Runner

NAME OF BOOK: Runner


NAME OF AUTHOR: Robert Newton


TYPE OF STORY: Crime, Action


WHEN AND WHERE THE STORY IS SET: The story is set in 1919 in the thriving suburb of Richmond.



BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PLOT: Young Charlie Feehan has entered a competition to become a "runner" for the biggest crime over-lord of 1919, Squizzy Taylor. He was the chosen runner out of a field of fifteen by a shoulder-length. His job was to run errands between rival gangs. On one occasion, he needed one of his friends(Norman Heath) to help deliver this errand. When they were going home, they came across one of the runners who lost the competition that Charlie won. They knew that this runner was trouble. Charlie ran and hid in the bushes, however Norman continued walking, immune to the fact that this boy was trouble. The runner saw him and started to beat him up. The runner then put Norman in the trolley (that they needed to deliver the errand), found a piece of wood, hit his knees with it and rolled him down the hill. After this incident, Charlie knew that this was a dangerous job, so he decided to quit. Meanwhile, his neighbour, Mr Redmond, wanted him to enter the Ballarat Mile. He ended up winning the race.

MAIN CHARACTERS: Charlie Feehan, Norman Heath, Mr. Redmond, Alice and Squizzy Taylor.

CHARLIE FEEHAN IN DETAIL: Charlie Feehan is a fit, strong and somewhat foolish boy who uses running to vent something that troubles him. His only "kryptonite" would be Alice (who is Charlie's only friend that is a girl).

WHICH CHARACTER DID I LIKE BEST? My favourite character is Mr. Redmond because even though Charlie wanted to pursue a career in crime, he never gave up hope that one day Charlie would be competing in the Ballarat Mile.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE BOOK? The best part of the book was when Charlie was running the Ballarat Mile.

THE VERDICT: This is an excellent book for anyone who wants action and a small portion of crime. 8/10.

WHO WOULD I RECCOMEND THIS BOOK TO? Anyone who wants a mildly thrilling read with none of the boring stuff will love this book and never put it down.

SOMETHING ELSE OF INTEREST TO ME: The characters speak in colloquial language of 1919.