reading Richard Hall's brave, compelling, troubling and at times traumatic coming-of-age memoir will experience shivers down their spines as they recognise aspects of themselves, their lives and their behaviours. I'm Fine should be read by all gay men for its adamantine honesty and for the unflinching and often uncomfortable light it shines on masculinity, gay identity, sexuality and power. This is an important book' Neil McKenna, author of Fanny & Stella
'Hall captures what it means to be both seen and used - how predators can double as protectors, and how the lines blur when you're young, scared and already marked. He is funny, sharp-tongued, occasionally cruel - but never dishonest. Beneath the camp, there's something fierce and aching. This is the story of survival, told without apology' Ray Robinson, author of The Mating Habits of Stags
'Touching, honest, at times disturbing, but ultimately hopeful and heartening' John R. Gordon, author of Drapetomania
'A very sensitive and moving story. It's really important that we talk about these things instead of sweeping them under the mat' Caroline Martin, BBC Radio Wiltshire
'Although this is a really dark story, there's a lot of humour interjected to lighten the mood. Highly recommended' Mike Buss, Entertainment Swindon
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Eye Books
Dimensions
Height: 205 mm
Width: 139 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
354 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78563-423-9 (9781785634239)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
07/2025
Eye Press
€11.99
Available for download
Person
Richard Hall was born in Kent and grew up in Swindon. He now lives in Malaysia with his husband and well-travelled cats. Having trained as a youth worker and participatory artist, he turned his creative attention to writing during a tough period of his life.
After contributing to a lengthy investigation and court case relating to the abuse he suffered at a young age, he would now like to find ways to support other survivors.
After contributing to a lengthy investigation and court case relating to the abuse he suffered at a young age, he would now like to find ways to support other survivors.