Bert Lloyd's Boyhood: A Story from Nova Scotia

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25358

Title

Bert Lloyd's Boyhood: A Story from Nova Scotia

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 19th-century Halifax, this nostalgic tale follows Cuthbert Lloyd from his spirited boyhood through his school years and matriculation. Blending humor with moral lessons, the story captures the adventures of a wilful yet kind-hearted youth navigating family life, strict schooling, and the transition to manhood.

Summary up to 500 words

J. Macdonald Oxley's *Bert Lloyd's Boyhood: A Story from Nova Scotia* offers a sentimental tribute to the transition from boyhood to manhood in mid-19th century Halifax. The narrative centers on Cuthbert Lloyd, a handsome but wilful only son born to loving parents, Robert and Kate. Early chapters depict Bert's energetic nature, oscillating between mischievous antics, such as pretending to be a fireman, and thoughtful moods. His childhood is marked by a fascination with military life and firemen, influenced by Halifax's status as a major naval station. Bert's education begins at the stern Dr. Johnston's school, where he endures harsh corporal punishment for minor infractions. A pivotal moment occurs when Bert is falsely accused by a bullying classmate, Rod Graham, of throwing a pellet at a teacher. Despite the pain of the whipping, Bert remains silent to protect his friend, only to discover that Graham was punished for being an informer. This incident teaches Bert a profound lesson about integrity and the dangers of violence and informers. As the story progresses, the bullying from Rod Graham escalates, culminating in a physical fight that is interrupted by a domestic tragedy involving a drunken neighbor. This event underscores the consequences of unchecked violence and the importance of community responsibility. Following this, Bert prepares for his matriculation examinations with the help of a tutor and his close friend, Frank Bowser. They study diligently, balancing academic rigor with summer activities like boating and cricket. The narrative reaches its climax at the university examinations, where Bert successfully wins the prestigious City Scholarship, a moment of immense joy for his family and friends. The novel concludes with Bert and Frank deciding their future paths. Frank chooses to follow his father's trade, while Bert expresses a desire to become a minister, fulfilling his father's hopes. Through themes of parental love, moral growth, and the challenges of adolescence, the book serves as a nostalgic reflection on boy life in Nova Scotia fifty years prior to its publication.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25358.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg25358.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-04 10:18 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Religion
• Fiction
• Friendship