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Description
Fergus Donovan is saved from the horrors of the workhouse and set to work in a large Victorian house. Is it a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire?
Quick Summary
When Fergus Donovan is pulled out of a bleak workhouse and sent to serve in a rambling Victorian mansion, he thinks he's traded one nightmare for another. The story races through grimy 19th-century London streets, yet it also shows how a clever, kind-hearted boy can turn a frightening new home into a place of hidden friends, secret passages, and a chance to prove himself. It's a quick, fast-paced read that keeps the tension high without getting bogged down in heavy history, making it perfect for reluctant readers who want something short but still full of atmosphere. Parents will appreciate that the book mixes moments of genuine fear dim workhouse corridors and looming adult villains with warm, uplifting scenes of loyalty and small victories. If you liked the blend of historical adventure and heart-warming friendship in The War that Saved My Life, you'll find a lot to love here, especially since it packs the same emotional punch in a much shorter package.