Lion of the North G. A. Henty Book Report

          Over the past couple of weeks, I have been reading “Lion of the North by G. A. Henty”. I think that this is an amazing book that everyone should read. This book does a great job at showing character development, in all of the characters. It also portrays adventure and self-development.

          In the first chapter, the main character, Malcolm Graheme, is standing on a hill, examining the weather. He is a young, adventurous Scotsman, around 16, who is searching for a way to prove himself to the world. He receives a message, asking for him to fight in the war alongside Scotland and Sweden, against the British. He agrees and goes off on his journey.

          During the second chapter he is shipwrecked. This does not stop him, and he continues on his mission, despite this problem. In the third chapter, Malcolm meets Sir John Hepburg, who is the coordinator of the army. In this chapter, Malcolm starts adapting to military life.

          The fourth chapter covers Malcolm’s experience in New Brandenburg. Unfortunately, this was not a very happy experience for Malcolm. Some drunken soldiers attack the village, as well as burning some of it. Obviously, the villagers are not very happy, and Malcolm learns that he must learn to live with more problems and fighting.

          In the fifth chapter of this book, Malcolm receives a threat from marauders, but he continues to be brave and courageous. He also begins to believe in himself. In chapter six, there is an attack on the village that they are staying in, and many people die. Malcolm begins to understand the cost of human life in this chapter. After this attack, Malcolm experiences a time of peace and comfort, which is explained in chapter seven.

          Malcolm is involved in a siege during chapter eight. He proves himself to be a good leader in this chapter. In chapter nine, Malcolm also starts to become a better soldier, as Scotland and Sweden win the battle. Chapter ten covers them crossing the Rhine River.

          In chapter eleven, Malcolm and other soldiers are captured by the Oppenheim. Malcolm shows that he is a good tactic during this chapter and helps everyone escape. After this escape, they cross the Lech River in the twelfth chapter. Malcolm begins to develop in his actions and decisions, also in this chapter.

          Malcolm is captured again in chapter thirteen, but this time by peasants. He is given harsh and cruel treatment by the angry peasants, but he fights through and eventually escapes. However, this break doesn’t last for long because he is captured again in chapter fourteen and trapped in a church tower. Malcolm begins to realise the impact and loss of war in this church tower. Despite this trouble, Malcolm doesn’t give up and he is determined to get out. This pays off, for in chapter fifteen, he is rescued by some of his friends.

          The Siege of Nuremberg starts in chapter sixteen. Malcolm shows bravery in this chapter and continues to grow as a soldier and leader. In chapter seventeen, Gustavius, an important leader of the Swedish and Scottish army dies, and Malcolm more understands the loss of war.

          He is wounded from this battle in chapter eighteen and therefore, must learn to face injury. Thankfully, it is decided to end hostilities in chapter nineteen, which gives Malcolm time to rest. Unfortunately, this break is only temporary, and the fighting starts back up again. In chapter twenty, Malcolm helps his friends fight. He shows loyalty, and is caring and a good person and friend.

          In chapter twenty-one, Malcolm receives a new mission and has to leave with his friends. Chapter twenty-two portrays Malcolm’s intelligence, as he discovers the secret plan of the enemy.

          In chapter twenty-three, Malcolm rescues Thekla, disguises her as his apprentice, to make sure that she is safe, and brings her to Jans Boerhoff’s household until he comes back. Boerhoff is a trusted friend of Malcolm’s, who taught him the art of clockmaking before the war, which pays off later in Malcolm’s life. Jans Boerhoff gladly provides Thekla with safety and everything else she needs.

          Malcolm then leaves to continue fighting, but gets wounded and goes back to recover at the count’s house (who is also Thelka’s father). However, he finds that the count and his family have been captured. Malcolm, using his clock making skills to disguise himself as a clockmaker, secretly breaks Thekla and her mother out. Unfortunately, he discovers that the count has died in prison. This chapter has shown that Malcolm is very wise, using his early-learned skills and disguising tactics to free Thekla and the countess.

          Chapter twenty-four concludes the story. It covers the Battle of Nordlingen, during which Malcolm and the rest of the Swedish and Scottish army suffer a great defeat; therefore, Malcolm learns the difficulties and consequences of being a soldier. He also learned, however, responsibility, bravery, courage, loyalty, and so much more.

          Also during this chapter, he is reunited with his uncle again, Nigel Graheme. He previously did not want Malcolm to join the army, but was later convinced by Munro and others. About five years later, Nigel marries the widowed Countess of Mansfeld (Thekla’s mother).

          Malcolm then marries Thelka in the end of the book, after she and her mother moved to Scotland (which was also five years ago). The four (Malcolm, Thekla, the Countess of Mansfeld, and Nigel) then live together in a castle, and live the rest of their lives happily together.

          This is a fantastic book. It is full of adventure and is even based on real life events. I think everyone should read Lion of the North for many reasons: discovering new words, seeing character development in writing, because adventure and development books are fun and interesting, et cetera. I am so excited to read my next book to see what fun adventures I can find in it.