Quicksilver: The Boy With No Skid to His Wheel

"Quicksilver: The Boy With No Skid to His Wheel" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a boy named Obed Coleby, a foundling living in a poorhouse, who is adopted by a local doctor. The book touches on themes of social class differences and the challenges of upbringing as the doctor endeavours to raise Obed as a gentleman despite his challenging background. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to a scruffy but exuberant young boy who enjoys splashing in a stream, embodying the carefree spirit of childhood. Obed’s life takes a turn when he is adopted by the local doctor, who recognizes the boy’s potential despite his troublesome nature. The opening sections set the stage for Obed's journey as he navigates new experiences, friendships, and trials, emphasizing the contrast between his rough upbringing in the workhouse and the expectations of gentility in his new home. The narrative hints at both comedic and poignant moments as Obed tries to adjust to his new life, showcasing the complexity of identity and change. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Manville Fenn was a prolific English novelist, journalist, editor and educationalist. Many of his novels were written with young adults in mind. His final book was his biography of a fellow writer for juveniles, George Alfred Henty.