by Leon Garfield;
Artiste: Kenny McKendry
If you have ever wondered about what life was like in the 1800s London town, the rogues and villains, and those who really were trying just to survive, then this middle-grade book is very interesting and fun and a classic period tale. Leon Garfield, who is famed for his historical children's fiction, as well as a foray into adult literature, may well be familiar to you for works, such as Blackbeard, Jack Holburn, various adaptations of Shakespeare's works and for completing Dickens' unfinished novel – The Mystery of Edwin Drood. A truly talented, prizing winning, and much loved and lauded author on both sides of the Atlantic.
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AUTHOR: the late Leon Garfield (1921-1996)
Cover art by noted artist: Kenny McKendry.
Published by: PUFFIN
This edition publication date Paperback: 3 July 2014
Paperback ISBN: 978-0141355214
UK Cover price for Paperback: £7.99
Kindle UK price £4.99
Pages: 277
Age range: 9 - 11 and upwards
Any dogs or cats? Not really, but lots of dodgy folks
SPOILER ALERT
Some as to plot direction and characters.
Thank you to...
This is one of those finds where the cover and title spoke volumes, and having read the back cover blurb, both Mrs H and I were hooked and went straight out and bought the book.
First and foremost, the books we review are those we select to read, like, and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their family, friends and students will enjoy.
The plot
Smith, arguably a bit of a hero, even though a pickpocket, is only twelve. But in the 1800's he can still be hanged for his crimes, being 'nubbed', as the downtrodden and lower order of people called it at that time. Life in a London so very unlike that which we see today, was hard. Highwaymen and footpads prey on travellers using roads across commons and through woods that have long since formed part of the modern London urban sprawl. The side streets of London are mazes and rabbit warrens and home to dangerous folk who would kill you for a penny or the silk handkerchief in your pocket should you stray and be gone before you hit the ground.
Smith, Smut to his kin and those that know him well, is a swift of foot and finger pickpocket, in and out and away before anyone would know, let alone see his shadow. He lives below a very seedy public house, home to the worst kind. Their landlord would never give any of the villainous drinkers up to the law, leastways not for anything less than a shilling. Along with his seamstress sisters, Miss Bridget & Miss Fanny, they eke out a living. The sisters are brought the clothes of the recently executed by the prison hangman. They mend and adjust them to suit a new and presently living body for a small fee.
When Smut picks the pocket of an elderly gent seeking passage through streets he once knew, he gets more than he bargains for. Stopping to investigate the piece of paper he has picked, he sees the man stabbed to death for something he now doesn't have – the document. There is a third man, who walks with a wooden leg. He is the one wanting the document. What Smut doesn't know is that he was seen pickpocketing by a fourth person.
Smith flees the scene and returns home. Speculating that the paper must be of worth to warrant the old gent's demise at the hands of two men in brown, he wants to find out what it contains. Alas, he, like most, can't read. But when his highwayman friend Lord Tom (all dressed in green robes) suggests taking it to another (and probably untrustworthy acquaintance) to decipher, he won't risk it, keeping it close to his chest, quite literally.
The men in brown track Smut down, and a chase through the streets ensues. But lithe Smut is too sharp and soon runs the men ragged till they give up. But he has ended up in a posher part of London town. Not looking where he's going, knocks a gent to the ground. Mr Mansfield, the gent in question, is blind. He is also a Justice of the Peace, bad news for a thief, no matter the size. Smut offers to guide the man home. A deal is struck, and as Smut dares not return home, he gets to stop the night at the man's home. His daughter, Miss Mansfield, is none too happy at seeing Smut, not least because he is filthy. But she agrees to have him, for she loves her father, and the urchin has helped him.
This is the central turning point in the story. What happens to Smut and his, or rather, the murdered man's, piece of paper starts to play out and have consequences from here on in. There are twists and turns, wheels and stories within each other, that affect everyone we have met thus far and a few we have not, which naturally is why I must stop the review.
What did we think?
We had never heard of the author. This is a crying shame, as the book is incredibly appealing and so very atmospheric that you can feel and smell the world you are very quickly drawn into. We could tell straight away this is a world and period the writer made his own and was most comfortable writing about, which, from what we can see, is where many of his tales are set.
What we modern readers get isn't Oliver Twist the musical. We see this world from the gutter and on high in the eyes of the law and those that administered it, harsh as it was.
The ever-present threats of ill health, the hangman's noose or ending in gaol for years on end and sometimes till death for being debtor, is our backdrop.
It is a fair old and breathless chase, hindered yet emboldened and made urgent by the colourful characters, prize, risks, and the awful weather. The ending comes together quite nicely (though hardly blood, pain, or death-free) with lessons, perceptions, and understandings.
So . . . .
Crunch time.
