The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain

~ by Abrah 

• 7 stars
• ages 8+
• Pages: 320*

I was assigned to read this novel for as part of my schooling this year. I have to admit I wasn't terribly excited. I love the IDEA of reading classics, but somehow I am always disappointed... I suppose I'm just a little too modern and fast paced for many "classics". But, I was certainly in for a surprise with this book! 

To me, this book was a picture of the ideal childhood. Simple, carefree, able to run about town freely etc. Basically everything the modern child will most likely not experience. Of course just a few of Tom's values were less than completely moral, and some of his antics were out of this world. But, I consistently found my self laughing out loud!

This novel is hard for me to summarize I must admit. Really it is just a collection of stories combined into one big novel. It is the story of a mischievous little boy, living is sleepy town along the Mississippi River before the boom of the civil war. His life begins simple, and quaint. Well, as simple as life can be for a mischievous little boy, in an unassuming village! But, this doesn't last long. I believe that Tom, (who was never what you could call romantically inclined) would like us to note, that the new girl in town, Becky Thatcher, changes his life in an instant. Tom (around age 11 mind you) is love struck. This adds lots of spice and complication to his life. As if Tom didn't have enough trouble trying to keep a girl, he soon finds his life in danger! One night, Tom and his friend Huckleberry Finn sneak out to an old grave yard. They never expect what they discover there! Soon, Tom is wondering whether to tell the truth, or remain silent, and, by doing so save his own skin. But, if that isn't enough adventure for one life time Tom finds himself, his romantic interest, and a murderous villain stuck together in a cave, with no way out!

***

Negative Elements: (none being best, 5 being worst) 

Violence - 0.5

• Tom and Huckleberry Finn observe a murder. Tom is threatened by a the murder, and later stuck in a cave with no way out. 

Profanity - none
Romance and Sexuality - 0.5

• Tom kisses Becky, and pronounces them engaged. There is also talk of the pairs love, and marriage intentions. 

Other - 2  

• Tom (and the atheist author for that matter) have a low respect for God and church. Many of Tom's schemes are involving lying or disobeying his aunt, even at one point convincing the whole town that he, and his friends are dead. 

Closing Comments:

I was talking to my friend who was assigned to read this book as well. She agreed that this novel was fun, but also lacking in real depth, or strong ideas. So, if you are looking for a novel that will make you laugh out loud, but, isn't full of sarcasm or crude humor, and yet is light reading this is the novel for you!

* The number of pages per addition may differ.