Sawbones
(11 reviews with an average rating of 4 out of 5)
Publisher: Walker Books
In 18th century London, 16-year-old Ezra is working as apprentice to a highly respected surgeon, William McAdam. He knows that his impressive knowledge of anatomy and skill at the dissection table will ensure he has a trade for life. Yet whilst he is grateful to his master, who rescued him from a life of slavery, Ezra is eager for independence and to be his own man.
Then a strange series of events changes everything. Now, McAdam is dead, and Ezra is alone - except for the unconventional Miss Loveday Finch, daughter of a magician, who is looking for answers about her father's death. Soon, the pair find themselves tangled in an adventure featuring grave-robbing, body-switching and political intrigue, which takes them a journey across London from the Operating Theatre at St Bart's, to the vaults of Newgate Prison, to the shadowy Ottoman Embassy.
This exciting mystery story has plenty of gore from its opening pages, and is sure to grab the attention of young readers who enjoy gripping crime thrillers. Yet Sawbones also offers much more than blood and guts: Catherine Johnson has penned a clever historical novel that provides a fascinating insight into an aspect of the 18th century, which is likely to be unfamiliar to many readers. The pragmatic, scientifically-minded Ezra and the wild, tempestuous Loveday perfectly capture two sides of 18th century thought - empiricism and romanticism - and Johnson clearly takes pleasure in subverting conventional stereotypes of race and gender. Both thought-provoking and accessible, this is an impressive historical adventure.
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What you thought...
Average rating:
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Aneira, 17 May 2024
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This book is amazing in my opinion i recommend reading it because i enjoyed it loads and i think you will aswell
Koazy, 17 May 2024
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The book is about surgeons and anatomy in the early days of 1800 century in London Alot of things happened in the story especially a lot of mysteries a lot of important people in the book die Aswell there was a lot of thinking Gowing on and a lot of different things happening at the same time it was exiting, funny, there was plenty of action happening I recommend
eben, 17 May 2024
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This book was amazing i really enjoyed reading it! It was set in London, the book was very gruesome and is about amputation and surgeries in the olden days! There are a lot of characters and different scenes in it! My favorite character is the 16-year-old Ezra! I really enjoyed how it was set back to the 18 centuries in the gorgonian period. I give this book a 4-star rating.
mia, 17 May 2024
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his book is amazing. its about young surgeon called Ezra and his boss Mr McAdam and the story line is a pit gruesome and set in the Georgian times
johny bach, 17 May 2024
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I really enjoyed this book, it was very up my street. I liked the gruesome effect of the story. I also liked where the story was placed in London. Each character really described their personality. My Favourite character was 100% Loveday finch. She was such a brave and sneaky girl. Ezra was also very good character and very smart person. This book is amazing I so definitely recommend. Sawbones deserves a 5 star rating.
peter pannn!, 17 May 2024
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This book is utterly amazing, it based in London 1792, and it is all full of mysteries, it is full of questions, there are lot of people that Ezra meets along the way you'll be surprised when you finish the book i really recomend for over 11 years old. 😊
jemima, 17 May 2024
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This book is amazing. The story line and the Georgian time is a bit gruesome, but you will be okay. I Really liked this book because you do not know what is around every corner. I love all the like Ezra Mcadam and Mr. Mcadam. There is personality. I would recommend this book.
Wiliam Watson-smyth, 17 May 2024
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This book is definitely worthy of 5 stars! It was very interesting learning about early anatomy in the 18th century, and how they used medication. I would recommend the book to 12+ because it is rather gory. With all the plots and twists I couldn't put it down. I would definitely read it again. And recommend it to others. Hope you find my review helpful.
Emily, 17 May 2024
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In my opinion this book is very gruesome and there are a lot of mysteries to this book, and I would think people who enjoy reading will love this book, anyone who enjoys investigating and puzzle solving will think it's amazing. In this book it talks about surgeons who examine bodies and grave digging. I won't spoil it anymore but if you thought this review was interesting, please do read this book!! It will be worth the money i know many people who enjoyed it and I think you will aswell .
Hannah, 17 May 2024
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thanks
prima, 16 March 2023
Sawbones was an excellent book. I enjoyed reading it. this book was set in the Georgian period and the world of anatomy in the 18th century. There is an anatomist's assistant called Ezra McAdam and a daughter of a magician together they solve the murders of their peers and find the killer.it is an overall it was a fantastic book