It is a wholly satisfying, authentically created middle-grade appropriate tale. More importantly, we believe it is an excellent classic tale for all to enjoy without being over the top. Watch this space for more reviews of adventures from Leon Garfield.
Want to buy a copy?
To get a copy, please find a safe route past pickpockets, gaol, and highwaymen to your own Ye Olde Local Book Shoppe. Each is just waiting to serve up whatever kind of mystery, fun and adventure you desire.
We are joining the Sunday Selfies, hosted by the excellent Kitties Blue and their mum, Janet Blue, from the Cat on My Head blog in America. Click this link to see Janet Blue's selfie page.
I shall leave you with another Sofa Selfie. Gee, you'd have thought I do nothing but nap the day – and night – away! Rest assured I have been busy doing other managerial-like things, MOL.
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Till Laters!
ERin
Till laters!
ERin
©Erin the Cat Princess
Erin, That book has me wanting to go to the local library...they surely have a copy from such a well known author! And we enjoyed seeing you at rest from your managerial chores, LOL!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to find appreciation around here. Mrs H just tuts! MOL Hopefully, they will have or be able to get this book, or others by this author, for you. It's not exactly Wilkie Collins, but it's every bit as good.
DeleteERin
Aaah, beautiful sweet ERin, how we love seeing you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, June and Zoolatry.
DeleteERin
I think this book would be delightful to read! I would love to absorb the atmosphere and life of Smut. And ERin, we think you look lovely, we are sure you spend many hours reading these books with Mrs. H and therefore deserve a few hours nap.
ReplyDeleteEverything gives off a period air, pardon the pun, language most of all.
DeleteERin
Erin, that is a simply spiffing selfie!
ReplyDeleteNow, as to the book - Leon Garfield is one of Mummy's favourite children's authors. Several of his books have been adapted as TV serials. Mummy actually has "Smith" in Hebrew, although she's pretty sure she must have read it originally in English. We, too, highly recommend his books.
How I missed this in my youth I do not know. Schools often only read books prescribed for course work, so I guess I have the system to thank.
DeleteERin
Oopsie: just to let you know, that "anonie-mouse" comment above is from me & June. We furgots to sign in ... hadn't had our 2nd cuppa coffee yet (so not too sharp). We don't pay much attention to book reviews (SORRY) so are not here often (SORRY again) ... but were happy to see purrty ERin. Bye now, meowz, too.
ReplyDeleteI did wonder. Maybe treat yourself one day to one of the cat books we review. They may well surprise you. Middle grade or adult, there are lots to enjoy.
DeleteERin
ERin you are just too sweet and OMCs I do judge books by their cover and this one is just splendid.
ReplyDeleteI love the Puffin
Hugs Cecilia
I need to get a better shot of my book cover. The artist is very well known in his own right.
DeleteERin
We love your sofa selfie, ERin! Look at your beautiful smile!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this book review with us. It sounds Dickens-esque, indeed, and like like one I would definitely like to read. I was an English and comparative literature major in college, and Dickens was one of my favorite authors. :)
Hugs to you and Mrs. H!
I think this will then appeal. Do tell us how you get on if you do.
DeleteERin
You always find such interesting books and this one is no exception. That is a beautiful selfie. XO
ReplyDeleteSo many good books get published it is sometimes chance.
DeleteERin
This sounds really good! Love that picture of you too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, it is and I do enjoy my naps.
DeleteERin
WOW! That does sound good. It's fun when you find an "unknown" author that's so interesting. Love your selfie sweet Princess!
ReplyDeleteExactly so, Brian. A double treat as one knows the other books are very likely as good.
DeleteERin
Love this book idea. I need to ask my bookshop friends to order a copy! (I know Mr Garfield's name!!)
ReplyDeleteDo look up his selection of works. Some may ring bells.
DeleteERin
Sometimes those old authors yield wonderful surprises! Love the pic of you, Erin!
ReplyDeletePurrs,
The Chans
So very true. So easy to get caught up in the new releases when so many older books of a generation ago are just begging to be reviewed and shared.
DeleteERin
Wonderful selfie of you, Erin!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Sleeping after a good book and managerial work goes paw in paw.
DeleteERin
You look like a little ball with ears, lol !
ReplyDeleteYes, I do rather. Sometimes, if the window is open for ventilating the room, it is nice (essential) to curl up to stay warm.
DeleteERin
All us kitties know how hard we work! My Mom tends to require extra "help." ~Latte
ReplyDeleteWell at least she has help to paw when needed. Maybe you could charge by the hour to promote independence?
DeleteERin
This sounds exactly the type of book I enjoy reading and is being added to my long "to read" list. I did reduce it by three while we were away on a cruise. Nothing better than sitting on the balcony with a good book and a gin and tonic.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a perfect cruise. This kid's book is a treat for older readers, too.
DeleteERin