Is there a lie behind Cambridge minds?

When I walked into Cambridge’s (very first) refresher’s fair I expected some things: a free domino’s ‘slice’, celebrations and societies. But one stool stood out from the crowd, and I was actually quite shocked it was even allowed. Intrigued, my friend and I tentatively tiptoed over to find out: what’s the lie behind Cambridge minds?

The stool in question (Image Credits: James Hayes)

“I wanted the title to be quite provocative. I wanted people to see it and think: is this an attack on Cambridge?” It certainly achieves that. “My friends asked me whether I was scared of being sued by the uni but frankly it would be great for the publicity!” It certainly would.

James wrote his debut novel inspired by his experiences as an undergraduate student at Cambridge where he studied Land Economy at Homerton College. The story follows the protagonist, Harry, through his final year as he tries to leave behind his wild life of “drugs, violence and sex” for the good of his degree. It demonstrates the difficulty of fitting into the “Cambridge etiquette” of formal dinners, gowns and Latin, as Harry’s friends are outsiders in “the Cambridge bubble.” Alongside this, Harry is infatuated with a fresher, Elizabeth (who has a boyfriend)…

That feeling when you just publish a book be like (Image credits: James Hayes)

Hayes and Harry share a lot in common, the same uni, colour of eyes, and birthday – a big coincidence given that there are 365 days in a year. So I asked him where the line is between fact and fiction in the novel: “I think that what makes the story so good is that it does blur the line between facts and sort of fiction.”

His friends have also inspired the characters Harry shares his university experience with. His friend Mo is essentially replicated in the novel in the character named (*drumroll please*) Mo. Some friends were offended why their part was not as big as others such as Mo. It’s a sad day when you find out you’re not the main character, or from this day forward when you find out you’re not “The Mo.”

If that’s not the look of love, I don’t know what is <3  (Image Credits: James Hayes)

James has always been a passionate writer. When he was 11, his teacher set the class the task to write a 3-page story. 3 pages. James said, no, I’ll give you 25. Whilst Cambridge is, according to James, “The second best uni in the country” (he’s a traitor guys), and his academic skills were nourished, his creativity was not given the freedom or opportunity to flourish competing with deadlines, assignments and reading lists.

Some un-Mo characters (Image credits: James Hayes)

Once he graduated in 2020 he started to think seriously about writing the novel. The November lockdown reduced distractions and gave him the space to really “put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard.”

His parents, whilst very supportive, were worried that writing a novel would negatively impact his Masters, and told him, “You have your whole life to write a book.” James admits that his novel did in fact take over his degree: “There were many times I would be in the library working late and people would come up to me and ask what I was doing, but I wasn’t actually studying, I was working on my book.” 

Friends who graduate together stay together! Sorry MMLers… adiós (Image credits: James Hayes)

James basically wrote dissertations in a day writing 10,000 words at a time. So I thought I’d inquire as to how James was able to achieve such a feat, and here is James’ guide to getting over writer’s block:

1. Alcohol
2. Plans

So, what is the lie behind Cambridge minds?

“The whole purpose of the book is to uncover the truth about what it’s like being a student at Cambridge. There’s a whole perception that they’re the smartest people on the planet; they’re sort of greater than anyone else. And that’s why a lot of students when they go to Cambridge get imposter syndrome – myself included. Then you start to realise the students are just ordinary people. I wanted to use the book to demystify Cambridge.”

I’ve always wanted to write a book. Daily commitments like university, Tik Tok and brushing my teeth have meant I’ve compartmentalised it into a ‘one day I will do it’ goal. After speaking to James, I’m encouraged to stop waiting. If you’ve got a good idea, a passion – just bloody go for it! Who knows, you could be published by 24 too!

The Lies Behind Cambridge Minds can be purchased here and you can keep up with Hayes’ writing journey here

Feature Image credits: James Hayes 

Articles recommended by this author:

• A to Z: The Cambridge alphabet
• From Cakes to Cambridge: Interview with Freya Watson
• Do you regret coming to Cambridge?