Great Regulars: In a more conventional relationship,

this "bravado and posturing" ([Zachary] Leader's phrase) would almost certainly have proved disastrous. Here it encouraged an existence that was rackety, promiscuous, sometimes painful (and, yes, "aggressive"), but also supportive in so far as it allowed [Kingsley] Amis to feel that he could write out of feelings that he felt were honest.

from Andrew Motion: The Guardian: The naughty boy from Norbury

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