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Matthew Kneale

Sweet Thames

Sweet Thames

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  • More about Sweet Thames

In the summer of 1849, cholera threatens London, and the authorities send millions of gallons of sewage into the Thames. Joshua Jeavons, a young and idealistic engineer, embarks on a quest to find the cause of the epidemic. His search takes him to a netherworld of slum-dwellers, pickpockets, and scavengers of subterranean London.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2018
Publisher: Atlantic Books


In the scorching summer of 1849, cholera loomed over the bustling city of London, casting a dark shadow over its inhabitants. The authorities, in a desperate attempt to curb the spread of the disease, resorted to an unthinkable measure: dumping millions of gallons of sewage into the majestic Thames, which served as the sole source of drinking water for many Londoners. The stench of the polluted water filled the air, and the sight of the murky river was a haunting reminder of the city's impending doom.

Amidst this crisis, a young and idealistic engineer named Joshua Jeavons embarked on an obsessive quest to uncover the root cause of the epidemic. Driven by his unwavering determination, Joshua toiled tirelessly in a fog of incomprehension, his mind consumed by the urgent need to find a solution. However, his domestic life was plagued by an enigmatic coldness that seemed to envelop his beautiful bride, Isobella. Despite their shared love and commitment, Joshua could not shake off the feeling that something was amiss, and his search for answers took him to the depths of subterranean London.

As he ventured into the labyrinthine streets of the slums, Joshua encountered a world of poverty, desperation, and hardship. The people he met were survivors, scraping by on the fringes of society, their faces etched with the marks of hardship. They lived in dilapidated tenements, their homes overcrowded and their hygiene conditions deplorable. Joshua was struck by the resilience and strength of these people, who had managed to eke out a living in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Through his tireless investigation, Joshua gradually began to piece together the threads of the epidemic. He studied the water supply, the sanitation systems, and the social conditions that had contributed to its spread. He interviewed doctors, scientists, and politicians, seeking their insights and expertise.

As he delved deeper into the mystery, Joshua discovered that the cholera epidemic was not just a mere health crisis, but a reflection of the deep-rooted social and economic inequalities that plagued London. The poor, who had little access to clean water and proper sanitation, were the most vulnerable to the disease, while the wealthy elite who lived in opulent mansions seemed immune to its grasp.

Joshua's findings ignited a fire of activism within him. He became a vocal advocate for the rights of the underprivileged, using his engineering skills to design and implement sustainable sanitation systems that could provide clean water and proper waste disposal to all Londoners, regardless of their social status.

Despite the opposition and resistance he faced from the establishment, Joshua remained steadfast in his mission. He rallied support from grassroots organizations, community leaders, and even members of the royal family. Together, they worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions of the slums, to provide education and healthcare to the residents, and to create a safer and healthier environment for all.

Over time, Joshua's efforts paid off. The cholera epidemic began to decline, and the city of London began to transform. The Thames, once a symbol of pollution and disease, became a source of beauty and recreation. The slums, once a breeding ground for poverty and despair, began to thrive, with residents working together to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Joshua's legacy as an engineer and social activist continues to inspire generations to come. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of others has left an indelible mark on the history of London and the world.

In the scorching summer of 1849, cholera loomed over the bustling city of London, casting a dark shadow over its inhabitants. The authorities, in a desperate attempt to curb the spread of the disease, resorted to an unthinkable measure: dumping millions of gallons of sewage into the majestic Thames, which served as the sole source of drinking water for many Londoners. The stench of the polluted water filled the air, and the sight of the murky river was a haunting reminder of the city's impending doom.

Amidst this crisis, a young and idealistic engineer named Joshua Jeavons embarked on an obsessive quest to uncover the root cause of the epidemic. Driven by his unwavering determination, Joshua toiled tirelessly in a fog of incomprehension, his mind consumed by the urgent need to find a solution. However, his domestic life was plagued by an enigmatic coldness that seemed to envelop his beautiful bride, Isobella. Despite their shared love and commitment, Joshua could not shake off the feeling that something was amiss, and his search for answers took him to the depths of subterranean London.

