Leslie Ross; or, Fond of a Lark

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25827

Title

Leslie Ross; or, Fond of a Lark

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A heartwarming Victorian tale of Leslie Ross, a spirited boy whose love for harmless mischief leads to perilous adventures. Sent to Ascot House to curb his thoughtlessness, Leslie learns courage and responsibility through a dramatic flood rescue, transforming from a reckless child into a beloved hero.

Summary up to 500 words

In Charles Bruce's *Leslie Ross; or, Fond of a Lark*, the story follows a spirited young boy whose love for harmless mischief, or "larks," eventually leads to perilous consequences. Leslie Ross is an honest and brave only child living near the sea with loving parents who are deeply concerned by his thoughtless pranks. Despite his good intentions, Leslie's impulsiveness causes him to pull the plug from a boat, causing it to sink and nearly drowning him. Realizing that his warnings and home discipline are insufficient to curb his recklessness, his father sends him to Ascot House, a private school, hoping that structure will teach him to consider the consequences of his actions. At Ascot House, Leslie faces further challenges that test his character. Shortly after arriving, he steals a linchpin from a farmer's cart, causing the farmer to break his arm. Although Leslie feels genuine remorse, the severity of the accident results in a lonely holiday at school while his parents are away. During this isolation, Leslie demonstrates a capacity for heroism when he saves a little girl from a vicious dog, earning the gratitude of the local squire. However, the narrative's climax arrives with a catastrophic flood threatening the school. While the staff and students flee, Leslie, utilizing the swimming and rowing skills he learned from a sailor named Crusoe, bravely rescues the schoolmistress and her daughter from the rising waters. He ferries them to safety in a school boat, an act that saves their lives. The experience profoundly matures Leslie. Upon returning home, he has become a more thoughtful young man who retains his spirited nature but no longer indulges in reckless pranks without considering their outcomes. The story concludes with the school relocating to a safer location, where Leslie is welcomed as a hero. Through his trials, the novel explores themes of redemption, the importance of discipline, and the transformative power of courage and love.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg25827.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Religion
• Humor
• Schools
• Boys