This book played an important role in shaping modern, realistic fiction, but has aged somewhat poorly. Much of it holds up fairly well, but there are some points which distract from the meaningful tale. Disregarding the premise, certain elements, such as the particular viciousness of some of the children, as well as some of the skills they possess - or lack - stand out as somewhat contrived. A valuable piece of literary history, but not one I would recommend to an uninterested reader.