Arthur walks alongside his father through the dense fog that envelops London in 1853, the cold mist casting an eerie silence over the city. The air is thick with pollution, and the streets are filled with a sense of decay as they navigate their way through the city. Arthur’s father, once a source of guidance and warmth, has become distant and harsh, the weight of their financial struggles transforming his personality. At just thirteen years old, Arthur has been forced to grow up quickly, taking on menial tasks to support the family—tasks that most children would never dream of. He scavenges, collects manure for sale, trades old clothes, and even dives into filthy waters to gather leeches. Despite his mother’s efforts to work as much as possible, the family remains entrenched in poverty, and Arthur feels the burden of responsibility for his younger siblings weighing heavily on his shoulders.

Arthur’s longing for a return to his school life, with its structure and predictability, feels distant now. The realities of life in London demand far more from him than the comfort of education or youth. He is keenly aware of the suffering around him, with many of his peers enduring similar hardships, working dangerous jobs just to make a living. His experiences with his father’s frustration over their situation only serve to deepen his sense of isolation and confusion. The harsh words and actions from his father fuel a growing sense of rebellion within him, but at the same time, Arthur is determined to do what it takes to help his family. The apprenticeship his father seeks for him seems like an opportunity, but Arthur’s questions about it are met with harsh responses, and his curiosity is quickly stifled. As they walk through the foggy streets, Arthur wonders about the nature of the work ahead, though his father does not offer any real answers.

Their journey takes them into the heart of St Giles, a neighborhood infamous for its crime, vice, and squalor. It is a place where the darkness of the city’s underbelly is laid bare, and as they walk through it, Arthur feels an overwhelming sense of shame. His father’s coldness towards a desperate prostitute they encounter leaves a lasting impression on him, highlighting the harshness of the world they live in and his father’s inability to show empathy. This encounter only intensifies Arthur’s sense of injustice and fuels his desire for a better life. Their arrival at Bradbury & Evans, a well-established publishing house, brings a glimmer of hope to Arthur. His father attempts to use a connection with a local chemist to secure a job for Arthur, but the publishers inform them that no positions are available. In a moment of desperation, Arthur’s father insists that his son is a “genius” and pleads for an opportunity to prove himself. Intrigued, the publishers decide to test Arthur’s abilities, challenging him to recall dates from the past. Arthur’s impressive memory catches their attention, though the memories he recalls bring up emotions he would rather not confront.

Eventually, Bradbury & Evans agrees to take Arthur on as an apprentice, offering him the chance to prove himself over a week-long trial. Arthur is both excited and nervous, knowing that this could be the opportunity that changes his life. The chance to work in the world of printing and publishing sparks something within him, a newfound passion for literature and learning. Arthur’s curiosity about the world of publishing is ignited, and he sees this as a path to escape the poverty and struggles that have defined his early life. The excitement of this opportunity is tempered by the harsh realities of his situation, but Arthur is determined to embrace this chance with everything he has. The hope of building a better life for himself, fueled by his love for knowledge, begins to shine through as he steps into this new chapter. He is now on a journey that will not only transform his life but also shape his future, as he learns to navigate the complexities of the world he has always been excluded from.