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The Apprentice Thief
Norfolk 1890. 14-year-old Sebi and his mother lead an idyllic life on the barges with a travelling community. When they befriend a local man, disaster strikes, and they are forced to leave their community behind to make their way to London. Despite being initially content, they soon struggle to make ends meet and are must move to a poorhouse.
Conditions in the poorhouse are terrible, and Sebi and his mother are separated, he is beaten by a bully and thief called Moss who is in charge of the children’s section. After Moss attacks and nearly kills him, Sebi knows he must escape, but fate intervenes in the form of charismatic Billy Flinn who releases them and promises them a better life.
After a few weeks it becomes clear that Billy is a thief, and he begins to train Sebi in his arts, mostly working at the Savoy Hotel. One night the unthinkable happens and Sebi’s mother goes missing, with only a bloody handprint left to give any clue to what happened.
Sebi escapes from the controlling Billy and begins a desperate search around London. Finally, his search takes him on a dangerous journey to Bombay and a past he never knew he had. After coming up against the British Army and the East India Trading Company, Sebi realises there are secrets people will kill to protect. Will he be able to unravel his past and find his mother before it’s too late?
Conditions in the poorhouse are terrible, and Sebi and his mother are separated, he is beaten by a bully and thief called Moss who is in charge of the children’s section. After Moss attacks and nearly kills him, Sebi knows he must escape, but fate intervenes in the form of charismatic Billy Flinn who releases them and promises them a better life.
After a few weeks it becomes clear that Billy is a thief, and he begins to train Sebi in his arts, mostly working at the Savoy Hotel. One night the unthinkable happens and Sebi’s mother goes missing, with only a bloody handprint left to give any clue to what happened.
Sebi escapes from the controlling Billy and begins a desperate search around London. Finally, his search takes him on a dangerous journey to Bombay and a past he never knew he had. After coming up against the British Army and the East India Trading Company, Sebi realises there are secrets people will kill to protect. Will he be able to unravel his past and find his mother before it’s too late?
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 5, 2023
Sebi and his mother Lakshmi live on the barges, living a simple life. However Lakshmi is never comfortable as she fears someone from her past is out to find her.
After a tragic event changes their lives they move away, falling into the hands of local gangster Billy. When Sebis mother goes missing, he knows he must find her, and after searching London realises he must go to Bombay, the city of his birth.
This is such a beautifully written powerful story, about poverty, strength, love, courage, loyalty as well as betrayal. Even the strangest of love someone you least expect.
The settings of this are incredible. Each place, the barges, London and India, were all written so beautifully, so vividly, in each place I felt like I was stood there alongside them.
Sebi was a wonderful character, with strength that is impossible to imagine. But he was very flawed too.
I can't even begin to explain how special this is. The story ebbs and flows, from frenetic action to a slower pace before being thrown back in the action. I wasn't able to put it down.
After a tragic event changes their lives they move away, falling into the hands of local gangster Billy. When Sebis mother goes missing, he knows he must find her, and after searching London realises he must go to Bombay, the city of his birth.
This is such a beautifully written powerful story, about poverty, strength, love, courage, loyalty as well as betrayal. Even the strangest of love someone you least expect.
The settings of this are incredible. Each place, the barges, London and India, were all written so beautifully, so vividly, in each place I felt like I was stood there alongside them.
Sebi was a wonderful character, with strength that is impossible to imagine. But he was very flawed too.
I can't even begin to explain how special this is. The story ebbs and flows, from frenetic action to a slower pace before being thrown back in the action. I wasn't able to put it down.
August 31, 2023
The Apprentice Thief is a fabulously engaging book, which provides a very interesting reading experience.
The book is mostly set in London in the 1890’s. However, a portion of the book takes place in India. The author is very skilled at setting the time and place. If one didn’t know better, you would think you were reading a book written during that time period. The streets of London come so alive, that the reader experiences the sites, sounds and smells. Many of the book’s characters would be comfortable in a Dickens novel.
The main character in the book, Sebi is extremely likeable and compelling in his story telling. As Sebi’s story unfolds, he experiences several unpleasant and painful events, yet he remains true to his goals and to himself. The book is written in such a manner that the reader experiences all of Sebi’s trials, tribulations and most importantly, his humanity.
I highly recommend this book.
