The Convicts

Curse of the Jolly Stone #1

by Iain Lawrence

After seeing his father hauled off to debtor's prison, Tom Tin sets out to take revenge on Mr. Goodfellow, the man responsible for his family's misfortunes. But the fog-filled London streets are teeming with sinister characters. Tom encounters a blind man who scavenges the riverbed for treasure and wants what Tom digs up; Worms, a body snatcher who reveals a shocking surprise; and a nasty gang of young pickpockets who mistake Tom for someone ominously known as the Smasher. And ultimately, Tom comes up against the cruel hand of the law. Accused of murder, Tom is given a seven-year sentence. He is to be transported to Van Diemen's Land with other juvenile convicts. But Tom can't abide life on the Hulk, the old ship where the boys are temporarily held. He decides to escape. But if he's to succeed, his luck needs to turn. . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Adventure, Fiction, Historical, Childrens, Pirates

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic historical adventure. It reminded me a great deal of something written by Charles Dickens, but for a less mature reader. I can't wait to read the next one in the series, since this one leaves you hanging

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a challenge and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. It is about a boy named Tom Tin and his experience aboard a prison ship.

Tom's father gets arrested and thrown into debtors' prison. Mr. Goodfellow goes to Tom's mother to demand that Tom's father does specific work for him; however, Mr. Tin has been taken to prison so Tom says he'll go in his stead. Later, Tom discovers that Mr. Goodfellow had set his father up to take a fall and ruin his family.

Tom is walking along the river front and he stumbles across a blind man who is poking in the water to find items. Tom steps on a sharp object that turns out to be a huge diamond and the man hears him and asks who's there. The blind man is territorial so he tackles Tom and Tom ends up taking the huge diamond and hitting him over the head with it.

A lot happens that I won't say, but I will say that Tom ends up getting arrested and is sent to Newgate Prison and then charged with murder and he is sentenced to Lachesis, a prison ship.

While there he is bullied by a boy who thinks he is Smasher, the boy who knifed him and scarred his face because evidently he had a twin. The boy (Smasher) looked just like Tom and that creates MANY problems for him.

[Lindsay wisdom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Enjoyable story with an interesting twist to be discovered. I especially loved the character growth of the main character throughout the tale.

[Jess castellanos lobaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is probably for teenagers but it could be a bit confusing because of the language used but I think I liked it.
The story its quiet cruel many times, the environment in which is developed is sad and gray and Tom Tin is unlucky 85% of the pages but the author tries to make it worth it in the end, at least for the main character, showing him more mature in his acts and thoughts even when life finally seems to eases his life with a light of hope that apparently will last this time.
Also gotta say that I loved Midge's character, I think he is so remarkable, lovable and kind all the time and I really hope the next book brings some luck for him too. He just deserves it.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Convicts is supposedly to be a book for kids grades 5-8. However, perhaps because I listened to the audio book, and the reader was 5 star, I was enthralled in the tale. If you enjoy novels set in England set in any era as I do for some reason, this reads, or I should say, listens like an adult novel.
That is, a very fine adult novel which is true to the time period -- the mid nineteenth century -- and its characters ring true as does the setting.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction of boys who get put on convict ships and plan an escape.
Good book for boys in jr. high. Not too long--198 pages, and has some of the gross factor that boys like. The writing was well done--interesting and keeps you reading.
Gives an interesting picture of the time period.
This is a book I won't be forgetting.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed listening to the audio book of this story. The narrator was fabulous! Disappointed in the ending until I saw that it is part one. Wondering if part 2 has been published. The story had a Dickens feel that left you rooting for the underdog.

[Valarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For younger people it can be a little confusing but I enjoyed it. (it is sad) just telling you if you like or dis-like those kind of books.

[Robert Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the book overall was great, I just didn't like the story. It's starts off really sad with the first paragraph talking about how Tom's mom has gone down a spiral depression since his sister died. The next sad part is that his dad is taken away from Mr.Goodfellow who hates the whole family. The next scene I felt that was important was when he beaten up the blind man, even though this isn't sad it makes you mad he had to beat up a disable person to attempt to be rich. My last problem is that he was guilty within 7 minutes, instead of doing that the author should've made it a chapter about how he testified in court, and what the jurors thought of him.

[Kaitlyn Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Tin's father decided to move to a new town, but as soon as they got there he was taken to a debtors prison far away. Tom ran away to try to free his father. He ended up meeting very many strange people on his trip. In a town near his there was a boy who looked exactly like Tom. This "twin" of Tom's was a big trouble maker, so when Tom randomly showed up in this town, the police thought it was his twin and took him to a ship where they keep bad kids. He became friends with a boy named Midge. They became very close, and began making plans on how to escape this horrible ship. Eventually, they met back up with Tom's father, and everything turned out okay.
This book reminds you to not get people confused and to not jump to conclusions. It reminds me of the movie "Parent Trap". Where two sisters grow up separated but end up meeting each other at a summer camp. They decided to do a switch-a-roo on their parents and it did not end up well. This story is from probably around the 19th century. The debtors prison was where people who couldn’t pay their large debts went to prison until they could pay it.

