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The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher
"You must think it strange that I'm digging up my grandfather."
"Not at all. I'm sure many young men dig up their grandfathers."
Thomas Timewell is sixteen and a gentleman. When he meets a body-snatcher called Plenitude, his whole life changes. He is pursued by cutthroats, a tattooed gypsy with a meat cleaver, and even the Grim Reaper. More disturbing still, Thomas has to spend an evening with the worstnoelist in the world.
A black comedy set in England in 1828, The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher shows what terrible events can occur when you try to do the right thing. 'Never a good idea', as Thomas' mother would say.
"Not at all. I'm sure many young men dig up their grandfathers."
Thomas Timewell is sixteen and a gentleman. When he meets a body-snatcher called Plenitude, his whole life changes. He is pursued by cutthroats, a tattooed gypsy with a meat cleaver, and even the Grim Reaper. More disturbing still, Thomas has to spend an evening with the worstnoelist in the world.
A black comedy set in England in 1828, The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher shows what terrible events can occur when you try to do the right thing. 'Never a good idea', as Thomas' mother would say.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2010
8 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Doug MacLeod
41 books22 followersDoug MacLeod is a Melbourne-based writer and TV producer who has worked on many of Australia's most popular comedy shows, including The Comedy Company, Fast Forward, Big Girls' Blouse, The Micallef Program and SeaChange. He was also the script editor on Kath and Kim.
While he enjoys the TV work, he prefers writing books for young people. After leaving his full-time job in TV, Doug wrote the teenage novel Tumble Turn, which was published by Penguin in 2003, and is on the syllabus at Deakin University.
On The Cards is a book of ridiculous greeting card rhymes with an introduction by Ben Elton that Doug wrote for the international charity Comic Relief in 2002. A second book of creepy rhymes, Spiky, Spunky, My Pet Monkey, was released in 2004. Both books are illustrated by Craig Smith and published by Penguin. Craig and Doug again collaborated on Leon Stumble’s Book of Stupid Fairytales, published by Working Title in 2005.
Doug’s second young adult novel for Penguin, I’m Being Stalked by a Moonshadow (2006), was shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier’s Awards, and published in America by Front Street Press.
Two fantasy novels, Kevin the Troll (2007) and The Clockwork Forest (2008), came next and were also published by Penguin. The Clockwork Forest was presented as a play at The Sydney Theatre Company in 2008.
Doug’s third young adult novel, Siggy and Amber, was released by Penguin in 2009.
But he’s probably best known for a book called Sister Madge’s Book of Nuns, which was published in 1986. He's less well known for The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher, which was published by Penguin in 2010 and is a much better book, especially if you like your comedy a little black.
Recent non-book-related activities include co-devising the animated TV series, Dogstar, for which he has won two Australian Writers’ Guild Awards and the inaugural John Hinde Award for Science Fiction. There are 52 episodes. Doug wrote half of them. Philip Dalkin wrote the other half. The show plays all over the world and premiered on the BBC.
With satirist John Clarke and composer Alan John he wrote a play based on May Gibbs’ famous children’s book, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. It was directed by Neil Armfield and premiered at The Sydney Festival in 2007.
With comedian Tracy Harvey he co-wrote the musical Call Girl in 2009, which had two Melbourne seasons.
In 2008 Doug received the Fred Parsons Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Australian Comedy at the Australian Writers’ Guild Awards.
While he enjoys the TV work, he prefers writing books for young people. After leaving his full-time job in TV, Doug wrote the teenage novel Tumble Turn, which was published by Penguin in 2003, and is on the syllabus at Deakin University.
On The Cards is a book of ridiculous greeting card rhymes with an introduction by Ben Elton that Doug wrote for the international charity Comic Relief in 2002. A second book of creepy rhymes, Spiky, Spunky, My Pet Monkey, was released in 2004. Both books are illustrated by Craig Smith and published by Penguin. Craig and Doug again collaborated on Leon Stumble’s Book of Stupid Fairytales, published by Working Title in 2005.
Doug’s second young adult novel for Penguin, I’m Being Stalked by a Moonshadow (2006), was shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier’s Awards, and published in America by Front Street Press.
Two fantasy novels, Kevin the Troll (2007) and The Clockwork Forest (2008), came next and were also published by Penguin. The Clockwork Forest was presented as a play at The Sydney Theatre Company in 2008.
Doug’s third young adult novel, Siggy and Amber, was released by Penguin in 2009.
But he’s probably best known for a book called Sister Madge’s Book of Nuns, which was published in 1986. He's less well known for The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher, which was published by Penguin in 2010 and is a much better book, especially if you like your comedy a little black.
Recent non-book-related activities include co-devising the animated TV series, Dogstar, for which he has won two Australian Writers’ Guild Awards and the inaugural John Hinde Award for Science Fiction. There are 52 episodes. Doug wrote half of them. Philip Dalkin wrote the other half. The show plays all over the world and premiered on the BBC.
With satirist John Clarke and composer Alan John he wrote a play based on May Gibbs’ famous children’s book, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. It was directed by Neil Armfield and premiered at The Sydney Festival in 2007.
With comedian Tracy Harvey he co-wrote the musical Call Girl in 2009, which had two Melbourne seasons.
