Wild Boy

Wild Boy by Rob Lloyd Jones transports readers to the shadowy streets of Victorian London, where the boundaries of humanity and monstrosity blur. At the heart of this gripping tale is a boy shrouded in hair, living a life far removed from the comforts of society, as he is trapped in a travelling freak show. His existence takes a harrowing turn when he is wrongfully accused of murder, thrusting him into a desperate quest to prove his innocence.

The Plot

As he flees through the labyrinthine alleys of the city, our protagonist discovers the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society. With an acute power of observation, he encounters a cast of intriguing characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of London’s underbelly. Along the way, he must confront not only the external prejudices directed at him but also the demons of his own past.

Themes

• Identity: The struggle to define oneself against societal expectations.
• Justice: The quest for truth in a world that often overlooks the marginalised.
• Prejudice: The harsh judgments faced by those deemed different or abnormal.

“A fast-paced mystery-adventure that challenges the assumptions of beauty and monstrosity.”

Fans of works such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time or Wonder will find resonance in Jones's exploration of the human condition amidst adversity. With its vivid prose and richly drawn characters, Wild Boy offers a compelling narrative that lingers long after the final page is turned.