Tor, a Street Boy of Jerusalem

by Florence Morse Kingsley

"Tor, a Street Boy of Jerusalem" by Florence Morse Kingsley is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus and follows the journey of a young boy named Tor, a street urchin, as he encounters figures of significance in the biblical narrative. Themes of poverty, faith, and redemption weave throughout the tale as Tor navigates his harsh realities and the transformative power of compassion and belief. The beginning of the novel introduces Tor, who is hungry and struggling to survive in the streets of Jerusalem. He feels envy for the carefree sparrows around him and showcases his cunning by teasing a blind beggar named Chelluh, who he had been forced to serve. As he evades Chelluh, he is cornered by a mysterious stranger, later revealed to be Peter, who unexpectedly intervenes on Tor's behalf. Tor is drawn into a series of events that highlight his plight—being a beggar, confronting power dynamics, and ultimately seeing a fleeting glimpse of hope as he seeks his new master, Jesus. This opening sets the stage for Tor's transformation as he grasps the concepts of faith and service amidst his struggles.