Lindsay Galvin, The Great Phoenix of London, Chicken House, June 2025, 352 pp., RRP $21.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781915026972
The Great Fire of London started on the 5th of September 1666. Over four days it destroyed a large portion of the medieval city. When the fire breaks out, eleven-year-old Gil is separated from his family in the chaos. He saves a mysterious ball of rock that had fallen from the sky and was beloved by his little brother. Together with Jennet, a girl he meets along the way, Gil flees the rapidly spreading inferno. When the stone reveals its secret, that it is, in fact, an egg containing a phoenix, Gil and Jennet are not only running from the fire, but from villains who will stop at nothing to get their hands on this mythical creature.
This thrilling historic novel for middle-grade readers is a rollicking good read. Galvin skillfully combines an adventure with real-life events. He shows us the anti-immigration sentiments held by many Londoners, particularly towards the French and Dutch (due to ongoing wars). So soon after the Great Plague had killed a vast number of the population, people were looking for scapegoats. Unfortunately, looking at the world today, somethings haven’t changed at all – it’s always easy to blame anyone who is perceived as ‘other’.
It’s also a lovely story about the bond between a child and an animal. Gil feels responsible for the phoenix and will do anything to protect it from harm. The phoenix responds to this kindness by protecting Gil.
The book is divided into each day of the fire, with a map indicating where the fire had spread, and a quote from the famous diarist, Samual Pepys, who was an eyewitness to the devastation. Author’s notes detail more historic facts.
I loved this book. It’s a fabulously great read. The characters are richly drawn; the adventure edge-of-the-seat and the conclusion heartwarming.
Highly, highly recommended for readers confident readers aged 9 years and over.
Reviewed by Gaby Meares
