The Outside Boy
The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins is a poignant coming-of-age novel published by New American Library in 2010. This edition spans 360 pages and is presented in English. Set in Ireland during the 1950s, the story follows young Christopher Hurley, a Pavee gypsy, as he navigates the complexities of his childhood while traveling with his family. Haunted by the memory of his mother’s death during childbirth, Christy’s life takes a turn when his grandfather passes away, prompting his father to settle temporarily in a town for schooling.
Readers will find a narrative that explores themes of identity and belonging as Christy grapples with his place in a world that often views him as an outsider. The story delves into his experiences in a new environment, where he faces the challenges of fitting in with classmates while uncovering secrets from his mother’s past. This exploration of family life and the struggles of a young boy seeking to understand his heritage and future offers a rich backdrop for reflection on the nature of community and acceptance.
Official synopsis Publisher
A poignant, coming of age novel about an Irish gypsy boy’s childhood in the 1950’s from the national bestselling author of A Rip in Heaven and American Dirt.
Ireland, 1959: Young Christopher Hurley is a tinker, a Pavee gypsy, who roams with his father and extended family from town to town, carrying all their worldly possessions in their wagons. Christy carries with him a burden of guilt as well, haunted by the story of his mother’s death in childbirth.
The wandering life is the only one Christy has ever known, but when his grandfather dies, everything changes. His father decides to settle briefly, in a town, where Christy and his cousin can receive proper schooling and prepare for their first communions. But still, always, they are treated as outsiders.
As Christy struggles to find his way amid the more conventional lives of his new classmates, he starts to question who he is and where he belongs. But then the discovery of an old newspaper photograph, and a long-buried secret from his mother’s mysterious past, changes his life forever….
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Outside Boy” about?
Who is the author of “The Outside Boy”?
When was “The Outside Boy” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Outside Boy”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
