I'm quite sure I read this and reviewed it for GR, but I did lose some records in the transfer.  Anyway, what I remember is that I normally don't much care for historical fiction, especially the poor canny boy from England's newly industrial age who somehow saves the day and/or makes good... but that I was impressed enough by this to want to read more by Garfield.  Or maybe it was only Black Jack that I read and this is stuck in my mind because it's more well-known.  In any case, I have The Apprentices on my physical shelves and hope to get to it soon-ish.  And that will probably be enough for me. ( )

This is a great book! It reminded me a lot of Kidnapped and Catriona by Robert Louis Stevenson. The story takes place in 18th century London and centers about a 12 year old pickpocket. His adventures lead to witnessing murder, imprisonment, escape, friendship and betrayal. It's all there! Garfield's writing, phrasing and choice of words is excellent. His description reminded me a bit of Dickens. The Folio Society edition has a great introduction by Jamila Gavin that, like the book, is well work the read. ( )

Murder, betrayal and daring...Garfield is as always, a special treat!

Leon Garfield has long been one of my favourite children's authors, so I lept at the chance to reread Smith. This is pure Dicksonian melodrama for a younger audience. A gift of talent indeed.
The depths of Eighteenth century London slums, where 'the houses reared and clustered as if to shut out the sky,' are no place for the soft or uninitiated. The very atmosphere weeds the weak from the strong, if not through illness and malnourishment, then by the preying on the unknowing. Surrounded by this miasma of complacent intent is Smith, a rapscallion street pickpocket who breezes through the most atrocious situations with an acceptance of life that amazes. Smith lives in the cellar of the Red Lion Inn with his two sisters who eke out a living makeover the gallows clothes of the condemned. They refer to Smith as 'dear Smut' and 'felonious child!' Half will-o-the-wisp, half trickster and with heart of gold, others might be downcast and resentful at their lot but not so young 'glass-half-full' Smith.
Garfield's language draws you in. I was grabbed from the first with utterances like, 'Smith's speed was remarkable...a rat was like a snail beside Smith.'
His descriptive use of phrase, the twists and turns and metaphors are a delight and are as twisty as the narrow streets and alleyways Smith inhabits.
12-year-old Smith's daily haunts, the atmosphere of the crowded, narrow, putrid streets come alive with brilliant imagery. Colourful images that contain a whiff of the overpowering smells and sounds. Language that gives sight and sound.
Smith's troubles begin when in a narrow lane he picks an elderly gentleman's pocket.
Hearing footsteps he blends back into the shadows and witnesses his mark being stabbed. Murdered! Escaping the scene he discovers that he has, not the valuables he was expecting but some sort of document. And therein lay the rub. Smith cannot read!
Ah, the mystery of the fatal,document leads Smith across the dark streets to new acquaintances, the depths of Newgate Prison, and onto Finchley Common with Lord Tom the highwayman. It's all mad dash and adventure, the tension seesawing from despair and anxiety to determination and hope, underlined by daring and courage.
I must say I had my heart in my mouth and the occasional tear in my eye!
The reread only strengthened my admiration.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

SMITH: THE STORY OF A PICKPOCKET by Leon Garfield is an exciting Children's book, The New York Review Children's Collection. Series: A Carnegie Medal Honor Book. Age Level: 9-12. Grade Level: 4-7. With vivid descriptions, charming characters and an engaging story "Smith: The Story of a Pickpocket" makes for an exciting tale of high adventure,and murder. What a great read for a new generation of young readers. Although, readers,both young and old will enjoy this story from the first page to the last. While Mr. Garfield may be long gone his story lives on forever. A treasure for any readers library. What a joy to read!! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: NONE(CHILDREN'S)
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )

A fantastic read, the story of "Smith" was electrifyingly suspenseful! The flavor of Charles Dickens, with the spirit of Mark Twain, all in a bite-sized portion for tween and teen readers. "Smith" has that intangible, gripping quality beyond a great story and excellent writing, that marks it as a classic: it grabs you by the collar and makes you re-assess fundamental assumptions about life and people. Through a suspenseful, thrilling mystery peopled with unforgettable characters, Smith and those he meets have the opportunity to discover the nature of justice and compassion. I recommend it unconditionally - a permanent classic. ( )