10 h 18 minAudiobook2 minSummaryRead it, hear it, the 15-minute summary, and print and large print at costPaperback · 6 × 9 in · printing soonHardcover · 6 × 9 in · printing soonAbout this book
What does home mean when the road takes you away from the only mother you know?
In Hector Malot’s Nobody’s Boy, Rémi grows up in the French countryside, sure that loving Mother Barberin is his mother. Money is scarce, but her care makes him feel safe. Then Barberin places him with Vitalis, an elderly travelling performer, and Rémi must learn to live on the roads of France.
Vitalis makes a living giving shows with trained dogs and a monkey. He demands hard work, yet teaches Rémi music, reading, and the discipline to survive. As Rémi meets new people, including the caring Mrs. Milligan and her son Arthur, his search for affection becomes a pressing question: whom can he trust, and where does he belong?
What you’ll discover
- A home worth remembering Mother Barberin’s kindness gives Rémi a lasting sense of the affection he seeks.
- Life along the road Follow travelling performers as they work to gather audiences and earn their living.
- A demanding protector Discover the bond between Rémi and Vitalis, built through lessons, work, and shared hardship.
- Companions who matter Meet clever performing dog Capi and gifted musician Mattia, whose friendship helps sustain Rémi.
- The search for belonging Share Rémi’s growing need to understand his origins and find a place of his own.
Is it for you?
Readers who enjoy long journeys, loyal animal companions, and hard-won friendships will find much to care about in Rémi's story.
What’s inside
The key ideas, in the 15-minute summary
Who’s who
- RémiA foundling raised with affection must learn to survive on the road while searching for a family.
- Mother BarberinRémi's loving foster mother gives him his first experience of home and lasting affection.
- VitalisAn elderly travelling performer becomes Rémi's teacher and protector.
- MattiaA gifted young musician becomes Rémi's loyal friend and travelling companion.
- Mrs. MilliganA caring English mother travels with her son Arthur and offers Rémi welcome and kindness.
- CapiVitalis's clever performing dog brings companionship and practical help to life on the road.
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- Audiobook
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- 15-minute summary
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- Paperback
- 6 × 9 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
- Hardcover
- 6 × 9 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
- Large print paperback
- 8.5 × 11 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
- Large print hardcover
- 8.5 × 11 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
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Language: Français
From the 15-minute summary · Key idea 1 of 5
Rémi grows up in the French countryside believing that Mother Barberin is his mother. Her kindness gives him a secure home, even though they have little money. Then her husband returns, and Rémi learns that he was found as an abandoned baby. To Jérôme Barberin, the boy is another mouth to feed. Rémi wants to stay with the woman he loves, but adults decide his future without asking him.
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The author
Hector Malot
1830–1907 · French novelist
Hector Malot (1830–1907) was a French novelist. He was born in La Bouille, Normandy, and died in Fontenay-sous-Bois, near Paris. His first novel, Les Amants, appeared in 1859. He wrote Sans famille, published in 1878 and known in English as Nobody’s Boy. He also wrote En famille (1893).
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What is Nobody's Boy about?
Nobody's Boy follows Rémi, a foundling who loses the security of his foster home and travels through France with an animal performer. His adventures involve hunger, friendship, music, and danger, while his search for his origins becomes a search for lasting love.
Is Nobody's Boy the same book as Sans Famille?
Yes. Nobody's Boy is an English title for Hector Malot's Sans Famille, first published in 1878. The French title means Without Family and points to Rémi's central struggle: he has people who care for him, but no secure place in a family.
Who is Vitalis in Nobody's Boy?
Vitalis is the elderly performer who takes Rémi onto the road with his trained animals. He teaches the boy to read, make music, and work before an audience. Though sometimes stern, he gives Rémi protection and care in a life full of uncertainty.
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