The Great Train Robbery (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The narrative frequently touches upon the dark underbelly of Victorian sexuality, particularly the prevalence of prostitution and the exploitation of the poor. A significant and uncomfortable subplot centers on Henry Fowler’s diagnosis of syphilis and his reliance on a folk superstition that he can be cured by sleeping with a virgin. This leads to a coordinated ruse where the character Miriam poses as a young girl to entrap him in a brothel setting. While the physical acts occur off-page, the dialogue regarding…

The book depicts violence that is both sudden and calculated, reflecting the brutal reality of the mid-19th century. Notable scenes include a graphic 'ratting' competition where dogs kill large numbers of rats for sport, and the cold-blooded murder of Clean Willy, who is strangled by Barlow to prevent him from talking to the police. There are detailed descriptions of the 'garrotting' panic that gripped London, as well as the physical hazards of Newgate Prison and the dangers of mid-heist maneuvers. One informant…

The language is historically immersive, utilizing a vast amount of Victorian criminal slang, known as 'flash' or 'pedlar's French,' which requires the reader to decode meanings through context. Profanity is relatively mild by modern standards but includes period-appropriate uses of 'bastard,' 'damn,' 'hell,' and 'lord.' Characters often use derogatory terms for the lower classes and various ethnicities that reflect the prejudices of the era. The prose itself is intellectual and sophisticated, prioritizing…

Substance use is portrayed as a routine part of daily life and medical treatment during the Victorian period. Gin palaces and pubs serve as central hubs for the characters, where significant amounts of spirits like brandy and gin are consumed during planning sessions. Laudanum, an opium derivative, is referenced as a common medicinal and recreational sedative, highlighting the lack of drug regulation at the time. One of the main characters, Fowler, seeks treatment for a venereal disease, which involves the use of…

The novel explores the stark and unforgiving class divide of Victorian England, illustrating how the law was designed to protect the property of the wealthy while dehumanizing the poor. Central themes include the fallibility of the legal system, the nature of betrayal within criminal circles, and the sheer audacity required to challenge the era’s technological pride. The text provides a sobering look at urban decay, specifically the 'Great Stink' and the horrific lack of sanitation that led to widespread disease…