Coram Boy is a children’s historical fiction written by British writer Jamila Gavin and was first published in 2000. This novel explores themes of ambition, corruption, love and betrayal as the story unravels around its three narrators.

In the late 1700s, nothing meant more than your circumstance of birth. Why do you think so little people cared about the fate of orphans at that time? What other aspects of class and childhood in that society does this book reveal to its readers? 

How would you characterise Otis and Meshak, and to what extent do you find them villains? Why was Meshak confused with the difference between alive and dead? What does this reflect about him?

Why was Sir William so against his son’s ambition, and do you think that being touched was the true sole reason he gave in after so many years? Compare Alexander to the other characters in this story such as Meshak, Mish and Melissa. Would you consider him to be fortunate? Why? 

What message is the author conveying when he intertwines the fates of characters from different backgrounds? Do you find this realistic? Why?