In 2008 Doug received the Fred Parsons Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Australian Comedy at the Australian Writers’ Guild Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 9, 2011
Doug Macleod is one of Australia's premier writers - full stop. From Sister Madge's Book of Nuns, through The Comedy Company and Kath & Kim, and My Incredible Life and Death, to the beautiful Siggy and Amber, Tumble Turn (swoons) and The Clockwork Forest.
The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher follows young Thomas Timewell, "sixteen and a gentleman". We meet Thomas as he is attempting to steal the newly-buried body of his grandfather. An unusual pastime for a young gentleman, you might think. And you would be right. But Thomas is just trying to fulfil Grandfather's dying wish - for his body to be donated to science. Unfortunately, Thomas mother doesn't think this is a good idea, and so grandfather goes into the ground. And also unfortunately, body-snatching is against the law, and Thomas risks going to jail for the sake of his grandfather.
Fortunately for Thomas (and Grandfather), he meets a resurrectionist named Plenitude. Plenitude is a man of honour, wisdom and care, and is, as it turns out, the perfect person to have caught Thomas digging noisily into Grandfather's grave.
The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher is funny, black, thoughtful and moving. It is definitely one of Doug MacLeod's best books in a long history of excellent writing.
The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher follows young Thomas Timewell, "sixteen and a gentleman". We meet Thomas as he is attempting to steal the newly-buried body of his grandfather. An unusual pastime for a young gentleman, you might think. And you would be right. But Thomas is just trying to fulfil Grandfather's dying wish - for his body to be donated to science. Unfortunately, Thomas mother doesn't think this is a good idea, and so grandfather goes into the ground. And also unfortunately, body-snatching is against the law, and Thomas risks going to jail for the sake of his grandfather.
Fortunately for Thomas (and Grandfather), he meets a resurrectionist named Plenitude. Plenitude is a man of honour, wisdom and care, and is, as it turns out, the perfect person to have caught Thomas digging noisily into Grandfather's grave.
The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher is funny, black, thoughtful and moving. It is definitely one of Doug MacLeod's best books in a long history of excellent writing.
January 2, 2013
The story begins as young Thomas, a 16year old gentleman in 1828, is interrupted as he digs up his Grandfather’s fresh corpse in order to fulfil his final wish. The man who interrupted Thomas in the middle of his most unsavoury act is none other than the man who will take Thomas and his friend the kind and gentle Charlie, on the ride of their lives.
Plenitude, is a middle aged body snatcher who has secrets that will turn Thomas’s life upside down, while he breaks his own personal rules to accommodate the young man. But Plenitude is nothing of which he seems. Missing heads, a strange trunk going to the bakers, and his most odd gentlemanly behaviour.
But Thomas has other things on his mind, his most hated teacher is going to publish a book on teaching young boys, in this book he calls Thomas by name a ‘nancy-boy’ and risks destroying his families reputation, much to the displeasure of his brother Joshua. But this book also teaches something else; To choose a young boy out of the class, a gentle one, to use as a whipping boy. This angers Thomas as the whipping boy happens to be his best friend Charlie. While trying to stop the book from being published, dealing with a drug addled mother whose friend seems bent on molesting Thomas, and discovering love, can Thomas keep hidden from the law, the people who want to cancel out the competition, his angry teacher, his odd body snatcher friend, and the weird naked, devil tattooed, insane gypsy woman and her meat cleaver.
This story had everything I was looking for and more with horror, love, and comedy all wrapped into one historical fiction.
October 2, 2011
This book is one of those books that sneaks up on you unaware. The experience is something similar to going into a small and slightly average looking restaurant and being served food that just blows you away. Not, perhaps, the best meal you have ever had but one that leaves a very distinct taste in your mouth.
I have never read a black comedy before. The book is set in England in 1828 and it had a delightful humour to it that actually made me laugh out loud several times. It is such a dry style of humour and often at complete odds with the situation. The book was just so over the top ridiculous at times but very entertaining.
Some of my favourite pieces ... that probably are not as good out of context! In the first despite being about to die the hero stops to discuss a quote with his would-be-killer ...
=Tolerance shakes his head. 'There will be a reckoning, pretty boy. "Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth."'
'Leviticus again. Why are so many people obsessed with that book?"
'It's quite short.'
'Yes, that must be it.'
'Before, you die, Timewell ...' =
The second, despite his son who is the hero's best friend being arrested for solicitation (a crime he was innocent of) the father is pleased ...
='What is the charge?' Mr Callow asks at the desk.
'I'm afraid,' says the sheriff, that in the early hours of the morning your son was caught solicitating the services of a lady of the night.'
'Really?' says Mr Callow, surprised.
'Yes, sir.'
Mr Callow nods earnestly. "Thank you, sheriff. That's quite a weight off my mind."
I have to say I recommend this book to all if you can get a copy of it. Will definetly be searching out more from this author. ;o)
I have never read a black comedy before. The book is set in England in 1828 and it had a delightful humour to it that actually made me laugh out loud several times. It is such a dry style of humour and often at complete odds with the situation. The book was just so over the top ridiculous at times but very entertaining.
Some of my favourite pieces ... that probably are not as good out of context! In the first despite being about to die the hero stops to discuss a quote with his would-be-killer ...