The book is mostly set in London in the 1890’s. However, a portion of the book takes place in India. The author is very skilled at setting the time and place. If one didn’t know better, you would think you were reading a book written during that time period. The streets of London come so alive, that the reader experiences the sites, sounds and smells. Many of the book’s characters would be comfortable in a Dickens novel.
The main character in the book, Sebi is extremely likeable and compelling in his story telling. As Sebi’s story unfolds, he experiences several unpleasant and painful events, yet he remains true to his goals and to himself. The book is written in such a manner that the reader experiences all of Sebi’s trials, tribulations and most importantly, his humanity.
I highly recommend this book.
August 30, 2023
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read, one I’d started it I didn’t want to put it down . The author takes you on a trip from life on a barge to the hustle and bustle of London and then from the poor house to India. You could almost picture yourself there alongside Sebi on his journey . It was a well written book with a good main character who you really got to care about .
August 5, 2023
Review to be posted after the blog tour
September 6, 2023
This is the second book that I have read by the author and it was just as enjoyable. The first was his debut ‘The Mirror Game’ which was set between the wars and dealt with the issues of trauma and the repercussions of the war. ‘The Apprentice Thief’ takes up back a bit more into the Victorian age and examines a mother and son relationship, the issues of poverty, manipulations and relations between the British and English in India. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for his future books!
Sebi and his mother lead an idyllic life on the waterways in Norfolk as part of a travelling community. When a horrible incident takes place they are forced to leave their community and make their way to London. They soon fall into abject poverty and are forced to enter the poor house. Sebi and his mother are separated, and Sebi is beaten and bullied by a member of the staff Moss. After a dreadful attack Sebi knows he must escape but help arrives in the form of Billy Flinn who takes Sebi and his mother out of the poor house. They are grateful but soon realise they Billy is a thief and accepts them to embrace and help them in his nefarious schemes. One night the unthinkable happens and Sebi’s mother goes missing. Sebi’s life mission becomes to find her. His search takes him on a dangerous journey to India and he realises that he needs to unravel his past to find his mother.
I really liked Sebi as a character. He is young and naive at the start of the book but also is a lot older than his age suggests. As we see him struggle he becomes aware of his strength and he grows into a well-balanced young man. Although, he is lost as until he finds his mother he can't really begin to start his own story and life. I wish there had been more exploration of his time in India but that's just my love for that country coming through. I really enjoyed that section of the book and it was packed full of adventure and revelations!
This was a quick read and I read it in a couple of sittings. Sebi’s story was engrossing and I was eager to find out how his story was resolved. The locations were extremely well written and I would read more about Sebi’s life!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Sebi and his mother lead an idyllic life on the waterways in Norfolk as part of a travelling community. When a horrible incident takes place they are forced to leave their community and make their way to London. They soon fall into abject poverty and are forced to enter the poor house. Sebi and his mother are separated, and Sebi is beaten and bullied by a member of the staff Moss. After a dreadful attack Sebi knows he must escape but help arrives in the form of Billy Flinn who takes Sebi and his mother out of the poor house. They are grateful but soon realise they Billy is a thief and accepts them to embrace and help them in his nefarious schemes. One night the unthinkable happens and Sebi’s mother goes missing. Sebi’s life mission becomes to find her. His search takes him on a dangerous journey to India and he realises that he needs to unravel his past to find his mother.
I really liked Sebi as a character. He is young and naive at the start of the book but also is a lot older than his age suggests. As we see him struggle he becomes aware of his strength and he grows into a well-balanced young man. Although, he is lost as until he finds his mother he can't really begin to start his own story and life. I wish there had been more exploration of his time in India but that's just my love for that country coming through. I really enjoyed that section of the book and it was packed full of adventure and revelations!
This was a quick read and I read it in a couple of sittings. Sebi’s story was engrossing and I was eager to find out how his story was resolved. The locations were extremely well written and I would read more about Sebi’s life!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
August 31, 2023
It’s plain from the start that Sebi doesn’t really fit in. His mother is Indian and his father is English and absent. In Victorian England, that’s a considerable burden for him to bear. Sebi has a letter to his father and a place to take it, when the time comes. His mother tells him that it explains everything.
This story had a fantastically detailed description of life in those times, it’s so richly immersive in the period that it’s easy to picture in every detail. Whether the setting is England or India, it resonates and feels authentic. The language, the attitudes the place and things are all immaculately researched and presented.
