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The Boy in the Canvas
-1984-
When his attempts to escape his miserable life backfire on him, twelve-year-old Joseph Ward finds himself in a world of trouble and is banished to St. Theodore’s Academy, a correctional school run by a sadistic headmaster. But Joseph has learned of a new gift, one that brings the worlds of paintings to life. Aided by his new friend, Odilon Mercier, he explores his talent in hopes it holds the key to their freedom…
When his attempts to escape his miserable life backfire on him, twelve-year-old Joseph Ward finds himself in a world of trouble and is banished to St. Theodore’s Academy, a correctional school run by a sadistic headmaster. But Joseph has learned of a new gift, one that brings the worlds of paintings to life. Aided by his new friend, Odilon Mercier, he explores his talent in hopes it holds the key to their freedom…
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Sweet
4 books28 followersChristopher Sweet has worked as a freelance writer, manager, waiter, bartender, event DJ, actor, children’s entertainer, truck driver, shopkeeper, call center operator, concierge, office assistant, barista, and a campground manager. He loves books, movies, the outdoors, and baseball.
He’s written several dozen short stories and multiple screenplays. The Boy in the Canvas is his first novel.
He lives with his growing tribe of people and beasts in New Brunswick, Canada.
He’s written several dozen short stories and multiple screenplays. The Boy in the Canvas is his first novel.
He lives with his growing tribe of people and beasts in New Brunswick, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 30, 2021
What a story! This debut novel from Christopher Sweet will take you on a ride of feelings from hope to horror, adventure to devastation and you won't be able to put this book down until you finally get to reveal the fate of young Joseph Ward.
Throughout “The Boy in the Canvas”, Christopher Sweet is remarkably able to depict evil not only in the mysterious and dangerous world of the paintings, but in the real world full of equally dangerous people. With a strong concept that could compared to a healthy stew of Matilda, Rose Madder, and a sprinkle of Jumanji, "The Boy in the Canvas" is still able to cut through with an original story that will both haunt your dreams, and will make you immediately want to call your family and tell them you love them.
Well done Chris, that was an absolute pleasure to read, and can't wait to see what you draw up next.
Throughout “The Boy in the Canvas”, Christopher Sweet is remarkably able to depict evil not only in the mysterious and dangerous world of the paintings, but in the real world full of equally dangerous people. With a strong concept that could compared to a healthy stew of Matilda, Rose Madder, and a sprinkle of Jumanji, "The Boy in the Canvas" is still able to cut through with an original story that will both haunt your dreams, and will make you immediately want to call your family and tell them you love them.
Well done Chris, that was an absolute pleasure to read, and can't wait to see what you draw up next.
March 16, 2023
Captivating! This is an excellent novel.
December 12, 2022
A Good Escapist Read
I came across this book and the author quite by accident and since we had a tenuous past connection, I decided to give his book a look. I purchased the Kindle edition and started to read it immediately. A page-turner to be sure, and a protagonist that you want to cheer for.
I came across this book and the author quite by accident and since we had a tenuous past connection, I decided to give his book a look. I purchased the Kindle edition and started to read it immediately. A page-turner to be sure, and a protagonist that you want to cheer for.
January 3, 2022
This debut novel immediately captured my interest and kept it through to the end. Joseph, the main character, was well presented and I cared about his well-being. Joseph’s ability to escape his reality was a fascinating trip into the imagination of the author.
The descriptive words selected to present the scenes are well chosen, engaging the reader and vividly creating images of what Joseph experienced Frankly, this is not my regular genre, but I enjoyed it!
Readers should be warned that there are dark scenarios where boys are subjected to physical violence and abuse at the hand of adult men that may be disturbing to some readers.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The descriptive words selected to present the scenes are well chosen, engaging the reader and vividly creating images of what Joseph experienced Frankly, this is not my regular genre, but I enjoyed it!
Readers should be warned that there are dark scenarios where boys are subjected to physical violence and abuse at the hand of adult men that may be disturbing to some readers.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I was enamored with it. It started with a bang: A girl disappears into a painting. Then, years later, we're introduced to a boy named Joseph Ward. His journey through the paintings triggers every emotion and the adventure along with the fantastic descriptions will pull you in, as if you're experiencing the roller coaster adventures firsthand.
Sweet is a fantastically talented author and look forward to reading more from him.
Sweet is a fantastically talented author and look forward to reading more from him.
October 29, 2023
Very good read .Nice mix of Fantasy and horror .Very well done
August 2, 2025
I love this book! Christopher Sweet has a great way of writing and it is a pleasure to read his books. I was hooked from the start. This was my first book by this author and I was really impressed by his knack to get you really involved in the story! I would highly recommend this book to everyone! It shows great imagination. Get your copy if you want a good book!
February 7, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this book from GoodReads in exchange for a review.
The Boy in the Canvas is the harrowing tale of a young boy living in horrible conditions, with a junky mother and alcoholic father. After his mother dies from an overdose, at her funeral, he's wandering around the church basement and encounters a painting that draws his interest. It seems that something in the painting is moving. It seems that there's a girl who is able to walk into and out of paintings at will. She informs him that he also has the ability, but before they can get any further into the discussion, his father shows up, the girl disappears, and he has to go home. That night he sneaks out of his apartment and goes back to the church to try and contact the girl again, only to be nabbed by the police and arrested. His father shows up at the police station the next morning to retrieve him, but, being drunk, gets into a fracas with the police and ends up getting arrested. The boy is then sent to a reform school, where his real nightmare begins. He finds he can enter the paintings, like the girl did, but when he exits through a different one, he's still in the same place. Between the friars running the school, who seem to have a sexual taste for young boys, and the monsters that seem to reside in the paintings, ready to eat anyone they come across, the horrors build up. This was a well-written horror story, parts of which were plausible (the friars treatment of the boys), and parts of which are truly fantasy (walking in and out of paintings). A good, fast read, and I'd recommend it.