=Tolerance shakes his head. 'There will be a reckoning, pretty boy. "Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth."'
'Leviticus again. Why are so many people obsessed with that book?"
'It's quite short.'
'Yes, that must be it.'
'Before, you die, Timewell ...' =
The second, despite his son who is the hero's best friend being arrested for solicitation (a crime he was innocent of) the father is pleased ...
='What is the charge?' Mr Callow asks at the desk.
'I'm afraid,' says the sheriff, that in the early hours of the morning your son was caught solicitating the services of a lady of the night.'
'Really?' says Mr Callow, surprised.
'Yes, sir.'
Mr Callow nods earnestly. "Thank you, sheriff. That's quite a weight off my mind."
I have to say I recommend this book to all if you can get a copy of it. Will definetly be searching out more from this author. ;o)
May 22, 2011
A lovely, over-the-top black comedy. I wasn't sure teens would get all the jokes, but there are several fans of this book at my school. If you like Richard Harland, you should enjoy this.
August 7, 2011
Surprised at how much I enjoyed this black comedy, informative and fun. Easy to recommend.
April 6, 2021
Set in London in 1828, The life of a teenage body snatcher is a dark comedy following the adventures of a 16-year-old boy named Thomas Timewell.
Thomas is a gentleman with good morals however his morals are tested throughout the book, especially by his drug-addict of a mother. The book begins with Thomas digging up his recently deceased grandfather and meeting a professional body snatcher named Plenitude. Thomas becomes Plenitude’s snatching partner and eventually Thomas’ best friend Charlie is accepted into the team. With twists and turns throughout the book the reader is always kept guessing about the next chapter of the adventure. Swimming with human heads, fighting a drunken maniac and being chased by a naked gypsy are just some of the horrific pitstops along Thomas’ journey. There is gory detail throughout the book and many advanced words, so I would recommend this book to mature readers from age 13 and up.
Doug McLeod’s creative language and description during this book help the reader to visualize scenes in great detail. The life of a teenage body snatcher is a strange but entertaining book that could easily draw any reader’s attention, I would rate this book 4/5 stars.
Thomas is a gentleman with good morals however his morals are tested throughout the book, especially by his drug-addict of a mother. The book begins with Thomas digging up his recently deceased grandfather and meeting a professional body snatcher named Plenitude. Thomas becomes Plenitude’s snatching partner and eventually Thomas’ best friend Charlie is accepted into the team. With twists and turns throughout the book the reader is always kept guessing about the next chapter of the adventure. Swimming with human heads, fighting a drunken maniac and being chased by a naked gypsy are just some of the horrific pitstops along Thomas’ journey. There is gory detail throughout the book and many advanced words, so I would recommend this book to mature readers from age 13 and up.
Doug McLeod’s creative language and description during this book help the reader to visualize scenes in great detail. The life of a teenage body snatcher is a strange but entertaining book that could easily draw any reader’s attention, I would rate this book 4/5 stars.
May 25, 2019
This was a rather enjoyable and morbid book with quirky old style romance in it. It is set in old England and the opinion on Australia made me laugh my ass of. it was priceless, inaccurate but priceless. I also enjoyed how well researched and put together this story is and the mannerism of all the character in it.
BOOK COVER: 4
RATING: M has defacing corpses and body-snatching in it (if you don't know that that is than you aint old enough to read this book)
OVERAL: Was a rather pleasant morbid read
FAVE CHARACTER: None they all seemed to sit at the same level for me
WOULD I READ MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR: Ummm Maybe
RECOMMED: People who like old English setting, morbid books set in grave yards with a huge revenge fell to it.
BOOK COVER: 4
RATING: M has defacing corpses and body-snatching in it (if you don't know that that is than you aint old enough to read this book)
OVERAL: Was a rather pleasant morbid read
FAVE CHARACTER: None they all seemed to sit at the same level for me
WOULD I READ MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR: Ummm Maybe
RECOMMED: People who like old English setting, morbid books set in grave yards with a huge revenge fell to it.
March 12, 2021
Fantastic Australian YA!! I recently read Doug's book "Shiny Guys" which I spotted in my Library and liked the cover.
Followed up with this one and really enjoyed it. Quirky, black humour for older teens of all ages!!
Followed up with this one and really enjoyed it. Quirky, black humour for older teens of all ages!!
August 7, 2017
i like the book with the big plot twist but the end wasn't that good or he need to write a second book
May 30, 2018
This is a wonderfully strange little book.
December 21, 2019
Enjoyed this adventurous tale. It was quite funny and had a few twists towards the end. Unique topic that kept me interested.
April 16, 2023
would make a great movie
November 27, 2010
The Life of a Teenage Body Snatcher is a black comedy set in England in 1828 and is the 12th book written by Doug MacLeod. We meet sixteen-year-old protagonist, Thomas Timewell, on the evening of his grandfather’s funeral. Thomas' Grandfather's dying wish was for his body to be donated to science to help in the advancement of the medical and scientific fields. Like in many cases, those wishes were ignored and he was buried anyway. So, as you do, Thomas takes matters into his own hands and digs up the grave to take the body where it rightfully belongs, as per his Grandfather's wishes.
