The book about a homeless boy and a serial killer is Stone Cold by Robert Swindells. This compelling novel delves into the harsh realities of homelessness and the terrifying dangers lurking in the shadows for vulnerable individuals.
Understanding Stone Cold
Stone Cold tells the intertwined stories of a homeless teenager named Link and a man known as Shelter, who preys on the vulnerable street population. The narrative alternates between Link's first-person account of survival on the streets of London and Shelter's chilling diary entries, revealing his disturbing motivations and actions.
Link's journey begins when he leaves his unstable home environment, believing that homelessness will offer him freedom. He quickly discovers the brutal truth of life on the streets: hunger, cold, constant threat, and societal indifference. As he struggles to survive, he becomes acutely aware of other missing homeless people, sensing a sinister pattern.
Shelter, on the other hand, sees himself as a self-appointed "cleaner" of society, targeting the homeless whom he deems "rubbish." His entries provide a stark and unsettling insight into the mind of a serial killer, making the reader privy to his twisted logic and methodical plans. The dual narrative creates a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, building towards an inevitable confrontation.
Key Details
Written by Robert Swindells, Stone Cold is a powerful work of fiction that brings critical social issues to the forefront.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Author | Robert Swindells |
| Media | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 132 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 0-241-13300-9 |
Themes Explored
The novel explores several profound themes, making it a significant piece of social commentary:
- Homelessness: It vividly portrays the daily struggles, dehumanization, and invisible existence of homeless individuals.
- Social Neglect: The book critiques society's tendency to ignore or marginalize its most vulnerable members, highlighting the dangers that arise from such indifference.
- Vulnerability: It underscores the extreme vulnerability of those living on the streets to exploitation, violence, and crime.
- Justice and Morality: It raises questions about vigilante justice and the societal structures that fail to protect the innocent.
- Survival: Link's story is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness required to survive in dire circumstances.
More Information
For further details about the book and its impact, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