[Yami · Rating 4 out of 5]

well , that escalated quickly....this novel is like an Oliver Twist tale, and funny enough there is a Dodger adaptation by James Benmore , that also reminded me of this novel..I loved how it has bad to worse situation, and being narrated by the protagonist is always a favorite thing to me, Tom Tin is air in his narrating, he knows when he is selfish and which make him a kind hearted boy in my book, as for Midgy what happened to him was so shocking I think i gave myself a headache from frowning so much at the lines...now I want to know what ill happen in the next one

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because the series involved the use of "jolly stone," I thought its targeted audience were teenagers at the oldest. Oh boy, was I wrong. The descriptions are so nasty, but in a good way. The narrator is a teen who initially is self-centered (like any teen), but eases in helping others. You feel so bad because he experiences back-to-back bad luck. The fate of another character will also leave your stomach churning. This book takes inspiration from the works of Charles Dickens, with its focus on the oppressed of English society. There were times I had to remind myself that this book was written in the modern era.

[Greg Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Tom Tin follow the unfortunate lad through the trials that lead to his imprisonment on the rotten hulk of a former war ship and transport to Australia. It is a Dickensian history worthy of the Artful Dodger. It is peopled with broken and desperate characters, preyed upon by mercenaries and a caste system that imprisons good men for debt and rewarding those who practice users and deceit.

[Po · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, because it showed the struggle of a boy getting blamed and sent to jail for something he did not do. The story is very interesting with many twists and unexpected turns. When Tom first enters the boat he is mistaken as a former prisoner nicknamed "The Smasher." He hates being called this at first, but later embraces the name: "If his hands had clutched the other baby instead of me, would I have lived Smasher's life?" (Lawrence 188) This book answers how does literature help us to better understand ourselves by overcoming hardship and stereotypes by embracing it. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure books with twists all throughout.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun adventure and explores the realities of life on the streets in London.
The Hulk ships were not a fun place for any person especially young boys.

Adventure story for young kids, will get their interest and keep them reading.
Lots of interesting details and descriptions.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start to a trilogy and another great book from Iain Lawrence. This author is equally comfortable and equally good at writing in very different eras. This story grabbed me from the first page.

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 2 out of 5]

D. fiction, YA, historical fiction, London, sailing, dickens-esque, series, (Curse of the Jolly Stone, #1)

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting adventure. Had to get use to the Dicken's type story.

[Jamie Leeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good!! the life the boys had to live on the boat, was sad. I really liked the boy. Midgly. Everytime I stopped reading, I couldn't wait to read more later.

[Callyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok i borrowed it from a library and I didn't have enough time to finish it but I read up to about chapter 7 and it was good it is a trioligy. The author over all is one of my favorites.

[James Cowart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tragic but compelling story that leaves you wanting for more. I know it may be classified as middle-grade, but I personally think this series is better for Teen/Young Adult because of the plotline.

[Caitlin DeGrave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is this for middle schoolers?! Racist remarks,  dead bodies,  bullies... kids are gonna need therapy after reading this

[Hazel Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The whole thing felt kind of rushed, like the author was trying to fit in too much in too small a space. But it did bring me the close to throwing up during one scene.

[Mahfuza · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a whole emotional journey. Iain Lawrence made the characters so good. He did show all the points of greed, misery, jealousy and intrigue. It was amazing. there was a whole shocking plot twist at the end. HE HAD A TWIN BROTHER. Thats actually crazy. it shocked the shit out of me. It started out really good. I was very annoyed with Tom because of how selfish and annoting he was. he wanted to leave midge and escale by himself. It was seriously annoying reading that part. But in the end he grew an emotional attachment to midge. that i love ❤️.

[Trista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourteen year old Tom Tin encounters one unfortunate event after another. When his father is taken away to debtor's prison, Tom sets out to find Mr. Goodfellow, the man responsible for his family's financial ruin. But 19th century London is tough for a young boy. Tom comes face to face with a violent mud lark, a graverobber, and a gang of urchins who mistake Tom for someone called the "Smasher". Finally, Tom finds himself arrested for a murder he didn't commit. Sentenced to a seven-year term, Tom is taken to an old rundown ship where other convicted boys are kept until they can be transported to Van Diemen's Land. On the ship Tom soon winds up on the "hit list" of another gang of sinister youths, whose leader also believes Tom to be the "Smasher". Tom quickly decides to escape the rotting ruin of the ship they call the Lachesis, but in order to do that his luck needs to change, and fast.

This book is definitely geared more towards males than females, but even still I enjoyed this book. The author kept me guessing as to what new misfortune would befall the main character, Tom. Although it is realistic fiction, I found it to be very unrealistic that so many misunderstandings would actually happen to one boy. The writing style was good, the pace was excellent, and I found the description of 19th century London to be quite fascinating. I thought the book ended too quickly until I discovered that it is part of a trilogy; books in series always leave you with unanswered questions. The book was good enough that I now want to read the next two books to discover what happens to Tom. I would recommend this book to boys who like historical fiction.

