What do you think?
Rate this book
Out of the Smoke
Plunged into the criminal underworld of Victorian London, Billy the chimney sweep knows he might fight--or die.
But with notorious gang leader Archie Miller closing in on him, every turn he takes only leads to more trouble.
When the 'Poor Man's Earl' offers Billy a chance to exchange his gangland life for an education, Billy must decide if his pride is too high a price to pay, and whether turning on Archie will mean freedom--or certain death.
A thrilling story of faith and survival, based on the work of the Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury.
But with notorious gang leader Archie Miller closing in on him, every turn he takes only leads to more trouble.
When the 'Poor Man's Earl' offers Billy a chance to exchange his gangland life for an education, Billy must decide if his pride is too high a price to pay, and whether turning on Archie will mean freedom--or certain death.
A thrilling story of faith and survival, based on the work of the Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury.
336 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2020
5 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Wainwright
2 books1 followerMatthew Wainwright lives and works in Greenwich, south London, and is a husband and father of three lively girls. He has spent many years working with children and young people as a member of the Metropolitan Tabernacle Baptist Church (Spurgeon’s), and in his career as a Communication Support Worker for young deaf people.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 20, 2020
Love children’s books and this one did not disappoint.
Though happily devoid of any particularly graphic details, the book immediately picks up the reader and takes you into a tense world of bleak poverty with the main character being swept along in a torrent of peril.
When things seem to get better, the temporary pool of tranquility crashes into ever greater dangers and depravity.
The clever ending leaves acres of gaps for the reader to pull the threads together in their own mind.
Though slightly over 300 pages, the gripping plot causes the reader to race through page after page (though sometimes I’d have to take a time out to contemplate what had just happened.) Challenging reasoning near the conclusion of the book addressed to the main character reverberates around the reader’s mind.
Recommend to capable readers of any age.
Though happily devoid of any particularly graphic details, the book immediately picks up the reader and takes you into a tense world of bleak poverty with the main character being swept along in a torrent of peril.
When things seem to get better, the temporary pool of tranquility crashes into ever greater dangers and depravity.
The clever ending leaves acres of gaps for the reader to pull the threads together in their own mind.
Though slightly over 300 pages, the gripping plot causes the reader to race through page after page (though sometimes I’d have to take a time out to contemplate what had just happened.) Challenging reasoning near the conclusion of the book addressed to the main character reverberates around the reader’s mind.
Recommend to capable readers of any age.
February 13, 2021
I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, but Matthew's writing and knack for detail had me gripped to the story. Billy was a great character to see develop. I think it's definitely for a more niche audience, as I couldn't personally connect with some of the more religious aspects, but I enjoyed nonetheless. Looking forward to more from this author! ❤
March 25, 2021
The book review will be published soon on www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com
January 20, 2021
*4 Stars / 8 out of 10*
Disclaimer: I'm not a regular reader of Historical Fiction or YA Fiction, and I really don't know much about life in Victorian London 'cause I'm an uninformed schmoe. But that did not hinder my enjoyment of this title in ANY way.
What I enjoyed most about OUT OF THE SMOKE was the easiness of it all. Wainwright's writing is clean and clear enough for anyone to get into the story. Chapters are the perfect length too, so that once you finish one, you can easily convince yourself to read just one more. And then another. The tale of Billy the chimneysweep is less of an obvious, linear plot and more of a string of mini-adventures, where Billy makes a series of questionable choices on his way to finding where he really belongs (although most of Billy's "questionable" choices were often the only choice he had).
Characters come and go quickly in this story, and at times I was frustrated by not knowing which ones I should latch onto, and which (turns out most of them) were just passing moments on the journey.
I appreciate the inclusion of the actual 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, as it helped ground the tale in reality, as well as giving me a bit more insight into history, but his character was in no way presented as too heavy of a learning tool. There is also a strong message at the end of the book, but not preachy.
There is some violence and mild gore, but I can easily recommend Out of the Smoke for any young reader (or reader of Young Adult fiction), especially one who enjoys adventure and historical stories.
Disclaimer: I'm not a regular reader of Historical Fiction or YA Fiction, and I really don't know much about life in Victorian London 'cause I'm an uninformed schmoe. But that did not hinder my enjoyment of this title in ANY way.
What I enjoyed most about OUT OF THE SMOKE was the easiness of it all. Wainwright's writing is clean and clear enough for anyone to get into the story. Chapters are the perfect length too, so that once you finish one, you can easily convince yourself to read just one more. And then another. The tale of Billy the chimneysweep is less of an obvious, linear plot and more of a string of mini-adventures, where Billy makes a series of questionable choices on his way to finding where he really belongs (although most of Billy's "questionable" choices were often the only choice he had).
Characters come and go quickly in this story, and at times I was frustrated by not knowing which ones I should latch onto, and which (turns out most of them) were just passing moments on the journey.
I appreciate the inclusion of the actual 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, as it helped ground the tale in reality, as well as giving me a bit more insight into history, but his character was in no way presented as too heavy of a learning tool. There is also a strong message at the end of the book, but not preachy.
There is some violence and mild gore, but I can easily recommend Out of the Smoke for any young reader (or reader of Young Adult fiction), especially one who enjoys adventure and historical stories.
August 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this account of Victorian London. The history is well researched but doesn't get in the way of a good yarn here. Lord Shaftesbury is portrayed here, yes, but he does not take centre stage. That spotlight is reserved for the ordinary people, and the book is all the better for it. I read this while on a visit to London and as I looked around me, the centuries simply fell away. Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews