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Historical Fiction· United Kingdom

Coram Boy

by Jamila Gavin
Aggregate Editorial Score59/100
★Carnegie Medal
Published 2000English
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About This Book

Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 2000. Two boys—the son of a Gloucester squire and an African slave—find their fates intertwined at the Foundling Hospital in eighteenth-century England. Gavin's Carnegie Medal winner is a richly detailed historical novel about family, music, and the violence that lurks beneath polite society. Themes of founding hospital, slavery, 18th century England run through the work. The book has received recognition from Carnegie Medal 2000.

Book Details

AuthorJamila Gavin
Published2000
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9781405254519
Editorial Score59/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Jamila Gavin published Coram Boy in 2000, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from United Kingdom. The book's treatment of founding hospital, slavery, 18th century England, music accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Coram Boy among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Carnegie Medal 2000. Our aggregate score of 59/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Coram Boy lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of founding hospital, slavery, 18th century England, music is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Coram Boy reflects Jamila Gavin's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United Kingdom's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Carnegie Medal
winner · national
200059
✍️
About the Author
Jamila Gavin
United Kingdom
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Jamila Gavin is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of historical fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coram Boy about?

Two boys—the son of a Gloucester squire and an African slave—find their fates intertwined at the Foundling Hospital in eighteenth-century England. Gavin's Carnegie Medal winner is a richly detailed historical novel about family, music, and the violence that lurks beneath polite society.

Who wrote Coram Boy?

Coram Boy was written by Jamila Gavin, from United Kingdom. First published in 2000.

What awards has Coram Boy won?

Coram Boy has received the following awards and honours: Carnegie Medal 2000.

Is Coram Boy worth reading?

Coram Boy is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 59/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in founding hospital, slavery, 18th century England.

Where can I buy Coram Boy?

You can buy Coram Boy on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Coram Boy?

Coram Boy is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Coram Boy from?

Coram Boy originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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