[SBY Youth Services Rencsko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lawrence’s novel shows readers a darker side to 19th century London that persists of villains, smugglers, and backstabbers in a boy – eats – boy world. The main character Tom Tin although not accustomed to this lifestyle finds himself thrown in when his father is wrongfully accused and locked in debtor’s prison. Forced to grow up fast Tom hits the mean streets of London in search of money and is caught in a series of misunderstandings and wrongful accusations that land him on a prison ship that is seen by the public as rehabilitation process for minors that cannot abide by the law.

From the moment Tom steps on the ship he knows that he has gotten more than he bargained for as new comers are forced to submit to not only the captain’s rules but also a gang of ruthless boys that control the mood of the overall ship. So, Tom decides the only way to survive is to escape but how is that possible when your floating along the sea?

Lawrence’s first book in the series (3 to date) may start out slow but is sure to draw attention as soon as Tom is thrown on the prison ship. Here, readers find themselves in the middle of a “survival of the fittest” scenario that causes them to not only question the main character and his motivations but also what desperate situations can force people to do. Perfect for those that are looking for a far fetched nautical adventure.

[Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before this I had never read any books by Iain Lawrence so I didn’t have high expectations. Until I picked up The Convicts a best selling book by Lawrence. Even at the beginning the amount of creepiness and suspense I knew it would be a good book. In this book Tom Tin the main character is sent to prison for something he didn’t do. I never thought how scary it would be to go to prison until I read this book. If you have read this book you will agree with me that the beginning is a little weird. But after that it gets better and better.

There were many things I liked about this book almost every part I thoroughly enjoyed there were just some things I didn’t like. I enjoyed what Lawrence did with this book how he expressed everyone's feelings and went deep into the story. Like at the end of the book where it tells Tom’s past and it describes what happened to him. One thing I didn’t like so much was there were a couple slow and parts that weren’t necessary. But beside that it was an amazing book.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense and mystery. And there is even some action in it. I personally loved this book and I recommend you do the same. Everyone who likes mystery and suspense should read this book. Also you should check out the other novels by Iain Lawrence.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Convicts is one of the best books that i have ever read. Iain Lawrence is a very great author that writes outstanding books. I love how Lawrence builds so much suspense in his books. The lexile level of The Convicts is 720L. This book is about a boy that finds a diamond worth a fortune but loses it and somehow gets sent to a prison on a ship for a murder that he didn’t do.
The theme of The Convicts is to never stop trying or else you will get nowhere in life. The central idea of this book is to teach you to never be meek and always stand up for yourself. If Tom Tin would have never stood up for himself and tried to escape he would have never gotten anywhere and would of been on that miserable ship for seven more years. I loved how the author made the part where they escaped the ship really suspenseful and surprising.
I think this was a really great book and that everyone should read it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes action or suspenseful books. I liked The Convicts mostly because of the suspense and action. It was really easy to understand and was a sort of easy book to read. The convicts is really unpredictable about what’s going to happen. I liked the ending because it made me get the next book because of the cliffhanger. My favorite part was when he found the diamond and then lost it.

[Richard D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am happy for Tom that he was reunited with his father and that them together, should be able to devise a good plan to get back home and away from this terrible boat. Though the protection of his father life on the boat for the time being should be much easier and nicer. But I also feel a little lost as it ends abruptly as I do not know if they will get back home; they are both still on the boat and have yet to devise the perfect plan to get home. This story slightly reminds me of another book I have read (The Big Empty) as both stories the main characters have to fend for themselves and are both alone to figure out their own problems and to help others at the same time. I enjoyed reading this book, as the story wasn’t bland which kept me intrigued into the story and connected to the story. Also the fact that this story is realistic fiction and the plot of the story is plausible makes the reading more enjoyable because a connection is easier to make and shows the potential of the human will and strength inspiring other. Because I enjoyed this book, I would recommend this to other students because it isn’t that hard to read in the necessary time frame and the plot keeps you interested as well as the characters in the story shapes the story well too.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rough, cruel tale of a 14-year-old boy, on the streets of London in the late 1800s.

Tom Tin's father is in debtor's prison, and his mother is wasting away in their miserable hovel, so Tom sets out to try to find food or money. He scavenges at the edge of the river, works for a bodysnatcher, and has a terrible run-in with a street gang. But his troubles really start when he is falsely accused and thrown into a children's prison -- a hulking, rotting ship anchored in the river, and run by a cruel overseer who starves and beats the children.

The Convicts has been compared to Charles Dickens' stories, because of the setting, the time period, and the cruel treatment of poor families and children. But this is much grittier and more cruel, and of course without the Dickens skill in writing. That aside, the author's note confirms the very real and tragic situation for boys convicted of petty crimes in that day.

I wavered between 3 and 4 stars -- 3 because of its unrelenting hardship and cruelty, and 4 because those were really the conditions for indigent people in Victorian times. For teens 12-16.