This is Sebi’s story and, as he grows, he learns more about his place in the world and of the realities of life. He makes and loses friends, sees the good and the bad in people. His existence is bound up in the echoes of a past event that his mother keeps to herself, and the belief that his father waits for him in foreign parts.
Sebi’s life descends, in the face of trials and tribulations, from easy-going days to the poorhouse, then to an association with a neer-do-well which teaches him new skills. He gets a job on the underside of life in the posher part of London, working for a man who appears to be above the law.
Then things change, Sebi’s mother is gone and he knows he has to leave and find her. But that’s not as easy as it sounds.
Sebi makes his way to India, to deliver the letter, find his mother and try to make things right. He has a glimpse of another life, where he is set apart from both sides, belonging to neither. And he learns of the reasons for the way his life has unfolded. All that remains is to solve the puzzle he’s been set and find the place where he’s finally supposed to be.
This is a beautiful story of the search for identity, family and redemption, with a fantastic ending.
This story had a fantastically detailed description of life in those times, it’s so richly immersive in the period that it’s easy to picture in every detail. Whether the setting is England or India, it resonates and feels authentic. The language, the attitudes the place and things are all immaculately researched and presented.
This is Sebi’s story and, as he grows, he learns more about his place in the world and of the realities of life. He makes and loses friends, sees the good and the bad in people. His existence is bound up in the echoes of a past event that his mother keeps to herself, and the belief that his father waits for him in foreign parts.
Sebi’s life descends, in the face of trials and tribulations, from easy-going days to the poorhouse, then to an association with a neer-do-well which teaches him new skills. He gets a job on the underside of life in the posher part of London, working for a man who appears to be above the law.
Then things change, Sebi’s mother is gone and he knows he has to leave and find her. But that’s not as easy as it sounds.
Sebi makes his way to India, to deliver the letter, find his mother and try to make things right. He has a glimpse of another life, where he is set apart from both sides, belonging to neither. And he learns of the reasons for the way his life has unfolded. All that remains is to solve the puzzle he’s been set and find the place where he’s finally supposed to be.
This is a beautiful story of the search for identity, family and redemption, with a fantastic ending.
August 24, 2023
My first read from this author and an enjoyable one. It’s 1890 when we are first introduced to our main protagonist Sebi and his mother Lakshmi who are living on a barge on the Norfolk Broads having left India. The story moves to London and then Bombay, India as Sebi searches for his mother, and father. This is a brilliantly descriptive novel which takes you from the slow moving life in Norfolk to the dark and dank streets of London and the dangerous city of Bombay. So well written i felt like i could almost see and smell the fetid streets and spices of India.
Briefly, after a terrible accident Sebi and Lakshmi move to London but when their money runs out they are forced to move to the poorhouse where Sebi is meted out cruel treatment. With the help of a man they met before moving to the poorhouse, Billy Flinn, they escape only to find themselves part of a brutal criminal underworld. But when his mother goes missing Sebi determines to find her, at any cost.
A very easy read, well paced with some great characters. Sebi was strong but his character was flawed by his treatment but when he loved, it was with all his heart. All the other main characters are equally well fleshed. It’s a wonderful and unique story and if I have a tiny gripe it’s that I wanted just a little bit more at the end to wrap it up neatly with no possible alternate ending. That’s just personal preference. An engaging and original story, beautifully descriptive and compelling reading. 4.5
Briefly, after a terrible accident Sebi and Lakshmi move to London but when their money runs out they are forced to move to the poorhouse where Sebi is meted out cruel treatment. With the help of a man they met before moving to the poorhouse, Billy Flinn, they escape only to find themselves part of a brutal criminal underworld. But when his mother goes missing Sebi determines to find her, at any cost.
A very easy read, well paced with some great characters. Sebi was strong but his character was flawed by his treatment but when he loved, it was with all his heart. All the other main characters are equally well fleshed. It’s a wonderful and unique story and if I have a tiny gripe it’s that I wanted just a little bit more at the end to wrap it up neatly with no possible alternate ending. That’s just personal preference. An engaging and original story, beautifully descriptive and compelling reading. 4.5
October 25, 2023
Sometimes you read a book outside of your comfort zone, a book which draws you in and holds you enthralled to the very last page ~ The Apprentice Thief is one such book. I only hope that my review goes some way to convey just how deeply it moved me.
