The God of All Small Boys by Joseph Lamb

18th February 2019 Books

This is a review post. I was provided with a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

I was recently invited to take part in a book release blog tour for The God of All Small Boys. Written by Joseph Lamb, who – before turning to children’s literature – wrote historical drama. Therefore, it is of no surprise to me that The God of All Small Boys is packed full of detail and action. As soon as a I read the blurb, I knew I wanted to get on board and couldn’t wait to bend the spine on this particular book.

THE BLURB

Some summers were made for growing up…

Dundee, 1917. When his father goes to fight in the war, 11-year-old James feels lost and alone: his cousin hates him, the school bully is after him, and he is worried about his father’s safety.

Gradually, he finds a new world of friendship, freedom, fun, and The God of All Small Boys, in a summer that will change his life forever…

THE GOD OF ALL SMALL BOYS – MY THOUGHTS

Wow, what a book. I absolutely loved The God of All Small Boys.

Beautifully written, it is a coming of age novel which follows James as he goes to live with his aunt. Set in 1917 in Dundee, James’ father leaves for war and as a result James also has to leave the only home he knows to live with relatives who are strangers to him. Alone, afraid and initially hated by his cousin, James tries to find his feet in a new world where he is unsure of everything. Unbeknown to him though, it’s a time that will change him forever.

The God of All Small Boys throws you into a rich world filled with details that brings Lochee to life in its pages. You can almost see the landscapes described, feel the cold of the swimming baths and smell the mill which dominates in the town.

What makes this book special though are the relationships. This is a book about friendship. About living at a time where innocence and fear lived in a strange balance. About 5 young boys who have no idea that their world is going to change and none of them will ever be the same again.

Told with respect and consideration as to what living in a time overshadowed by The Great War being fought overseas must have felt like, you can help but smile at their innocence and hurt for their fears. This book made me smile, it made me laugh and it made me cry and I would definitely recommend it.

The God of All Small Boys was released on 14 February and is currently available to buy on Amazon.

Now, I’m the first on the list on The God of All Small Boys blog tour. So, if you’d like to hear more be sure to take a look around at some of the other great blogs over the next few weeks.