- Paperback: 323 pages
- Publisher: Mammoth (1 Sep 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0749732687
- ISBN-13: 978-0749732684
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 13 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
172,391 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #12 in Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators > G > Gavin, Jamila
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Eighteenth-century England is the setting for Jamilla Gavin's sweeping saga of growing-up, struggle, tradition and corruption. From an acorn of an idea about a real-life good Samaritan of yesteryear, the author has crafted a satisfying, if occasionally painful, novel that spans the lives of several fortunate and unfortunate young people of the day.
The author has researched her backdrop very well, and the atmospheric sights and sounds of the time are both vivid and captivating. Readers will smell the dirty streets and close-living of urban London, revel in the summer splendour of the finest country houses and then flinch when the harshness of life for the poorest souls is revealed in uncomfortable detail.
For in the late 1700s your circumstance of birth meant everything. Toby and Aaron may both find themselves living at Captain Thomas Coram's Hospital for parentless children, but their histories are as far apart as they could possibly be. Toby has been rescued from a life of slave labour in a faraway country; Aaron is the illegitimate son of the heir to a large country estate. They are watched over by Mish--a simple soul who has been with them since their arrival. His devotion to them is absolute, but his motives are not altogether straightforward. Could this curious man really be Meshak, the son of a wicked child-killer who was hanged at the gallows for his crimes?
Coram Boy is a glorious web of changing fortunes and subtle intrigues. There is tragedy and corruption, hope and evil. Sometimes brutal and sometimes unceasingly bleak, the genre of historical fiction has rarely been this good. It's undoubtedly the kind of book that wins awards. (Age 12 and over) --John McLay
Review
'Brilliant, moving and ultimately compelling' - Whitbread Children's Book of the Year Judging Panel
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was amazed top see that someone had posted a review claiming this book wasn't suitable for children. I am 12, I loved this book, and I have a nine year old sister who, although some of it went over her head, also thought it was brilliant! The parts that included dying babies were dealt with with sympathy, compassion and great care, although, yes, they were moving. The first half is about Meshak Gardiner, a 'simpleton' and son of a baby trader and peddlar; Alexander Ashbrook, a musical genius who leaves home because his father won't comtinue to allow him to train as a musician; Thomas Ledbury, Alexander's companion at Gloucester cathedral; and Melissa Milcote, who Alexander falls in love with.
The second part is about Meshak, now a man known as Mish, Alexander's son Aaron, and Toby, Aaron's friend at the Coram hospital. When Mr Gaddarn (who has another name- that person presumed dead) puts Toby to work in his house as 'a little black puppy' for the nobles to play with, Toby finds out he is shipping Coram children away as slaves and hareem girls. Aaron was apprenticed out to Mr Burney, a musician, because he shares his father's amazing musical talent, and he and Toby try to stop this. I was choked at the end... The only thing about this book I wasn't sure of was the coincidences, and the way everyone connected up. It was a very small world indeed! But Jamila Gavin made them make sense, at least. Read it, whatever your other tastes are- and if you are a parent, don't worry because any sensible, intelligent child of nine or above, or even eight, will be moved but certainly not disturbed.
The second part is about Meshak, now a man known as Mish, Alexander's son Aaron, and Toby, Aaron's friend at the Coram hospital. When Mr Gaddarn (who has another name- that person presumed dead) puts Toby to work in his house as 'a little black puppy' for the nobles to play with, Toby finds out he is shipping Coram children away as slaves and hareem girls. Aaron was apprenticed out to Mr Burney, a musician, because he shares his father's amazing musical talent, and he and Toby try to stop this. I was choked at the end... The only thing about this book I wasn't sure of was the coincidences, and the way everyone connected up. It was a very small world indeed! But Jamila Gavin made them make sense, at least. Read it, whatever your other tastes are- and if you are a parent, don't worry because any sensible, intelligent child of nine or above, or even eight, will be moved but certainly not disturbed.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I thought this book was great. It started slowly and took a while to get into the main story but once it got going I couldn’t put it down. It won the Whitbread Children’s Book Award and I am not surprised, it definitely deserved it.
