by Jonathan Auxier
Listened to audiobook finished on 25 April
Recommended by my 11 year-old daughter after I bought her the book for Halloween (books for Halloween is a tradition in our house). She said it was the first book to almost make her cry.
Although Sweep is geared toward the pre-teen age group, it is well-written enough to be an enjoyable read for an adult. This sweet tale of friendship and love explores the concepts of inequality and child labour. An old chimneysweep is the only family Nan has ever known and her heart is broken when he unwillingly leaves her to fend for herself. Finding a place as a climber with a group of young orphans, Nan survives by cleaning the chimneys of London’s wealthier houses. Eventually, she realizes the only token she has left from her beloved old sweep is more than just a lump of char as it develops into a new companion. Caring for someone more vulnerable than herself gives Nan the courage to stand up for what she believes is right as the story moves toward its inevitable tear-jerking ending.