This is a true coming-of-age book, telling Sebi's story from the idyll of Norfolk to the harsh reality of Victorian London, and on to India, where he hopes to find his father and to learn more about his heritage.
The author draws you into Sebi's world, outlining the realities faced by both him and his mother, and how they attempt to mitigate their existence ~ even if that means that they undertake criminal activity.
Throughout the book, Sebi and Lakshmi are faced with people and situations that test them to their very limits. And it is how they overcome these that make the book such a wonderful read. Sebi has his flaws, but these make him all the more appealing, more human, worthier of your empathy as he faces endless trials and tribulations ~ such that would have broken a weaker man. The attention to detail adds to the allure, making you care about the characters and how their fortunes will play out.
The Apprentice Thief is very subtle, drawing you in little by little, teasing with bursts of frenetic action then slowing down, beguiling the reader with description.
This is my first read from this particular author and I sincerely hope that it will not be my last.
This is a true coming-of-age book, telling Sebi's story from the idyll of Norfolk to the harsh reality of Victorian London, and on to India, where he hopes to find his father and to learn more about his heritage.
The author draws you into Sebi's world, outlining the realities faced by both him and his mother, and how they attempt to mitigate their existence ~ even if that means that they undertake criminal activity.
Throughout the book, Sebi and Lakshmi are faced with people and situations that test them to their very limits. And it is how they overcome these that make the book such a wonderful read. Sebi has his flaws, but these make him all the more appealing, more human, worthier of your empathy as he faces endless trials and tribulations ~ such that would have broken a weaker man. The attention to detail adds to the allure, making you care about the characters and how their fortunes will play out.
The Apprentice Thief is very subtle, drawing you in little by little, teasing with bursts of frenetic action then slowing down, beguiling the reader with description.
This is my first read from this particular author and I sincerely hope that it will not be my last.
August 13, 2023
A story that made my sense come alive with its descriptive prose.
I feel like I have been on a wonderous and harrowing journey, along with the characters, absolutely superb.
Sebi and his mother Lakshmi are living a quiet life on the barges, when an accident drives them to London, where they eventually end up in the poor house. A chance encounter for Sebi has them moving from a life of destitution to a life of dishonesty and abuse within the echelon of the elite. When Sebi’s mother goes missing, Sebi begins a journey of courage and strength, dealing with his own demons, he makes a remarkable passage through different continents whilst searching for the truth.
The whole book had me enthralled and I didn’t want it to end. I felt so involved with the beautifully, scripted story and characters. An amazing piece of writing that you find yourself immersed in from the first page.
Happy Reading
I feel like I have been on a wonderous and harrowing journey, along with the characters, absolutely superb.
Sebi and his mother Lakshmi are living a quiet life on the barges, when an accident drives them to London, where they eventually end up in the poor house. A chance encounter for Sebi has them moving from a life of destitution to a life of dishonesty and abuse within the echelon of the elite. When Sebi’s mother goes missing, Sebi begins a journey of courage and strength, dealing with his own demons, he makes a remarkable passage through different continents whilst searching for the truth.
The whole book had me enthralled and I didn’t want it to end. I felt so involved with the beautifully, scripted story and characters. An amazing piece of writing that you find yourself immersed in from the first page.
Happy Reading
August 11, 2023
There aren't many books that pull on my heart strings but The Apprentice Thief is amongst those that do.
Lakshmi and her son Sebi live a basic life on the bargers, life is hard but complicated.
Lakshmi is always looking over her shoulder and waiting for the past to catch up with her.
When tragedy strikes and Sebis mum goes missing he knows the answer must be in the city he was born in. Bombay.
Guy has written each character so wonderfully and no matter which destination you find yourself in, whether that be London or India, you just feel that you are there with the characters.
Such a heartfelt story of love, poverty, betrayal and most of all courage.
Lakshmi and her son Sebi live a basic life on the bargers, life is hard but complicated.
Lakshmi is always looking over her shoulder and waiting for the past to catch up with her.
When tragedy strikes and Sebis mum goes missing he knows the answer must be in the city he was born in. Bombay.
Guy has written each character so wonderfully and no matter which destination you find yourself in, whether that be London or India, you just feel that you are there with the characters.
