The Wicked Boy

In 1895 England, 16-year old Robert confessed to having stabbed his mother and living in the house with her body, his younger brother and an adult friend of the family for 17 days. All were arrested, the brother subsequently released, and the older friend was also convicted though he had no knowledge of the murder. Robert is committed to a hospital for the criminally insane which turned out to be his salvation. He was released, deemed sane, at 30 years of age. Eventually he emigrated to New South Wales, Australia. The author's research has resulted in true and readable narrative of the event and Robert's life. It also meticulously portrays the socio-economic level, mores of the time and the major stories of the day. Summerscale creates a likely scenario of the home life Robert had in what can only be called a dysfunctional household. It's a fascinating story and I am awed by Summerscale's research and perseverance to tell it. After fighting in the war and winning medals for his bravery, he settled again in New South Wales to a life of farming and solitude. Until he befriends a neighbor boy who was being victimized by his step-father. It would seem that Robert understood the rage of the step-father but also the feelings of the boy, as his life seemed so similar. Robert offered to have the boy live with him, which he did for several years, and raised him to be a good citizen, caring and considerate. They remained friends until Robert's death. The author had the good fortune of interviewing that boy when he was over 90 years old, forever grateful to Robert for saving his life.