Monster or protector? This wonderfully written novel tells the story of child chimney sweepers in London. Combining fantasy and historical fiction, this book will give you all the feels.

Sweep reads like a magical Oscar Wilde fairytale combining history, heartbreak and fantasy in Victorian London. The story follows an orphaned chimney sweep named Nan Sparrow and her relationship with the Climbing Boys - young kids forced to clean chimneys because of their small size, regardless of safety and health concerns. Auxier weaves a beautiful story with some of the most loving and empathetic characters in literature. Nan’s survival rests on her strength, the compassion of others and a golem made of soot who acts as her guardian angel. Sweep will climb into your heart and leave you with an incredible experience you won’t soon forget.

This book was an unusual mix of historical fiction and fantasy. It combined the plight of child chimney sweeps in Victorian England with a golem from Jewish mythology. As strange as this concept sounds it came together in a wonderful way. There is so much feeling and wisdom in this story. Filled with friendship, courage, sacrifice and the repeated theme “we are saved by saving others.” As an adult I really enjoyed this beautifully written children’s book. As for children, this might be a little too much for younger kids. I would recommend middle school and up.

Wonderfully written story that highlights the harsh conditions of child chimney sweeps in Victorian London. The reality of the situation was not like Burt in Mary Poppins, but rather grim. Children as young as six were made to climb up chimneys to clean them with no safety measures and became stuck, fell, were burnt and often died very young. Sweep takes this history and weaves a tale of fantasy that is at times heartbreaking, inspiring and funny.

Nan Sparrow is 12 year-old chimney sweep that was raised by a kind master until the age of 5, but after his disappearance, is forced into the service of a cruel master. Her days are spent doing grueling work. While cleaning a chimney, she becomes stuck in a flue, and a fiery accident awakens a monster from the piece of lucky char that she keeps in her pocket. Nan befriends the monster and names him Charlie, they shelter in abandoned house to hide from her master. As Charlie grows, Nab must conceal him from the outside world and also discovers that he has a part to play as her protector.

Nan Sparrow is intelligent, brave and resourceful lead who becomes the glue that inspires an excellent supporting cast to change their lot in life. Through his imagination and research, author Jonathon Auxier creates a Dickensian universe that immerses the reader in Victorian London.

I recommend Sweep for young fantasy readers who are looking to break out of regular tropes of the genre. Be prepared, parts of this book had me book had me feeling the feels, your eyes might get a little misty reading it!

Auxier infuses his historical fiction with the fantastic. We first encounter the Sweep, the dreaming, and her singing, but soon there is the monster, a golem. Auxier’s golem is the most marvelous creation. Really, Auxier creates many marvelous characters, even the villainous ones.

Sweep will break your heart in multiple ways, and you’ll feel grateful. You’ll also laugh, I hope—certainly smile. Sweep is humorous and charming. Sweep is also deadly serious. “We save ourselves by saving others,” is not a quaint idea to letter in cursive on a blank wall or t-shirt. The gift of life is negotiated in the harshest of circumstances, as is the loss of it. Neither Sweep or Nan can afford to romanticize any of it; nor does such a romantic lens suit them.

n Sweep, Nan’s dreams and voice have a magical quality, and the message resonates. Dreams and voices, resourcefulness, courage and determination…young people have these things, both inside the book and out. Given that spark of purpose/meaning, what can’t/won’t they do? Whose lives may be saved in the process.

Recommended for those who enjoy friendship stories, historical fiction, and/or adventure; those who enjoy grit, horror and/or the macabre. For those interested in fem-friendly reads and/or Jewish characters. For readers of Derek Landy, Neil Gaiman, Frances Hardinge, or Christopher Priestly. If they are a sensitive reader, read this one aloud with them, you’ll both enjoy it.