book review

Hey fellow readers out there! I’m back with a new book to talk about.

Song of the Slums by Richard Harland is an action packed novel that consists of snippets of the Victorian Era and the Industrial Revolution. In this novel, the story begins with a classical trained musician called Astor who wants to marry one of rich Swale brothers named Lorrian. She later on becomes a member of a gang. and eventually challenge the oppressive Swales!

In the novel, Astor experiences some trouble with the Swales which makes her escape the household and somehow gets to the slums. As the story progresses, Astor is exposed to a seemingly weird gang music that she eventually likes… even more than classical music!!! In this bit of the story, she finds out that gang music is more fun to play, especially when you really get involved in it. Astor changes her taste from the calm classical music to the heart pumping excitement of gang music as she gets to her feet and starts dancing to the rhythm of Verrol’s rhythmic tunes. In this particular part of the book, Astor and the Rowdies have performed in some sort of warehouse and becomes popular. Moreover, this book has a bit of romance in it. Verrol and Astor have a special bond that soon gets complicated when she discovers Verrol’s past life.

As we get further into the novel, we find out that one of the band members influences Astor to play military rhythms. Strong beats that are meant for battle! These rhythms are instrumental in toppling the Swales. The poor beats the oppressive rich.

When all of these dramas are happening, Astor starts to realise that she has feelings for Verrol. Who would have thought!?? At the end, Verrol and Astor are a couple, and the other bands supporting the rich and powerful have been silenced.

This is a super amazing book! It is easy to read because of its short chapters. Richard Harland did a tremendous job of writing Song of the Slums and using the genre of steampunk. I rate this book 5/5. Until the next review!

-I Siric, Year 7