Nan’s Sweep has taught her to read, and she in turn teaches Charlie. Literacy is central to the novel’s message. Sweep is both specific in its setting and universal in its consideration of what makes people both selfish and noble, and how social and economic circumstances can destroy or elevate. In vivid detail, Auxier evokes the callous greed of industrializing England - a society in which child labor was normalized and calls for reform went largely ignored. He also continues to use his mysterious strength to save Nan and others who are helpless to save themselves. As time passes, the golem becomes more and more lifelike, and acquires a name: Charlie. On the run from her former boss and a vengeful coworker, Nan and her “clod of char” take refuge in an abandoned mansion. However, he shows signs of possessing uncanny power when he rescues Nan from burning in a chimney.

Nan’s golem, given to her by her childhood protector, the Sweep, initially appears to be a small piece of soot. Weaving together history and fantasy, the novel is both an exciting adventure and a poetic outcry against oppression and cruelty. Set in Victorian London, Sweep tells the story of Nan Sparrow - one of thousands of children virtually enslaved as chimney sweeps - and her golem. In Sweep: the Story of a Girl and Her Monster, Jonathan Auxier has given new depth and dimensions to this inexhaustible legend. Tales of the golem - a mythical being made from inert matter and brought to life to protect Jews from persecution - have been told throughout Jewish history.

Sweep by jonathan auxier