Tom Appleby Convict boy is a b…

December 3, 2018 General Studies

Tom Appleby Convict boy is a book by Jackie French which was published in 2004 by Harper Collins Australia. At the tender age of eight, chimney sweeper Tom Appleby is convicted of stealing and is sentenced to deportation at Botany Bay. As a member of the first fleet he faces challenges and difficult situations that he must overcome, in order to survive.Tom Appleby convict boy is set in dark damp London during 1785. Tom is just 7 years old when his father tragically dies and Tom is taken under the “care” of Master Jack, a cruel man that forces Tom to sweep chimneys along with 3 other boys. The author, Jackie French does a excellent job at mimicking what it would’ve been like for boys in similar situations to Tom Appleby. She uses descriptive language, believable situations and British slang that the English use to use back in the late 18th century. It isn’t long after Toms new job as a chimney sweeper, when he decides to steal money from a old man and is soon caught. Following a few months in prison he is taken to court for his case to be reviewed and his trial to begin. With an expectation of being the next victim to be hung, Tom is instead sentenced to be a convict on the first fleet.The Scarborough’, one of the eleven ships in the first fleet took around 1450 passengers to Botany Bay, the very same boat that Tom was put onto. Soon after he boards the ship, he is unwelcomed by the immense amount of sweat, crowded sleeping arrangements and being confined below the dark deck for days on end. Still mourning his father’s recent death, Tom keeps his warm, red ‘cloak of courage’ wrapped around him so that he’s able to stay strong. After undergoing harsh and weather situations the first fleet finally reached New Holland, to claim the land, before two French exploration ships arrived after them. Another few hours later the ships had sailed to Port Jackson (Botany Bay), where the ships unloaded and the passengers began to settle. After Tom worked in various places as a convict, he was soon assigned to the custody of Sergeant Stanley, a kind man whose son (Rob) had requested a boy around his age to live with. Tom grew very close to Rob and his father, as he helped with the growing of their crops and animals. Spending lots of time with Rob, Tom discovered that Rob’s dream was to be an architect. To design and build his own unique structures. In the boys’ spare time from tending their crops in the afternoon, they wander the land to soon find an Aboriginal women. The woman kept gesturing for the boys to come as she led them inland, sharing all the food she could gather. The many twists within the novel, constantly keeps the reader interested and intrigues them to read on.The characters in this story are well characterised which is a feature that will keep you hooked. Tom is depicted as a kind hearted and trustworthy friend. He has a brave personality that helped him in the most uneasy times. The moral in this novel is, that if you always remain positive you’ll be able to make it through any difficult situation. I would strongly recommend this novel for all ages to read. This moving life story will keep you engaged till the very end.

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