He had to push past many boundaries to reveal the truth of how disease was spread. Snow was not blinded by superstitions in treating the sick. Like Dickens, Hopkinson saw a need to write a novel not only revealing the destitution of London’s orphans, but also spotlighting an important historical figure few know about today: Dr. Hopkinson’s book is a beautifully written story within the vein of Charles Dickens. Running from his stepfather’s quarters, Eel makes it in time to testify before a court that Dr. Eel doesn’t give in and escapes with the help of a past mudlarking friend. Snow’s theory, Eel is kidnapped by his stepfather and tortured to reveal the location of his younger brother. John Snow, who employed Eel in the past, hires Eel in proving that the Blue Death epidemic was spread by tainted water, not noxious air as most believe. With nowhere to go, Eel takes what jobs he can to secretly care for his younger brother. When Eel is about to ask a neighboring tailor to prove his innocence, Eel finds that the tailor and most of his family are dying from a new outbreak of the Blue Death. However, his stability is taken away when a jealous coworker charges Eel with theft. Eel now has food, shelter, and steady work all supplied by the owners of the Broad Street pub. Eel’s life has improved since he escaped his abusive stepfather and stopped mudlarking.
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