Eel, an orphan, has faked his death to protect himself from his stepfather, Fisheye Bill Tyler. Earning money by mudlarking, running messages for a brewery and caring for animals for Dr. Snow, Eel is able to pay off someone each Friday. When he is accused of stealing, he loses his job (and shelter and food) at the brewery. Then people from his neighbor begin to die. He immediately recognizes it as the Blue Death (cholera). What can he do? He pleads with his one employer, Dr. John Snow, to help. Together they investigate cholera and help prevent more deaths.
Based on an actual outbreak in 1854 in London. Very well researched. Ms. Hopkinson includes additional information about the historical events and actual people in the back.
The characters are well developed and the historical events are written in a very engaging, exciting manner.
The reader gradually discovers more about Eel's past as story progresses. I really liked Eel and admired his pursuit of honest employment and his loyalty to family and friends. Some readers may not like how perfectly everything ended. I like happy endings!
Warning: Fisheye Billy Tyler kidnaps Eel and beats him to learn information.
*Highly recommend (especially when studying Victorian England).
-Borrowed from the library.
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