Book Brief - The Great Brain

The Great Brain
John D. Fitzgerald
Puffin (February 9, 2004)

Tom, the “great brain”, is conniving and arrogant, as only a ten year old boy can be. After helping to save the life of a friend lost in a cave he says:

“I would have done it sooner but I wanted to give the grown-ups every chance. And now, folks, please go home. I’ve got to rest up my great brain so it will be ready the next time something happens which you grown-ups can’t solve.”

This book might be a little shocking to anyone brought up in the comfortable culture of modern America. Set in the late 1800’s this is a nostalgic, and often harsh, picture of another time. It was a time when losing a leg to blood poisoning, although perhaps not common, was not surprising.

“He kept the secret of his injured foot from his mother and father until blood poisoning had set in and turned in to gangrene. By that time there was nothing else Dr. Leroy could do but to amputate Andy’s left leg just below the knee to prevent the gangrene from spreading.”

It was also a time, however, when children were free to explore and discover the world on their own – outside, away from the “guided discovery” of the computer screen. It was a simpler time.

“A Sunday dinner in our house without guests was unusual…This was the day of the week when we made ice cream, and everybody helped.”

Tom concocts various schemes along the way that showcases his “great brain”. Some are harmless but others are not. Tom ends up hurting others as he learns. He does undergo reformation as the tale progresses and although he may not be the best role model this is still an enjoyable read if for nothing else than to get a picture of an earlier life that has been lost.

Rating: Borrow