The tale is expertly told to keep the readers interest and to make ‘The Coram Boy’ a real page turner. I would say that readers of all ages would enjoy this moving and eventful book. It is a unique story set in the 1700’s, beautifully crafted by Jamila Gavin to maintain your interest and create a vivid image of life in those times.
I would recommend this book to anyone, for an entertaining and amazingly well written novel. I loved the way the book takes two strands that tie up as you go through the book. ‘The Coram Boy’ takes you on a journey through the struggles of young people in the 1700’s and really sucks you into their world. It makes for a great read, I know you’ll enjoy it!
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Coram boy is an intricate tapestry of intertwined lives, set in the gothic time period. It appeals to a huge variety of people, due to its superb range of characters and situations. From the misunderstood Meshak, to star-crossed lovers Alex and Melissa. It evokes a cacophony of emotions, from pity and anger to extreme joy. You find yourself swept along with the characters and instantly absorbed into the story.
Coram Boy begins with the disturbing tale of Meshak and his cruel father, Otis. The troubled Meshak is burying crying bundles in ditches under the command of his overbearing father. This is swiftly contrasted by the switch to Alexander's lavish life style as he holidays with his choral friend Thomas. Here we are introduced to the book's main female characters; sister Isobel and the angelic Melissa. As the plot continues, we begin to discover links between the two stories which are pulled closer together as time goes by.
Although confusing at times, Coram Boy is an intriguing and compelling novel. One which we would recommend everybody to read.
Coram Boy begins with the disturbing tale of Meshak and his cruel father, Otis. The troubled Meshak is burying crying bundles in ditches under the command of his overbearing father. This is swiftly contrasted by the switch to Alexander's lavish life style as he holidays with his choral friend Thomas. Here we are introduced to the book's main female characters; sister Isobel and the angelic Melissa. As the plot continues, we begin to discover links between the two stories which are pulled closer together as time goes by.
Although confusing at times, Coram Boy is an intriguing and compelling novel. One which we would recommend everybody to read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Very Good
I bought this book in 2006, as I find the subject matter very interesting, and I have just read it. It is a very sad and moving story, some of which I found shocking, but it is... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Eartha Josephine
Compelling, sad and thought provoking
Bought this book as I am going too see The Coram Boy at The Colston Hall in Bristol. I have really enjoyed it and found myself going to bed early so I could enjoy it is peace! Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jangle
Read it otherwise you'll miss out !!!!
This is all together a FANTASTIC read, i loved it and wish to read more of her books.I like the way how the plot twists and turns and I love the fact that the first part is all... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Esther
A good read, but not without its flaws
The book was quite enjoyable as a light read, containing Dickinsonian twists, fascinating characters and a steadily (if sometimes slowly) moving plot. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Su
Oliver Twist for a new generation?
I'm glad to recommend this it to adults as well as children. I genuinely loved it and was surprised to be reduced to tears at the end. Read more
Published 20 months ago by JaneyB
Coram Boy
I would like to congratulate Jamila on the writing of this book, its a long time coming, a relative was in the Thomas Coram Foundling Hospital so I know from stories what it was... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Anonymous
Beautiful, Painful and Reminiscent of Dickens
This is an award winning book set around the philanthropic venture of one Captain Thomas Coram, who set up a home for orphans in the 18th century - the Foundling Hospital. Read more
Published on 21 July 2009 by Sir Furboy
Gavin's Coram
This is definitely for the older child. A very interesting and heaart-rending story which leaves one thinking that the main character found peace st the very end. Read more
Published on 12 April 2009 by Mrs. I. J. Smith
A good read
After a recent visit to the Foundling Museum in London I felt drawn to read more about the historical struggles of young babies and children who had nobody to care for them. Read more
Published on 3 Feb 2009 by Sandy
All becomes a bit predictable
Coram Boy is set in 18th century England and contrasts lives of the fortunate and unfortunate children of the times. Read more
Published on 23 Oct 2007 by Wynne Kelly
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