A very peculiar plague by Catherine Jinks
City of Orphans, bk 2. Allen & Unwin, 2013. ISBN
9781743313053.
(Age: 10-15) Highly recommended. The second in the City of
Orphans series has young Jem Barbary joining up with Alfred
the bogler when a spate of bogle attacks finally brings Alfred out
of his semi-retirement. Jem once worked as a pick pocket for the
evil Sarah Pickles who betrayed him and he is determined to get
revenge on her. He is also keen to show his mettle as a bogler's boy
but finds that facing a group of bogles is almost as terrifying as
facing the evil people from his past.
Once again Jinks has excelled herself in this beautifully
atmospheric novel that brings the times of Charles Dickens alive.
Full of descriptions of the slums where the poor try to eke out a
living, and the affluent world that Birdie, the heroine from the
first in the series, now inhabits, the reader is steeped in the life
of 19th century London. The building occurring around Newgate Prison
is the background for the gathering of bogles in cellars and sewers
and it is there that Alfred and Jem face the nightmare of trying to
kill them. A glossary at the back of the book gives an explanation
of many of the words used that are ones that are true to the times.
So realistic is the writing that it is easy to believe that bogles
do exist.
Birdie takes a less important role in A very peculiar plague,
than she did in A very unusual pursuit, but readers who were
wondering what was going on in her life will be satisfied to read
that she is still as feisty and as loyal as ever. Jem is a very
determined, stubborn boy and it is easy to empathise with him as he
tries to be heroic and to find and stop the evil Sarah Pickles, who
has destroyed so many lives.
Catherine Jinks' writing is always a joy to read and this story is
rich in detail and characterisation. There is a sneak preview of A
very singular child, the next in the series, at the end of the
book. It stars Ned, another young boy who works with Alfred. Jinks'
use of fascinating but different main protagonists in each book
ensures that readers will continue to enjoy the series, but will be
able to easily pick up each book in the series.
This is an outstanding series that is sure to win accolades and will
fascinate the reader who likes historical fantasy, action and
adventure.
Pat Pledger