Crow Boy

by Philip Caveney
Crow Boy cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 6825
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781905916559
  • Published: 2012-11-01
  • Reviews: 3

Young Tom Afflick finds himself uprooted from his home in Manchester and relocated to Edinburgh, feeling isolated and alone. At his new school, he's an outsider, but a school trip to Mary King's Close takes an unexpected turn when he follows a ghostly figure and is transported back to 1645, the year of the Edinburgh plague. /n/n Apprenticed against his will to a violent plague doctor, Tom must use all his modern-day skills to survive in this dangerous and unfamiliar time. The story blends historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural, creating a gripping adventure.

Reviews
Historical Novel Society · 2025-12-05
accessible 4.20

The novel is written in an accessible style, appealing to both boys and girls. The complexities of time travel are handled well.

The Historical Novel Society commends Crow Boy for its accessible writing style, making it appealing to a wide audience. They note that the complexities of time travel are handled well, ensuring the story remains engaging and easy to follow. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to blend historical elements with a compelling narrative, creating a story that is both educational and entertaining. The book's setting in Mary King's Close is also highlighted for its historical accuracy and the way it enriches the overall story.

Quick quotes

    Despite the complexities of time travel, which is the subject of Crowboy, the novel is written in a very accessible style, and should appeal to both boys and ...

    The novel is written in an accessible style, appealing to both boys and girls.

    The complexities of time travel are handled well.

The BookBag · 2025-12-05
thrilling 4.00

The book is both intriguing and thrilling, with Tom's experiences being particularly poignant. The sinister elements add depth to the story.

The BookBag finds Crow Boy to be both intriguing and thrilling, with a particular focus on Tom's experiences. They highlight the sinister elements of the story, which add depth and complexity. The reviewer appreciates the way the author portrays Tom's struggles and growth, making the story emotionally resonant. The historical setting of Mary King's Close is also praised for its authenticity and the way it enhances the overall narrative.

Quick quotes

    The book is both intriguing and thrilling.

    Tom is first made to earn his keep by feeding the pigs, he is treated less kindly than an animal by the sinister ...

    The sinister elements add depth to the story.

Undiscovered Scotland · 2012-11-08
excellent 4.50

The book is an excellent read, highly recommended for its engaging historical adventure. Tom's journey from Manchester to Edinburgh is both intriguing and thrilling.

Undiscovered Scotland praises Crow Boy as an excellent read, highlighting its engaging historical adventure. They appreciate the author's ability to transport readers back in time, making the story both intriguing and thrilling. The reviewer particularly enjoys Tom's journey from Manchester to Edinburgh, finding it both emotionally resonant and historically rich. The book's setting in Mary King's Close adds an extra layer of authenticity and excitement, making it a highly recommended read for those interested in historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    An excellent read, and one that can be highly recommended.

    Young Tom Afflick finds himself moving to Edinburgh from Manchester following the break-up of his parents.

    The book is both intriguing and thrilling.

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