Coram Boy

Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin is a gripping tale set in 18th-century England, where the harsh realities of life and the darkness of human nature intertwine. The novel follows the harrowing journey of a man known as the Coram man, who preys on desperate mothers by deceitfully offering to take their babies to the Foundling Hospital in London. However, his true intentions are sinister, as he murders the unfortunate infants and buries them in secrecy.

The Plot

Amidst the turmoil, we meet Mish, the Coram man's mentally ill son, who becomes an unwilling witness to his father's atrocities. In a moment of compassion, Mish manages to rescue one baby, Aaron, who grows up ignorant of his horrifying origins. As he matures, Aaron discovers his extraordinary talent for music, which becomes both a refuge and a means of self-discovery.

As the narrative unfolds, the lives of Aaron and his friend Toby become dangerously intertwined with Mish and the Coram man's dark legacy. A critical mistake made by Mish sets in motion a chain of events that threatens both Aaron and Toby, forcing them to confront the haunting shadows of their past.

Themes

• The struggle for identity and belonging
• The impact of mental illness
• The moral complexities of human nature
• Friendship and loyalty amidst adversity

"A powerful exploration of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit."

With its rich historical backdrop and poignant character development, Coram Boy resonates with themes found in other works by Gavin, as well as in novels like Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This novel challenges readers to reflect on the darker aspects of humanity while celebrating the strength that can emerge from suffering.