Ernest Bracebridge School Days By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)
Ernest Bracebridge School Days is a captivating coming-of-age story written by William Henry Giles Kingston. Set in a prestigious English boarding school during the mid-19th century, the novel explores the trials and tribulations of a young scholar named Ernest Bracebridge. The story follows Ernest as he navigates the challenging world of academia, friendships, and personal growth. From his early struggles at school to his eventual triumphs, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, rooting for Ernest every step of the way. One of the strengths of this novel is the author's ability to bring the characters to life. Ernest is a relatable, well-rounded protagonist who embodies the hopes, dreams, and fears of any young person entering a new phase of life. His experiences serve as a mirror, reflecting our own memories of those formative years. Kingston's attention to detail is incredible. The vivid descriptions of the school grounds, its architecture, and the surrounding countryside transport the reader back in time. Additionally, the author's knowledge of the customs, traditions, and societal norms of the era adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The book also delves into some significant themes, including the importance of friendship, the power of perseverance, and the complexities of societal expectations. The bond between Ernest and his close group of friends is heartwarming and emotionally charged. Their shared experiences, secrets, and confessions create a deep connection that resonates with readers on a profound level. However, the pacing of the story may feel slow to some readers. Kingston dedicates considerable attention to the day-to-day activities and routines of the school, occasionally diverting from the main plot. Although this provides an intimate view of Ernest's school life, it could have been condensed to maintain a more consistently engaging narrative. Overall, Ernest Bracebridge School Days is a captivating tale of growth, resilience, and the universal struggle of youth. Kingston's exceptional storytelling and well-developed characters make this novel a memorable read for anyone interested in historical fiction or coming-of-age stories. First Page: Ernest Bracebridge, School Days, by William H G Kingston. A very well written book one of Kingston's best. It is about various events and personalities in a Victorian school. The boy after whom the book is named is such a heroic character that one can't help wondering if he is really either Kingston's own son, or maybe the son whom Kingston would have liked to have. In one of the last chapters it so happens that some of the boys pay a visit to another school, which happens to be the one your reviewer was at. It was astonishing to me to read of institutions and customs at that school just exactly as they were in my day, seventy years and more later. It makes a very good audiobook. ERNEST BRACEBRIDGE, SCHOOL DAYS, BY WILLIAM H G KINGSTON. CHAPTER ONE. THE SCHOOL, THE MASTER, AND HIS BOYS. It was a half holiday. One of our fellows who had lately taken his degree and passed as Senior Wrangler had asked it for us. He had just come down for a few hours to see the Doctor and the old place. How we cheered him! How proudly the Doctor looked at him! What a great man we thought him! He was a great man! for he had won a great victory, not only over his fellow men, not only over his books, by compelling them to give up the knowledge they contained, but over his love of pleasure; over a tendency to indolence; over his temper and passions; and now Henry Martin was able to commence the earnest struggle of life with the consciousness, which of itself gives strength, that he had obtained the most important of all victories that over self... Continue reading book >>

Ernest Bracebridge School Days By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)

Ernest Bracebridge School Days is a captivating coming-of-age story written by William Henry Giles Kingston. Set in a prestigious English boarding school during the mid-19th century, the novel explores the trials and tribulations of a young scholar named Ernest Bracebridge.

The story follows Ernest as he navigates the challenging world of academia, friendships, and personal growth. From his early struggles at school to his eventual triumphs, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, rooting for Ernest every step of the way.

One of the strengths of this novel is the author's ability to bring the characters to life. Ernest is a relatable, well-rounded protagonist who embodies the hopes, dreams, and fears of any young person entering a new phase of life. His experiences serve as a mirror, reflecting our own memories of those formative years.

Kingston's attention to detail is incredible. The vivid descriptions of the school grounds, its architecture, and the surrounding countryside transport the reader back in time. Additionally, the author's knowledge of the customs, traditions, and societal norms of the era adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

The book also delves into some significant themes, including the importance of friendship, the power of perseverance, and the complexities of societal expectations. The bond between Ernest and his close group of friends is heartwarming and emotionally charged. Their shared experiences, secrets, and confessions create a deep connection that resonates with readers on a profound level.

However, the pacing of the story may feel slow to some readers. Kingston dedicates considerable attention to the day-to-day activities and routines of the school, occasionally diverting from the main plot. Although this provides an intimate view of Ernest's school life, it could have been condensed to maintain a more consistently engaging narrative.

Overall, Ernest Bracebridge School Days is a captivating tale of growth, resilience, and the universal struggle of youth. Kingston's exceptional storytelling and well-developed characters make this novel a memorable read for anyone interested in historical fiction or coming-of-age stories.

First Page:

Ernest Bracebridge, School Days, by William H G Kingston.

A very well written book one of Kingston's best. It is about various events and personalities in a Victorian school. The boy after whom the book is named is such a heroic character that one can't help wondering if he is really either Kingston's own son, or maybe the son whom Kingston would have liked to have.

In one of the last chapters it so happens that some of the boys pay a visit to another school, which happens to be the one your reviewer was at. It was astonishing to me to read of institutions and customs at that school just exactly as they were in my day, seventy years and more later.

It makes a very good audiobook.

ERNEST BRACEBRIDGE, SCHOOL DAYS, BY WILLIAM H G KINGSTON.

CHAPTER ONE.

THE SCHOOL, THE MASTER, AND HIS BOYS.

It was a half holiday. One of our fellows who had lately taken his degree and passed as Senior Wrangler had asked it for us. He had just come down for a few hours to see the Doctor and the old place. How we cheered him! How proudly the Doctor looked at him! What a great man we thought him! He was a great man! for he had won a great victory, not only over his fellow men, not only over his books, by compelling them to give up the knowledge they contained, but over his love of pleasure; over a tendency to indolence; over his temper and passions; and now Henry Martin was able to commence the earnest struggle of life with the consciousness, which of itself gives strength, that he had obtained the most important of all victories that over self... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Teen/Young adult

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Wikipedia – William Henry Giles Kingston
Wikipedia – Ernest Bracebridge School Days

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