Content levels
Trigger warnings
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
<p><i>Harding’s Luck</i>, published in 1909, is the sequel to <i><a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/e-nesbit/the-house-of-arden">The House of Arden</a></i> by <a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/e-nesbit">E. Nesbit</a>.</p> <p>Rather darker and more serious in tone than the previous book, this novel is set in England’s Edwardian era, when there was no government-supported welfare and the poor still sometimes starved to death. It centers on young Dickie Harding, a poor, lame orphan boy who is enticed to run away with a disreputable tramp, Mr. Beale. Beale intends to use him to help carry out burglaries (a plot device not dissimilar to that of <i><a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/charles-dickens/oliver-twist">Oliver Twist</a>)</i>. Nevertheless Beale becomes a substitute father-figure to Dickie and a strong mutual affection develops.</p> <p>The story then introduces a magical device which sends Dickie back in time to the early reign of King James I, where he inhabits the body of the son of the lord of a castle. Despite this new, very comfortable existence, where he is a member of a rich, respected family and no longer lame, Dickie selflessly forces himself to return to his present day because of a promise he had made to Beale and a desire to help Beale lead a more honest life.</p> <p>Nesbit was a member of the socially-progressive Fabian Society and a friend of <a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/h-g-wells">H. G. Wells</a>, and it shows in her stories. While <i>Harding’s Luck</i> is primarily a children’s novel, it touches on many deeper themes and comments seriously on the social conditions of the author’s time.</p>
Is Harding's Luck appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
This 1909 classic addresses serious social issues including child poverty, disability, and criminal exploitation, but handles them sensitively for middle grade readers. The protagonist demonstrates selflessness and moral courage despite difficult circumstances.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include child abuse, poverty, and disability (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
A lame orphan boy travels back in time to become a wealthy lord's son but must decide between comfort and keeping his promise to a friend.