As he digs, we meet Plentitude – a body snatcher. An uneasy alliance is made between the two as Plentitude shows Thomas the tricks of the body snatching trade and delivers the body to the desired destination. From there Plentitude convinces Thomas to continue fulfilling the final wishes of the recently deceased.
Body snatching is not a simple game though – there’s competition. Disgruntled former partners of Plentitude’s want the bodies (and the payment that comes with their sale) for themselves. That, plus a gypsy with a taste for throwing meat cleavers, a teacher who ritually tortures his best friend and a mother in a constant opium daze, Thomas’s life gets really bizarre, really fast. Not to mention the lovely Victoria, who he can’t keep from offending every time their paths cross.
As some of you may know, I spend most of my day studying fashion and trends, but I’m picking up on a book trend here - more stories being set during the Georgian and Victorian eras (18th and 19th century) - and I have to say I’m really liking it. Think Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, and Emily Bronte, but teen friendly. Now don’t get me wrong, these authors and many others of that period were very talented and have written some of the best loved classic literature of all time. I’ve read a fair few books from the period either for study or by choice but try as I might I just don’t know what they’re saying. Since times and social customs have changed you need to read between the lines, and understand the contextual history to know why it’s so scandalous for a girl to leave the house without a hat and gloves. This, plus the language itself means the message of those books are unfortunately lost on me, it just feels like a chore to read. I don’t doubt they’re still valuable and the themes and issues they express are important and still relevant today (and should still be read and studied)….but they’re just not fun for me.
What I’m trying to get at here, is that books such as The Life of a Teenage Body Snatcher and others that are coming out recently, are quite faithful to the period and allow you to enjoy a story set in the age of gentlemen in top hats and ladies in corsets without getting lost in the writing of classic literature.
There was a great plot here, quite different to things I’ve read lately - very dark and gruesome at times but also with a sense of sarcasm and humor that kept it light. I loved the surprise ending, as well as the reference to Sweeney Todd, and to the issues of women who had to pose as males to be taken seriously as authors and the extend of opium use of the time.
The characters were a delight and I loved the witty interaction between them. Particularly between Thomas and his adopted younger brother John, who at fourteen has moved out into his deceased grandfather’s mansion and considers himself an important adult, high power business man. I also liked that body snatchers (or resurrectionists) never revealed their names; each one had a unique name chosen by them.
The Life of a Teenage Body Snatcher is a great period novel that was witty and engaging, that gives a dark insight to an unusual occupation.
As he digs, we meet Plentitude – a body snatcher. An uneasy alliance is made between the two as Plentitude shows Thomas the tricks of the body snatching trade and delivers the body to the desired destination. From there Plentitude convinces Thomas to continue fulfilling the final wishes of the recently deceased.
Body snatching is not a simple game though – there’s competition. Disgruntled former partners of Plentitude’s want the bodies (and the payment that comes with their sale) for themselves. That, plus a gypsy with a taste for throwing meat cleavers, a teacher who ritually tortures his best friend and a mother in a constant opium daze, Thomas’s life gets really bizarre, really fast. Not to mention the lovely Victoria, who he can’t keep from offending every time their paths cross.
As some of you may know, I spend most of my day studying fashion and trends, but I’m picking up on a book trend here - more stories being set during the Georgian and Victorian eras (18th and 19th century) - and I have to say I’m really liking it. Think Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, and Emily Bronte, but teen friendly. Now don’t get me wrong, these authors and many others of that period were very talented and have written some of the best loved classic literature of all time. I’ve read a fair few books from the period either for study or by choice but try as I might I just don’t know what they’re saying. Since times and social customs have changed you need to read between the lines, and understand the contextual history to know why it’s so scandalous for a girl to leave the house without a hat and gloves. This, plus the language itself means the message of those books are unfortunately lost on me, it just feels like a chore to read. I don’t doubt they’re still valuable and the themes and issues they express are important and still relevant today (and should still be read and studied)….but they’re just not fun for me.
What I’m trying to get at here, is that books such as The Life of a Teenage Body Snatcher and others that are coming out recently, are quite faithful to the period and allow you to enjoy a story set in the age of gentlemen in top hats and ladies in corsets without getting lost in the writing of classic literature.
There was a great plot here, quite different to things I’ve read lately - very dark and gruesome at times but also with a sense of sarcasm and humor that kept it light. I loved the surprise ending, as well as the reference to Sweeney Todd, and to the issues of women who had to pose as males to be taken seriously as authors and the extend of opium use of the time.
The characters were a delight and I loved the witty interaction between them. Particularly between Thomas and his adopted younger brother John, who at fourteen has moved out into his deceased grandfather’s mansion and considers himself an important adult, high power business man. I also liked that body snatchers (or resurrectionists) never revealed their names; each one had a unique name chosen by them.
The Life of a Teenage Body Snatcher is a great period novel that was witty and engaging, that gives a dark insight to an unusual occupation.
July 13, 2011
I like this book. I like its simplicity and complexity and above all, the characters. Even the extremely foul ones (with the exception of Atkins and Clemency...which is pretty much the two antagonists of the book. Whatever.)
Who knew that deciding to do the right thing could lead to such an array of amusing, confusing, heartbreaking and astonishing events?
