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My Friend Smith A Story of School and City Life   By: (1852-1893)

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My Friend Smith A Story of School and City Life by Talbot Baines Reed is a captivating novel that explores the life of a young boy named John Price and his friendship with Smith, a confident and charismatic new student at their school. Set in the late 19th century in both the idyllic countryside and bustling city, this story takes readers on an engaging journey filled with relatable characters, valuable life lessons, and a vivid depiction of the era.

One of the highlights of this book is the way Reed brings the characters to life. Each individual, from the protagonist John Price to his mischievous classmate Charlie Gray, is carefully crafted with unique personalities, making them all easily relatable. The friendship between John and Smith is particularly endearing, rooted in camaraderie, loyalty, and shared values. Their bond evolves as they navigate the challenges of school, family, and city life, which adds depth and complexity to their relationship.

Furthermore, Reed skillfully uses the backdrop of both the countryside and city to highlight the contrast between the two settings. From the tranquil scenes of playing cricket and exploring nature in the opening chapters to the bustling streets of London that later come into play, the author paints a vivid picture of the stark differences in the lives of John and Smith. This stark contrast serves as a metaphor for the broader themes explored throughout the narrative, such as social class, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams.

Another notable aspect of this novel is the way it incorporates important life lessons within the narrative. Through the experiences of John, Smith, and their peers, Reed explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and the values of honesty and integrity. The characters face various moral dilemmas and learn essential lessons about responsibility, kindness, and the consequences of their actions. These valuable messages make the story not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and insightful for readers of all ages.

The pacing of the book is well-maintained, with a balanced mix of light-hearted moments and more serious plot developments. The author's smooth prose ensures a pleasant reading experience, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. The incorporation of dialogue is also commendable, as it gives the characters an authentic voice and adds to the overall realism of the narrative.

While the ending may seem somewhat predictable, it does not detract from the overall enjoyment and satisfaction derived from reading this book. The journey we take alongside John, Smith, and their classmates is engaging, heartwarming, and ultimately rewarding.

In conclusion, My Friend Smith A Story of School and City Life is a captivating novel that combines relatable characters, valuable life lessons, and a vivid depiction of two contrasting settings. Talbot Baines Reed's masterful storytelling makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking an enjoyable and insightful literary experience, whether they are young readers or adults looking to revisit their own schoolyard memories.

First Page:

My Friend Smith A Story of School and City Life

By Talbot Baines Reed This is a curious book by the author. It does not surprise us, because it has a long school life section, but then it goes on to describe in rather frightening detail the life of a young clerk in London, trying to survive on a miserable pittance, living in a cheap lodging house, and trying to keep up socially with his contemporaries. He is loyal to his friends, and in particular to his friend Smith, whom he had met at school, which had been a school for troublesome and backward boys.

I think it rings very true. There is a foreword which is as enthusiastic as I am about the book. It still gives you a lot to think about. It was quite a true image even when I was young myself and trying to make my way in London, and from what I hear of the tribulations of the young, it is probably not far from the truth today.

Read the book yourself and see what you think. NH. MY FRIEND SMITH A STORY OF SCHOOL AND CITY LIFE

BY TALBOT BAINES REED

CHAPTER ONE.

HOW I CAME TO BE SENT TO STONEBRIDGE HOUSE.

"It was perfectly plain, Hudson, the boy could not be allowed to remain any longer a disgrace to the neighbourhood," said my uncle... Continue reading book >>




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