: Tom Brown’s School Days
Author: Thomas Hughes
This book has two technical problems: one, it’s old, and two, it’s not written in English. Or rather, it’s written in English and not American. It’s an interesting read simply because English school life 150 years ago is so different from life today, but it’s not an easy read. There was much I found incomprehensible. (For instance, what does being "floored" mean? It’s apparently something bad, perhaps a punishment, but I have no idea what. There’s lots of similar jargon that makes some scenes complete mysteries.) The book is written with exquisite detail, which, while it’s good and often important, makes for slow reading. For example, despite the title, it takes a few chapters before Tom even goes to school. I liked the story, however: it’s basically the characterization of Tom Brown and his growth and progress into a young man. I don’t know if I’d go so far as to call this a classic, but it’s interesting and I’m glad I read it.
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