One of the things I love about this book is the romance. Thomas's love interest, and their 'getting-together' wasn't overly emphasised or embellished so that every minute detail of their kiss, her skin, her eyes, her hair, her whatever, was described. It's really refreshing to read books where the romance is more low-key and isn't so flowery. (Another example would be Howl's Moving Castle) The love in these books are pretty much straight forward and simple. Sweet.
To be honest, when I realised it was Doug MacLeod who wrote this book, I was slightly reluctant to read it, despite its promising premise. I liked his earlier book, The Clockwork Forest, but after reading I'm Being Stalked by a Moonshadow, I started not liking his writings anymore despite The Clockwork Forest. But, after reading The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher, it has renewed my love of his writing. (I sound so posh. Blame the book!)
At first, the characters were pretty meh. I mean, at first I didn't love the characters, but in the end they grew on me. It might have something to do with the twist. And is also why I'm slightly pissed at the ending. Also, I really really really want to know who's John's father is (which apparently, there are clues in the book, which means I have to reread it, which is really bothersome), and what Thomas's ressurectionist name is going to be.
Rah. I am depressed. Thinking about the ending is depressing (not that it was a tear-jerking ending. But it was sad.) My heart really went out to them when...when it happened.
Read the book to find out what it was!
(There were also some amusing moments in the book. There's one part which I have no idea what the purpose is---the part where Thomas's mum is telling him about 'the facts of life'.)
Note: 'It' could be several scenes in the book
Who knew that deciding to do the right thing could lead to such an array of amusing, confusing, heartbreaking and astonishing events?
One of the things I love about this book is the romance. Thomas's love interest, and their 'getting-together' wasn't overly emphasised or embellished so that every minute detail of their kiss, her skin, her eyes, her hair, her whatever, was described. It's really refreshing to read books where the romance is more low-key and isn't so flowery. (Another example would be Howl's Moving Castle) The love in these books are pretty much straight forward and simple. Sweet.
To be honest, when I realised it was Doug MacLeod who wrote this book, I was slightly reluctant to read it, despite its promising premise. I liked his earlier book, The Clockwork Forest, but after reading I'm Being Stalked by a Moonshadow, I started not liking his writings anymore despite The Clockwork Forest. But, after reading The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher, it has renewed my love of his writing. (I sound so posh. Blame the book!)
At first, the characters were pretty meh. I mean, at first I didn't love the characters, but in the end they grew on me. It might have something to do with the twist. And is also why I'm slightly pissed at the ending. Also, I really really really want to know who's John's father is (which apparently, there are clues in the book, which means I have to reread it, which is really bothersome), and what Thomas's ressurectionist name is going to be.
Rah. I am depressed. Thinking about the ending is depressing (not that it was a tear-jerking ending. But it was sad.) My heart really went out to them when...when it happened.
Read the book to find out what it was!
(There were also some amusing moments in the book. There's one part which I have no idea what the purpose is---the part where Thomas's mum is telling him about 'the facts of life'.)
Note: 'It' could be several scenes in the book
July 27, 2015
When I started reading I expected this novel to be funny and ridiculous and not to have a whole lot of substance (the blurb on the back cover doesn't really make you expect literary genius). I didn't expect I'd like it (I try not to come to books with these expectations but I inevitably always do - I can't help it) - sometimes I find with humorous books, that everything's a little too out-there and preposterous and silly for me to empathise with characters.
And it was funny (sometimes laugh-out-loud funny), and pretty ridiculous in parts - I thought the story was fabulous and original, and the pacing was great (I had difficulty putting it down to do stuff that must be done such as eating and sleeping and schoolwork). I totally proved myself wrong (this happens frequently) and loved it. The characters were all likeable and offbeat and the story certainly had substance (lots of unexpected twists! Gosh, I hope I don't ruin it for you by telling you that). I was absolutely sympathetic for Thomas (his brother and mother especially are hilarious characters, too).
I’m not sure who to recommend this book to (I have trouble saying, oh, boys would like it, especially those between twelve and fifteen, because I don’t like to generalise and I don’t really know enough people and their tastes in books to make educated recommendations). But I will say that if you like comedic books (historical comedic books, even better), this won’t disappoint. (I wish I knew a book to compare it to, but I can’t think of anything.) Maybe you should just read the start here and see if it suits your tastes.
And, oh, the dialogue. It killed me. But not literally. Otherwise I wouldn't be writing this review right now. This is the summing-up sentence: The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher is brilliant: dark, witty and enthralling. And probably shouldn't be read in a graveyard at night. Not that you should read anything in a graveyard at night (though if you were going to, maybe you should take this, to lighten the mood. And also freak yourself out, because it's a little bit gruesome in parts). (Do you like the way I said in parts?)
And it was funny (sometimes laugh-out-loud funny), and pretty ridiculous in parts - I thought the story was fabulous and original, and the pacing was great (I had difficulty putting it down to do stuff that must be done such as eating and sleeping and schoolwork). I totally proved myself wrong (this happens frequently) and loved it. The characters were all likeable and offbeat and the story certainly had substance (lots of unexpected twists! Gosh, I hope I don't ruin it for you by telling you that). I was absolutely sympathetic for Thomas (his brother and mother especially are hilarious characters, too).