As he ventured into the labyrinthine streets of the slums, Joshua encountered a world of poverty, desperation, and hardship. The people he met were survivors, scraping by on the fringes of society, their faces etched with the marks of hardship. They lived in dilapidated tenements, their homes overcrowded and their hygiene conditions deplorable. Joshua was struck by the resilience and strength of these people, who had managed to eke out a living in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Through his tireless investigation, Joshua gradually began to piece together the threads of the epidemic. He studied the water supply, the sanitation systems, and the social conditions that had contributed to its spread. He interviewed doctors, scientists, and politicians, seeking their insights and expertise.

As he delved deeper into the mystery, Joshua discovered that the cholera epidemic was not just a mere health crisis, but a reflection of the deep-rooted social and economic inequalities that plagued London. The poor, who had little access to clean water and proper sanitation, were the most vulnerable to the disease, while the wealthy elite who lived in opulent mansions seemed immune to its grasp.

Joshua's findings ignited a fire of activism within him. He became a vocal advocate for the rights of the underprivileged, using his engineering skills to design and implement sustainable sanitation systems that could provide clean water and proper waste disposal to all Londoners, regardless of their social status.

Despite the opposition and resistance he faced from the establishment, Joshua remained steadfast in his mission. He rallied support from grassroots organizations, community leaders, and even members of the royal family. Together, they worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions of the slums, to provide education and healthcare to the residents, and to create a safer and healthier environment for all.

Over time, Joshua's efforts paid off. The cholera epidemic began to decline, and the city of London began to transform. The Thames, once a symbol of pollution and disease, became a source of beauty and recreation. The slums, once a breeding ground for poverty and despair, began to thrive, with residents working together to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Joshua's legacy as an engineer and social activist continues to inspire generations to come. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of others has left an indelible mark on the history of London and the world.

In the scorching summer of 1849, cholera loomed over the bustling city of London, casting a dark shadow over its inhabitants. The authorities, in a desperate attempt to curb the spread of the disease, resorted to an unthinkable measure: dumping millions of gallons of sewage into the majestic Thames, which served as the sole source of drinking water for many Londoners. The stench of the polluted water filled the air, and the sight of the murky river was a haunting reminder of the city's impending doom.

Amidst this crisis, a young and idealistic engineer named Joshua Jeavons embarked on an obsessive quest to uncover the root cause of the epidemic. Driven by his unwavering determination, Joshua toiled tirelessly in a fog of incomprehension, his mind consumed by the urgent need to find a solution. However, his domestic life was plagued by an enigmatic coldness that seemed to envelop his beautiful bride, Isobella. Despite their shared love and commitment, Joshua could not shake off the feeling that something was amiss, and his search for answers took him to the depths of subterranean London.

As he ventured into the labyrinthine streets of the slums, Joshua encountered a world of poverty, desperation, and hardship. The people he met were survivors, scraping by on the fringes of society, their faces etched with the marks of hardship. They lived in dilapidated tenements, their homes overcrowded and their hygiene conditions deplorable. Joshua was struck by the resilience and strength of these people, who had managed to eke out a living in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Through his tireless investigation, Joshua gradually began to piece together the threads of the epidemic. He studied the water supply, the sanitation systems, and the social conditions that had contributed to its spread. He interviewed doctors, scientists, and politicians, seeking their insights and expertise.

As he delved deeper into the mystery, Joshua discovered that the cholera epidemic was not just a mere health crisis, but a reflection of the deep-rooted social and economic inequalities that plagued London. The poor, who had little access to clean water and proper sanitation, were the most vulnerable to the disease, while the wealthy elite who lived in opulent mansions seemed immune to its grasp.

Joshua's findings ignited a fire of activism within him. He became a vocal advocate for the rights of the underprivileged, using his engineering skills to design and implement sustainable sanitation systems that could provide clean water and proper waste disposal to all Londoners, regardless of their social status.

Despite the opposition and resistance he faced from the establishment, Joshua remained steadfast in his mission. He rallied support from grassroots organizations, community leaders, and even members of the royal family. Together, they worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions of the slums, to provide education and healthcare to the residents, and to create a safer and healthier environment for all.

Over time, Joshua's efforts paid off. The cholera epidemic began to decline, and the city of London began to transform. The Thames, once a symbol of pollution and disease, became a source of beauty and recreation. The slums, once a breeding ground for poverty and despair, began to thrive, with residents working together to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Joshua's legacy as an engineer and social activist continues to inspire generations to come. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of others has left an indelible mark on the history of London and the world.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 192 x 125 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786496409
Edition number: Main

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