Description
By: Thomas Hughes (1822-1896)
“Tom Brown’s School Days” by Thomas Hughes is a timeless coming-of-age novel that follows the trials and tribulations of Tom Brown as he navigates life at Rugby School. Set in the mid-19th century, the novel provides a glimpse into the harsh realities of boarding school life, where bullying and hazing were commonplace.
Hughes does a fantastic job of capturing the complexities of adolescence and the challenges young boys face as they try to find their place in the world. The character development of Tom Brown is particularly well-done, as readers witness his growth from a naive boy to a confident young man.
The novel also delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and moral integrity, making it a thought-provoking read for readers of all ages. While some may find the language and style of writing slightly dated, the overarching message and timeless truths presented in the novel still resonate with readers today.
Overall, “Tom Brown’s School Days” is a classic and engaging read that offers a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of youth. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the genre of coming-of-age literature.
Book Description:
Tom Brown’s Schooldays is a novel by Thomas Hughes first published in 1857. The story is set at Rugby School, a public school for boys, in the 1830s. Hughes attended Rugby School from 1834 to 1842.
The novel was originally published as being “by an Old Boy of Rugby”, and much of it is based on the author’s experiences. Tom Brown is largely based on the author’s brother, George Hughes; and George Arthur, another of the book’s main characters, is based on Arthur Penrhyn Stanley. The fictional Tom’s life also resembles the author’s in that the culminating event of his school career was a cricket match.
Tom Brown was tremendously influential on the genre of British school novels, which began in the 19th century, and is one of the few still in print. A sequel, Tom Brown at Oxford, was published in 1861 but is not as well known.