I’m not sure who to recommend this book to (I have trouble saying, oh, boys would like it, especially those between twelve and fifteen, because I don’t like to generalise and I don’t really know enough people and their tastes in books to make educated recommendations). But I will say that if you like comedic books (historical comedic books, even better), this won’t disappoint. (I wish I knew a book to compare it to, but I can’t think of anything.) Maybe you should just read the start here and see if it suits your tastes.
And, oh, the dialogue. It killed me. But not literally. Otherwise I wouldn't be writing this review right now. This is the summing-up sentence: The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher is brilliant: dark, witty and enthralling. And probably shouldn't be read in a graveyard at night. Not that you should read anything in a graveyard at night (though if you were going to, maybe you should take this, to lighten the mood. And also freak yourself out, because it's a little bit gruesome in parts). (Do you like the way I said in parts?)
January 9, 2013
This is my second Doug MacLeod book (the first one I read was "I'm Being Stalked By a MoonShadow"), and although they are completely different, his style is still the same.
The writing itself was fantastic, it had dark moments then light moments and there was a cast of wit and sarcasm all over it. The characters were brilliantly portrayed.
We had Thomas Timewell with his opium-addicted mother and his 14-year-old-brother who has moved into a mansion and is running his own business. There are also Thomas's mother's creepy friends who are rather pathetic and you can't help feeling sorry for, and there is also Thomas' cat loving best friend (did I mention cats hate Thomas?), Charlie Callow.
On the other side there is the mysterious resurrectionist Plenitude, his old partner, Tolerance and his competition, Clemency and his buddy. We can't forget the insane gypsy woman with an obsession with the devil, meat cleavers and heather.
The only character I really had a problem with was Victoria Plum. She just seemed a bit... flat to me. Although I liked her sense of humor.
While I loved MacLeod's writing and unusual characters, I reluctantly have to say the plot let me down a bit near the end.
There were several twists I really enjoyed and didn't see coming, there were also a few that were honestly, cliche. It all happened a bit too quickly at the end, while the beginning was far, far slower. The story itself reminded me of a short story.
The historical references were fantastic, and there weren't too many of them so it didn't become too dry. It was based in the 19th century but it was teenage-oriented and was very very readable.
My rating was difficult to decide, as I was stuck between three and four stars. If I could have, I would have given it three and a half stars. The humor, the characters, the twists and everything was simply brilliant, but I just feel the plot let me down a bit at the end.
The writing itself was fantastic, it had dark moments then light moments and there was a cast of wit and sarcasm all over it. The characters were brilliantly portrayed.
We had Thomas Timewell with his opium-addicted mother and his 14-year-old-brother who has moved into a mansion and is running his own business. There are also Thomas's mother's creepy friends who are rather pathetic and you can't help feeling sorry for, and there is also Thomas' cat loving best friend (did I mention cats hate Thomas?), Charlie Callow.
On the other side there is the mysterious resurrectionist Plenitude, his old partner, Tolerance and his competition, Clemency and his buddy. We can't forget the insane gypsy woman with an obsession with the devil, meat cleavers and heather.
The only character I really had a problem with was Victoria Plum. She just seemed a bit... flat to me. Although I liked her sense of humor.
While I loved MacLeod's writing and unusual characters, I reluctantly have to say the plot let me down a bit near the end.
There were several twists I really enjoyed and didn't see coming, there were also a few that were honestly, cliche. It all happened a bit too quickly at the end, while the beginning was far, far slower. The story itself reminded me of a short story.
The historical references were fantastic, and there weren't too many of them so it didn't become too dry. It was based in the 19th century but it was teenage-oriented and was very very readable.
My rating was difficult to decide, as I was stuck between three and four stars. If I could have, I would have given it three and a half stars. The humor, the characters, the twists and everything was simply brilliant, but I just feel the plot let me down a bit at the end.
March 21, 2016
In desperately, but inexpertly, trying to grant his grandfather’s dying wish, Thomas Timewell finds himself cornered by the enigmatic Plenitude, who would much prefer to be known as a resurrectionist than a body snatcher. From this first bizarre meeting with Plenitude, Thomas finds himself caught up in a life of crime as a Victorian era body-snat…resurrectionist.
It seems impossible not to be drawn into the outlandishly cadaverous, yet irresistibly funny life of Thomas, who finds himself at various junctures; debating the morality of separating a corpse from its head before leaving it to science; fending off propositions from his mother’s lecherous friend; shot at; conched and set fire to. And this is aside from trying to convince his terrified friend Charlie to think of something more pleasant as they swim from a burning tannery through a lake of…well, you’ll find out soon enough…
MacLeod clearly enjoys vaudeville as well as playing with stereotypes, drawing characters that are extraordinarily larger than life. But rather than dismissing the heroic Thomas, the sensitive Charlie, the cagey Plenitude and the utterly destroyed Carolyn, you won’t be able to help but find yourself completely enthralled by them. These amplified characters magically seem to shelter MacLeod’s more subtle interest in their relationships and humanity.
If you like your humour dry and quirky with a touch of the travelling sideshow, this is the book for you. Yet be warned that the humour of The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher veils a story that turns ‘right and wrong’ on its head and will leave you pondering even before you can stop laughing. Almost without realising it, you find yourself joining Thomas and Plenitude in considering the tensions between religion and science, morality and compassion and the sometimes devastating human toll of keeping up appearances.
