Sofa Spotlight - Tom Brown's Schooldays, Thomas Hughes

What's it about?

As the name suggests it is about the schooldays of Tom Brown. Tom Brown is the son of a squire in the 19th century and manages to persuade his parents to send him to public school. He ends up at Rugby under Dr Arnold who has begun to reform the school. Brown has many adventures with his friend East as they make their way up the school. Together they stand up to bullies, such as Flashman, and spend plenty of time causing chaos for the masters. It's like looking back at another world, and it's hard to imagine that that is what schools were like. Hughes writes it well, and it isn't harder to imagine the world that he is portraying. It's hard to imagine that the same values that boys at Rugby had would be held by children at school now. They certainly play a lot less cricket.

What was good?

Hughes brought the whole scene to life. If ever I got lost in a book, it was this one. I nearly forgot to get off the train at times. My favorite character has to be Tom Brown, but East is a close second. They are lovable characters because they seem to have no problem getting into trouble, but have some sense of doing the right thing. Which worked out well for Arthur, and all the other boys that enjoyed the spoils of their campaigns.

What was bad?

Although I didn't mind it too much, Hughes offered his opinion and advice too often. He isn't hard to read so it wasn't too bad but sometimes it got in the way of the narrative.

Who is for?

I think Hughes had in mind boys about to go to or already at public school. If you enjoy a good story that isn't too taxing then this could be for you. It does take a bit of work to get through the opening chapters but it is worth it, although be warned about the ending. I was close to tears.