- Hardcover: 416 pages
- Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (Dec 7 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 080509203X
- ISBN-13: 978-0805092035
- Product Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.8 x 3.6 cm
- Shipping Weight: 522 g
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#713,490 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #100 in Books > Teens > Social Issues > Sexual Abuse
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
“A fierce advocate for young people in all his books, Burgess pulls no punches in this story.”--Los Angeles Times
“As unsettling as readers will find this dark story, it is no Dantesque vision but rather a tough examination, an almost sociological case study at times, of what happens when a pretty good kid enters a truly bad system. Readers familiar with Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby and Oliver Twist will find obvious parallels here that will deepen their appreciation for Burgess's novel.”--Horn Book Magazine
“While it is disturbing to think that the plot of Oliver Twist slots seamlessly into a more contemporary story, Burgess’ stark realism and unflinching portrayal of the life and prospects of kids trapped in an ineffectual juvenile care system is undeniably credible, mostly because he is so effective in creating psychologically complex characters.”--BCCB
“Burgess is a genius in drawing readers into a compelling, dramatic, and candid read. He examines the dark underbelly of society and the powers that corrupt and exploit its youth, yet offers an ultimately positive and hopeful message. This book will stay with readers long after they put it down.”--School Library Journal
"A powerful and gripping tale…Harrowing and intense, and he excels at getting inside the heads and motivations of his many flawed characters.”--Publishers Weekly
“A small note of hope ends this gripping but harsh tale.”--Kirkus Reviews
“Burgess writes with harrowing authenticity about the dynamics of abuse, and the fragile healing suggested at the book’s end will leave readers asking wider questions about how best to reclaim and protect society’s most vulnerable individuals.”--Booklist
Book Description
When fourteen-year-old Nicholas Dane’s mother dies, social services sends him to a home for boys where intimidation and violence keep order. After a number of fights and brutal punishments, Nick thinks that life can’t possibly get any worse . . . until he realizes that the home’s respected deputy head, who has been grooming him with sweets and solace, has something more frightening in mind.
Acclaimed writer and truth-teller Melvin Burgess brings us, with Dickensian scope and compelling narrative drive, his most ambitious book yet.
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Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.3 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A dark, powerful story., Feb 1 2011
By J. Prather - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Nicholas Dane (Hardcover)
This book tells the story of Nicholas Dane and how his life gets de-railed. It's disturbing and not an easy book to read. Make no mistake, this is not typical teen fare, and best read by those 16 and older. Nicholas is a somewhat typical kid from the poor side of town. He's not perfect, and neither is his mother. He is loved and cared for, so when his mother dies and he is shipped off to social services "care", he quickly finds that he lost not only his mother but also his entire life.This book is set in Manchester, England during the early 80's. It's disturbing to think that the torture, abuse and manipulation endured by Nick could actually be a reflection of things endured by young men during that time, but the author's searing depictions have a ring of truth and authenticity that are absolutely chilling.
Nicholas is an interesting character. At times he seems much older than his 14 years, and other times his naivete makes him seem even younger. The reader can't help but feel for him even though the author seems to want to keep us at arms length. The story sometimes slips back and forth between the characters and the author's omniscient narrative voice. I found these frequent shifts to be a distraction and sometimes prevented the story from being as suspenseful and dramatic as it should have been.
This is such a bleak novel. It is very worthwhile, but at page 100 or so I found myself wondering just how much misery young Nicholas could take and how much I could take as well! The author delves masterfully into character motivations later in the book when we get to meet other boys and men at different stages of the same trail to destruction that Nicholas is traveling. His explorations of what happens when fear, pain and love all get commingled are well worth reading.
The author ends the story on a painfully realistic note, giving perhaps a glimmer of hope, but no easy answers. There are some lessons to be learned here and if given to the right teen reader this book has the potential to be a comfort to survivors of abusive situations. Not an easy read, but a powerful one. Recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Book Ever., May 2 2012
By TeenDramaFans - Published on Amazon.com
One of the most inspiring books I have ever read and have been able to come back and read 6 times more, NICHOLAS DANE is a very emotional, captivating, shocking book. This book has made me feel different. It made me feel like I was there at 2:00 AM with Davey and Nicholas stealing from cars. NICHOLAS DANE is a book about a boy living in England in the 80's, who's mother has hidden a secret for over 20 years. She has on-and-off been addicted to heroine along with her long time friend and drug buddy, Jenny.While Nicholas is away at school, his mother, who was back in school doing successful, decided it was time for a little treat. Heroine. While shooting herself up she dies from an overdose. Shortly after, Nicholas is dragged into the hands of seemingly nice, abusive Tony Creal. And the abuse and bruises and injuries set forth from the other boys at the home for troubled young males.
The settings, characters, adjectives and over all... I must give this a five star rating. The ending of the book will
satisfy you, or maybe even anger you. As Nicholas' story un-ravels in a third-person manner, you will be stunned at the accuracy of such an amazing book. Seriously read this. It is very educational, showing how drugs can effect your life and the loved ones around you. Meadow Hill, a horrifying place that beat their children, goes through an adventure, telling their daily routines.
I was very pleased to see Melvin Burgress tell such a denied and un-speakable subject, especially taking place in the 80's! Child abuse was certainly not something spoken of at all. To push and twist the the graphic story lines of this book. Oh wow, it is impossible to explain. I would just like to say "I love you." to Melvin Burgress for writing this eye opening story.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Heartbreaking Story, May 22 2011
By Kristina - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Nicholas Dane (Hardcover)
Nicholas Dane is a modern retelling of Oliver Twist. Fourteen year old, Nick, after his mother dies of a heroin overdoes (a problem Nick wasn't even aware she had) is sent to Meadow Hill, the worst place a young boy could be sent to. While there, Nick is beaten, whipped and tortured. Tony Creal, head of Meadow Hill promises to help Nick get out there (Unbeknownst to Nick, him mom's best friend as well as a long lost great Uncle are willing to help him), while secretly making sure that no one can help this "troubled and disturbed boy" as he calls him to Nick's family. One night, Mr. Creal gives Nick a hand job. Nick is so surprised that he doesn't do anything about it until it is over, and anger overpowers him. As punishment, Creal, as well as two other men brutally rape him, forever changing Nick.Nicholas Dane, is a heartbreaking story. I stopped counting how many times I had to put the book down to compose myself. This book is so sad and tragic. It wasn't just Nick either, all of the boys in this story deeply affected me, especially Oliver. Oliver is a few years younger then Nick and has been at Meadow Hill for a number of years already. He has been raped over and over again, first by his mothers boyfriend at age three, then by wardens and janitors in other group homes he was in, and finally by Creal and Creal's friends. Oliver knows nothing but pain and links pain with affection. His story broke my heart even more then Nick's.
This book was good, but some of the story dragged on for me. I would only recommend it if you understand what you are getting yourself into. This book will make you cry, over and over again.
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