And they still have to figure out what to do with all those surplus heads.
It seems impossible not to be drawn into the outlandishly cadaverous, yet irresistibly funny life of Thomas, who finds himself at various junctures; debating the morality of separating a corpse from its head before leaving it to science; fending off propositions from his mother’s lecherous friend; shot at; conched and set fire to. And this is aside from trying to convince his terrified friend Charlie to think of something more pleasant as they swim from a burning tannery through a lake of…well, you’ll find out soon enough…
MacLeod clearly enjoys vaudeville as well as playing with stereotypes, drawing characters that are extraordinarily larger than life. But rather than dismissing the heroic Thomas, the sensitive Charlie, the cagey Plenitude and the utterly destroyed Carolyn, you won’t be able to help but find yourself completely enthralled by them. These amplified characters magically seem to shelter MacLeod’s more subtle interest in their relationships and humanity.
If you like your humour dry and quirky with a touch of the travelling sideshow, this is the book for you. Yet be warned that the humour of The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher veils a story that turns ‘right and wrong’ on its head and will leave you pondering even before you can stop laughing. Almost without realising it, you find yourself joining Thomas and Plenitude in considering the tensions between religion and science, morality and compassion and the sometimes devastating human toll of keeping up appearances.
And they still have to figure out what to do with all those surplus heads.
July 25, 2011
Thomas Timewell is 16 and a gentleman. On the night of his grandfather’s funeral, he is caught by a body snatcher called Plenitude, as he tries to steal his grandfather’s body to donate it to science. Thus begins a strange and wonderful Gothic tale in the Victorian manner, as Thomas and Plenitude cross paths in a number of escapades. Throw into the mix a cast of strange and weirdly comic characters - a mad gypsy woman, who exposes her semi-naked body to the unwary, Thomas’s mother, who is addicted to laudanum, her two friends, one of whom is a dipsomaniac and the other who has a perverted interest in young boys, a sadistic school master who has written a book which describes Thomas as a fancy-boy, Thomas’s 14 year old brother, who is adopted and lives alone in a mansion where he trades in shares, and the Grim Reaper who is actually a woman novelist, Victoria Plum, masquerading as a man –
This is a black comic novel, set in the early 1800’s. The characters speak lines which could have come from Dickens, so true are they to the Victorian era. MacLeod has obviously had great fun writing this novel. I really enjoyed reading this rollicking yarn, though I did think that the plot and dialogue flagged a little in the middle section when MacLeod perhaps tried too hard to mine the humour from every aspect of the story. Nevertheless, this was a tour de force. I especially loved the way the mystery surrounding Thomas and his family was revealed at the end of the novel, which very neatly tied up all the loose ends and explained much of the background to the characters.
It was especially refreshing to read something so different from the other
This is a black comic novel, set in the early 1800’s. The characters speak lines which could have come from Dickens, so true are they to the Victorian era. MacLeod has obviously had great fun writing this novel. I really enjoyed reading this rollicking yarn, though I did think that the plot and dialogue flagged a little in the middle section when MacLeod perhaps tried too hard to mine the humour from every aspect of the story. Nevertheless, this was a tour de force. I especially loved the way the mystery surrounding Thomas and his family was revealed at the end of the novel, which very neatly tied up all the loose ends and explained much of the background to the characters.
It was especially refreshing to read something so different from the other
May 28, 2013
The reason I decided to read this book is because I wasn’t looking for it. I had a list of books that I wanted to read but the library didn’t have them. After giving up finding any of the books I was looking for, I began browsing the shelves. I came across this book, read the back cover and decided to get it. It sounded like the kind of book I would like to read.
This fills in the ‘A book with a male main character’ square on the bingo board. Usually I read books with characters I can relate to and most of these are female. It was interesting that I could relate to a character that is very different to most of the main characters in other books I have read.
My favourite quote from this book is said when Thomas is digging up his grandfathers body. It reads: “You must think it strange that I’m digging up my grandfather”. “Not at all. I’m sure many young men dig up their grandfathers”. It shows that Plenitude is fine with the fact that Thomas is stealing a body and that intrigues the reader.
Something new I learned from this book is not to say yes to something if it’s going to get you into trouble. Always come to your own logical decision. You should not be bullied or persuaded into it.
A character from the novel that was interesting to me was Thomas’ mother. She always seemed to be high on a sort of medicinal drug and at only one point in the book did she awaken from her trance to speak like a sane person.
This fills in the ‘A book with a male main character’ square on the bingo board. Usually I read books with characters I can relate to and most of these are female. It was interesting that I could relate to a character that is very different to most of the main characters in other books I have read.
My favourite quote from this book is said when Thomas is digging up his grandfathers body. It reads: “You must think it strange that I’m digging up my grandfather”. “Not at all. I’m sure many young men dig up their grandfathers”. It shows that Plenitude is fine with the fact that Thomas is stealing a body and that intrigues the reader.
Something new I learned from this book is not to say yes to something if it’s going to get you into trouble. Always come to your own logical decision. You should not be bullied or persuaded into it.
A character from the novel that was interesting to me was Thomas’ mother. She always seemed to be high on a sort of medicinal drug and at only one point in the book did she awaken from her trance to speak like a sane person.
