content: The book was tollerable and even enjoyable until the conclusion. The book falls apart at the end. If you want a true, classic and socially enlightening book, then read THE SCARLET LETTER by Hawthorne. Lowry's weak attempts at making the boy Christlike include: a red apple (a color only seen by the boy), discovering christmas, and saving a baby from death. If you are looking for a happy ending, you'll have to fill in the blanks...