Such a heartfelt story of love, poverty, betrayal and most of all courage.
August 29, 2023
If you look up the phrase ‘page turner’ in the dictionary, there is a picture of this book! The story starts in Dickensian England, centring around a boy called Sebi who (for reasons later revealed) is on the run with his Mum. I could not put this book down until I found out where Sebi’s road of trials ended up. Guy writes beautifully, breathing life into vivid characters like Billy Flynn who epitomise the underbelly of Victorian London. I knew Guy protected the universe with a power ring fuelled by his will power. What I didn’t know was his used this ring to create amazing universes such as the one Sebi inhabits.
September 5, 2023
This was a fabulous book which pulled me straight into the story with its descriptions of the beauty of Norfolk and India as well as the misery of London in the 1800’s. At times I wanted to shake Sebi (his friendship with Alice), but mainly I applauded him for his daring and determination to discover the truth about his father.
I didn’t find the story a particularly fast paced read but the brilliant writing pulled me in and wouldn’t let until I’d read the final page. the Apprentice Thief is definitely one I would recommend.
I didn’t find the story a particularly fast paced read but the brilliant writing pulled me in and wouldn’t let until I’d read the final page. the Apprentice Thief is definitely one I would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2023
I read this book in two sittings, yes it would have been one sitting if my families demands for dinner were ignored.
A first read for me from this author having met him in person at a Brighton Crime readers event.
Wow... this book blew my socks of and I was very quickly living the experiences of life in the era described.
By the end of the 3rd chapter i was living every emotion of the lead character.
Good luck with the release Guy.
*heads of to amazon to purchase another book by Guy.*
A first read for me from this author having met him in person at a Brighton Crime readers event.
Wow... this book blew my socks of and I was very quickly living the experiences of life in the era described.
By the end of the 3rd chapter i was living every emotion of the lead character.
Good luck with the release Guy.
*heads of to amazon to purchase another book by Guy.*
September 2, 2023
This book is not my usual genre but once I started it I couldn't put it down and I read it in two days. I thoroughly enjoyed Sebi's journey from living on a barge, working in The Savoy, and searching for his father and mother in India. The author brought his whole journey to life and portrayed the London streets of the 1890's and Bombay as if he was there himself . I thoroughly recommend this book if you want a compelling and enjoyable read.
September 10, 2023
Not what I was expecting but in a good way, an enjoyable read that tells the story of Sebi. Following him through the trials and tribulations of life from the quiet waterways on the barges to the loud hustle and bustle of London and the poorhouses then on to the beautiful India. A well written storyline that has a bit of everything, characters to love characters to hate but overall a beautifully written story.
September 4, 2023
This was a really different read for me and thoroughly enjoyable
There are few stories that can capture so many different scenes and lives so well, from Barge life in London to ‘Poorhouses’ and the villainous gluttonous bullies that run them right through to ‘The Savoy’ and the underbelly that lies below all the pomp and riches above, fascinating to read about them all
The main thrust of the book is Sebi and his search for his Dad which takes him after experiencing all of the above to India, the sights, smells and sounds fell out of the book at me and I was transported there, it was described wonderfully….the story then takes many turns as we travel with Sebi through this alien to him land yet comforting to him as he realises he is amongst his people
The whole book prepared you for the ending, I wont say anymore on that other than it was very moving and exciting and very well written
Overall a brilliant read, evoking a lot of words to pictures in my mind’ scenarios immediately and taking me on an unexpected but very welcome journey.
There are few stories that can capture so many different scenes and lives so well, from Barge life in London to ‘Poorhouses’ and the villainous gluttonous bullies that run them right through to ‘The Savoy’ and the underbelly that lies below all the pomp and riches above, fascinating to read about them all
The main thrust of the book is Sebi and his search for his Dad which takes him after experiencing all of the above to India, the sights, smells and sounds fell out of the book at me and I was transported there, it was described wonderfully….the story then takes many turns as we travel with Sebi through this alien to him land yet comforting to him as he realises he is amongst his people
The whole book prepared you for the ending, I wont say anymore on that other than it was very moving and exciting and very well written
Overall a brilliant read, evoking a lot of words to pictures in my mind’ scenarios immediately and taking me on an unexpected but very welcome journey.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews