 Paperback, 180 pages Published by Metropolis Ink (2004) ISBN-10: 0980721903 ISBN-13: 978-0980721904 |
||
Buy THE CLIMBING BOY directly from the author using Paypal.
|
||
OR
|
||
SYNOPSIS AND REVIEWS AT NEARER THE AGE OF FIVE THAN FOUR, illegally sold into the London chimney sweeping trade as a chimney sweep's apprentice--a Climbing Boy--for the pittance of back rent owed to the landlord of the shack he had lived in with his widowed, just-deceased mother, Zachariah became little more than a slave to his owner, an abusive inebriate. His mother dead these past five years, the image of her face fading from memory, the little child struggled to remember, but appearing only in deep shadow, even in his dreams, the boy could no longer envision his mother. Then on this day before Christmas in 1843, the very day of the same mystical Christmas Eve that Ebenezer Scrooge had his three ghostly visitors, the oddly familiar face of a kindly lady struck a deep chord that rekindled the memory of the image missing from his dreams--the face of his mother--and gave Zachariah hope for the future. Finally, left alone to find his way home on this magical Christmas Eve, encountering his intoxicated master and severely beaten, Zachariah is saved by... |
||
A professional review of The Climbing Boy, "AFTER READING THE SYNOPSIS for Mark Lichterman’s The Climbing Boy, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I felt pretty certain the story would educate me on the dreadful working conditions of young orphan children sold into apprenticeship in the 1800s, but what I didn’t know was the depth of feelings this enchanting little story would evoke in me. At just 180 pages, The Climbing Boy is a short novel that is anything but short on plot. Orphaned at the age of four, Zachariah is sold into apprenticeship to a chimney sweep for the cost of back rent owed on his late mother’s flat: a sum of one pound. Thus begins his life as a climbing boy. The life of a climbing boy is grueling and perilous, not only in the immediate dangers of being suspended by a rope harness and lifted down into zigzagging, sometimes stories-high chimneys, but also in the long term ill effects of breathing in soot and chimney dust on a daily basis. Add to that Zachariah’s master’s cruelty and you will find a boy’s life that is much more an existence than a childhood. Even so, eight-going-on-nine-year-old Zachariah maintains a positive outlook on life and a sweet disposition that makes him a favorite with many of his customers. Set in London, England in 1843, the bulk of the story takes place in the span of just one day — December 24, the day before Christmas. The tale begins with Zachariah awakening from a beautiful dream of his deceased mother’s love to enter into the reality of his now bleak and loveless existence. Throughout the day, the reader follows Zachariah and his master, Johnson, as they go about their work. Turning the pages, the reader feels a full spectrum of emotions (the terror of being suspended in a chimney that sways precariously in the wind, the heartbreak of a child being denied a gift he really wanted, and the joy of a stranger’s kindness to name but a few) as the story builds to a delightful, fairy tale ending. I found myself drawn deeper and deeper into the life and heart of this wonderful character until he truly felt like someone I knew and loved. The cruel Johnson is equally well drawn, and though I hated him at times, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him in the end. That’s how talented a storyteller Mark Lichterman is. His poignant fictional details blend with the hard truths of what, sadly, was reality for many children of that era, to create a beautiful story that, while being educational, is also sweeping and unforgettable. I highly recommend this heartwarming tale to anyone who enjoys seeing the good guy win. I know I certainly did." –Honeybee MORE REVIEWS "MARK LICHTERMAN WROTE AN EXCELLENT BOOK . I truly believe that Disney or Pixar studios should do an animation movie of the book. It would make a great film that would appeal to both adults and children. I hope he writes more books in the future."-- Carter McIntyre,
Winnetka, CA "THIS 'FEEL GOOD' TALE BY MARK LICHTERMAN , a relatively unknown, but upcoming author, is way more than just another Christmas story. It is a classic description of the London chimney sweeping trade, brought to life by superb characterization of its main players. The reader immediately bonds with Zachariah, an eight year old child, who you want to bring home, bathe, feed, clothe and just cuddle. He will steal your heart while other feelings of anger, rage and resentment arise from the provocative personality of William Johnson, the boy's Master. Lichterman, in expert fashion, weaves a very twisted, intertwining yarn that has you holding your breath until the very end. This book is a must read. " -- Bruce Berger Westlake Village, CA "THE CLIMBING BOY IS DESTINED TO BECOME A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC. Mark Lichterman skillfully delivers this Dickensian-style tale that takes place in 1800's London. The orphaned Zachariah will grip at your heart and every reader will want this boy for their own--to nurture and to protect, but mostly to love. As much as you will be smitten by Zachariah, you will come to loathe William Johnson, his drunken master. The author combines vibrant characters with a vivid story-line to give you a lump that catches in your throat and stays with you long after you close the book. You will be more than an observer, you will become part of the story. Keep this book handy--you'll want to read it again and again. I keep it very close to me and my eyes wide open for the author's next book." -- Elizabeth Russo, New Jersey |
||
"I found myself drawn deeper and deeper into the life and heart of this wonderful character until he truly felt like someone I knew and loved..." |
||