November 4, 2015
Entertaining Read.
I'm not sure i would have picked this up anytime soon if it wasn't my challenge book (though possibly if i came across it randomly in the library) and I'm quite glad i did. It reminds me of the amusing YA books i use to come across at random, with strange and fascinating characters with unusual back-stories, going on strange adventures - in this case body snatching. Who doesn't love a good body-snatch story? Its set in 1828 so the gruesome aspect is deliciously believable (well I'm not hundred percent sure heads alone would cause enough sludge that you could swim through them, but compared to today rigorous standards i can get behind the idea) and the language was just fantastic, Thomas always the perfect gentlemen.
The ending was a little sad, and i still have some questions, probably because i wasn't paying enough attention - like who was John's father? and i want to know Thomas new identity. But all in all i have to say an enjoyable read.
I can see many people liking this book, with its dark but amusing take on history. Would recommend to people aged 12-16 easily.
I'm not sure i would have picked this up anytime soon if it wasn't my challenge book (though possibly if i came across it randomly in the library) and I'm quite glad i did. It reminds me of the amusing YA books i use to come across at random, with strange and fascinating characters with unusual back-stories, going on strange adventures - in this case body snatching. Who doesn't love a good body-snatch story? Its set in 1828 so the gruesome aspect is deliciously believable (well I'm not hundred percent sure heads alone would cause enough sludge that you could swim through them, but compared to today rigorous standards i can get behind the idea) and the language was just fantastic, Thomas always the perfect gentlemen.
The ending was a little sad, and i still have some questions, probably because i wasn't paying enough attention - like who was John's father? and i want to know Thomas new identity. But all in all i have to say an enjoyable read.
I can see many people liking this book, with its dark but amusing take on history. Would recommend to people aged 12-16 easily.
October 8, 2011
When I think back on the events in the book, wading through a pool of heads, being attacked by a meat cleaver it sounds like I should have been on the edge of my seat, but I just wasn't. There were certainly plenty of unsavoury characters around while Thomas was trying to do the right thing, but by the time the mystery was solved at the end, I still hadn't realised I was meant to be trying to solve one. I think because Thomas wasn't trying to solve it either, it didn't seem like an important aspect of the book. Not a bad book by any means, just not a favourite.
April 22, 2016
This is kind of a difficult one to judge. There were so many scenes that were brilliantly written, but didn't really relate to the overall plot - such as practically every scene featuring Thomas' mother and her friends - that it ended up almost feeling like it was two books combined into one, neither of which were particularly satisfying in the end, because they were insufficiently fleshed out.
The characters were fantastic, and it was well written and funny throughout. But the ending felt a little rushed, especially if it's a stand-alone book.
The characters were fantastic, and it was well written and funny throughout. But the ending felt a little rushed, especially if it's a stand-alone book.
July 11, 2011
This book definitely earns its 'quirky' label, with a number of true laugh-out-loud moments. A little too pat and glib near the end, perhaps, but your mileage may vary. At times I wasn't sure if I was reading historical fiction, YA fantasy, or a fable: but can't it be all? In the end, though, any book with grave-robbing, anatomists, and jokes is alright by me. A few gross-out moments might require a little discretion or warning for very very young readers.
October 29, 2011
I like the style of the writing of this novel - the formal and witty narrative reminds me of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. The dry humour is just a delight to read, and although I didn't really find the plot quite as engaging as Bradley's book, this was a lot of fun to read.
March 12, 2012
Reading this in a single day was not a hard feat, as delving into this macabre and slightly hilarious world was something I was glad to do. It was an intriuging story line, and the writing to the point with barely any fluffiness. I quite liked it. But then, toward the end I feared it to have turned into one of those badly ended stories. Be judge of this yourselves.
June 19, 2017
Atrociously funny. The sarcasm in this book is so pungent, I fear if I'd gotten a physical copy it'd actually drip venom when touched. It's wickedly strange, gore-y and fun. While the "plot twist" was naturally predictable, I'd been so entertained so far I didn't see it coming until it was on my face. Delightful reading.
April 12, 2014
This was a very clever hidden humorous book.
The humour was everywhere and it wasn't over the top.
It had this hint of sadness to it and the characters lives could be so depressing.
It was a very original and imaginative book. The title sucked me in so I read it.
It was a good choice to make.
The ending though. A nice finish.
Ok bye :)
The humour was everywhere and it wasn't over the top.
It had this hint of sadness to it and the characters lives could be so depressing.
It was a very original and imaginative book. The title sucked me in so I read it.
It was a good choice to make.
The ending though. A nice finish.
Ok bye :)
February 14, 2011
This is an amusing read with a winning hero and some convincing period detail(it is set in England in 1828. I enjoyed it but the ending felt rushed and tacked on. As if Mr. MacLeod's imagination (normally capable of great flights of fancy)has suddenly deserted him.
May 23, 2011
Thomas Timewell is sixteen and a gentleman. When he meets a body-snatcher called Plenitude, his whole life changes. He is pursued by cutthroats, a tattooed gypsy with a meat cleaver, and even the Grim Reaper.
December 3, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. For those who enjoy Rick Yancey's Monstrumologist Series, this is for you. There is the element of who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. The relationship between Thomas and Plentitude has such an thrilling dynamic about it.
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