The Camera Fiend

by E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung

"The Camera Fiend" by E.W. Hornung is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Pocket Upton, a schoolboy navigating his precarious existence filled with asthma attacks and a quest for adventure. As he attempts to forge his identity apart from his brothers, Pocket's encounters in London lead to unexpected and life-altering consequences, including a tragic incident that complicates his life further. The opening of the novel introduces Pocket Upton as he struggles with his asthma and feels like an outsider among his peers. After being sent to London for a doctor's appointment, he wanders through the city, grappling with feelings of adventure mixed with insecurity. His impulsive decision to buy a revolver leads to a fateful night in Hyde Park, where he inadvertently shoots a man while sleepwalking, unaware of the severity of his actions. This chilling incident sets the stage for the unfolding narrative, as Pocket must confront the repercussions of his actions while striving to protect his family from the painful truth. The beginning effectively establishes both the character's internal conflict and the novel's tension, promising an exploration of themes related to innocence, guilt, and the thirst for acceptance.