The Prodigal Apprentice

by George MacDonald, Dan Hamilton (Editor)

Tom Worboise, the prodigal apprentice, is indecisive, frivolous, and ambitious for the "good life." He works as clerk to Mr. Boxall, a wealthy businessman in London's Guild Court, On his own time, Tom alternates between two girls who love him, Lucy Burton and Mary Boxall.

Tom's father, a shrewd lawyer, amens a will for the Boxall family, who soon afterward are all lost in a shipwreck. Tom's father had been named beneficiary in such an eventuality, and now ruthlessly goes after the money.

Tom is influenced by his crafty father and enters a series of misadventures that involve gambling and theft. Finally he comes to himself and returns to London where he finds love and a more noble way of life.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction

282 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1986

About the author

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.

Reviews

[Charlotte Gunther]

A redemptive and satisfying fiction -- it features some children and adults who carry out MacDonald's ideal of childlikeness.

[Beth]

Takes place in London, so no rich scenes of the Scottish countryside.

[Aaron Michael]

Poppie.
Mattie.
Lucy and Tom.