The Boy in the Canvas is the harrowing tale of a young boy living in horrible conditions, with a junky mother and alcoholic father. After his mother dies from an overdose, at her funeral, he's wandering around the church basement and encounters a painting that draws his interest. It seems that something in the painting is moving. It seems that there's a girl who is able to walk into and out of paintings at will. She informs him that he also has the ability, but before they can get any further into the discussion, his father shows up, the girl disappears, and he has to go home. That night he sneaks out of his apartment and goes back to the church to try and contact the girl again, only to be nabbed by the police and arrested. His father shows up at the police station the next morning to retrieve him, but, being drunk, gets into a fracas with the police and ends up getting arrested. The boy is then sent to a reform school, where his real nightmare begins. He finds he can enter the paintings, like the girl did, but when he exits through a different one, he's still in the same place. Between the friars running the school, who seem to have a sexual taste for young boys, and the monsters that seem to reside in the paintings, ready to eat anyone they come across, the horrors build up. This was a well-written horror story, parts of which were plausible (the friars treatment of the boys), and parts of which are truly fantasy (walking in and out of paintings). A good, fast read, and I'd recommend it.
April 18, 2025
Fast-paced and frightening!
Twelve-year-old Joseph is sent to a correctional school for a minor crime, and the conditions there are truly horrific. I was rooting for Joseph the entire time. There's a fantastic blend of fantasy and horror from a wonderfully talented and creative author. I enjoyed watching Joseph's growth throughout the novel, how he empowers his friends, seeks out his found family, and remains true to himself. His unwavering determination to overcome challenges, protect his friends and survive, was inspiring and portrayed so well, it had me turning the pages. There was impressive character depth and compelling plot developments with many twists and turns I wasn't expecting. The story dealt with grief and difficult subjects in a multilayered and thoughtful way. I also enjoyed the humour and references to 80s pop culture throughout. I don't typically read horror, but I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to others looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read!
Twelve-year-old Joseph is sent to a correctional school for a minor crime, and the conditions there are truly horrific. I was rooting for Joseph the entire time. There's a fantastic blend of fantasy and horror from a wonderfully talented and creative author. I enjoyed watching Joseph's growth throughout the novel, how he empowers his friends, seeks out his found family, and remains true to himself. His unwavering determination to overcome challenges, protect his friends and survive, was inspiring and portrayed so well, it had me turning the pages. There was impressive character depth and compelling plot developments with many twists and turns I wasn't expecting. The story dealt with grief and difficult subjects in a multilayered and thoughtful way. I also enjoyed the humour and references to 80s pop culture throughout. I don't typically read horror, but I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to others looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read!
March 23, 2022
The title of the book intrigued me. What did it mean? Once I had read the first chapter it all made sense and I was hooked. This book is well written, has a great vocabulary and kept me reading as I wanted to find out what happened next.
As the author mentions in the forward, the main subject of the story is difficult to read about but is a story that should be told. There are many good moments in the characters lives to keep you interested and wanting to read on.
I am looking forward to the next book written by Christopher Sweet.
As the author mentions in the forward, the main subject of the story is difficult to read about but is a story that should be told. There are many good moments in the characters lives to keep you interested and wanting to read on.
I am looking forward to the next book written by Christopher Sweet.
March 10, 2022
To say I enjoyed The Boy in the Canvas would be an understatement. I devoured this book the moment it arrived. From the opening line to the last period on the final page I was drawn in to this story about Joseph, a young lad from a rough home. You genuinely feel for Joseph through out the book and can almost personally feel his emotions page after page. If you are looking for an excellent read, check out this new author Christopher Sweet, sit back and enjoy
December 19, 2023
The book was both longer and slower than I was expecting but I thought it was worth the read and will suggest it to people that ask about it. Sad I missed the virtual book club meeting that the author took part in but I didn't notice the paper in it until after it was over.
September 28, 2024
This was one of the most unique books I’ve ever read and I can’t say I’m surprised because Sweet doesn’t cease to throw curve balls. Fantastic read. Though it left me wanting to know more…. Solid 4.75
January 26, 2023
This man knows how to put words in a sentence. This book is very well written, captivating and will keep you intrigued to follow Joseph through his trials and tribulations. Highly recommended….
February 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much from start to end! It's such an original idea and the characters are so three dimensional and unique. I felt the anxiety and fear moment to moment and enjoyed the ride! Great job Chris!!
"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
August 18, 2022
I very much enjoyed the unusual premise of this book. The first half was rather hard for me to get through as it was slow going. But when the pace picked up midway through, it got so much better.
TW for sexual & physical violence as well as alcohol content.
TW for sexual & physical violence as well as alcohol content.
April 25, 2022
This book is a MUST read! I could not put it down and finished it in record time, abandoning all responsibilities of my world.
I feel as though I just spent a week in Joseph's world and as I closed the book for good, it took me a good few minutes to process and come back to real life.
Cannot wait for more from this author!
I feel as though I just spent a week in Joseph's world and as I closed the book for good, it took me a good few minutes to process and come back to real life.
Cannot wait for more from this author!
November 28, 2024
This was a fantastic debut novel. The author did not shy away from a complex topic.
I liked the first chapter with Hasty and how she immediately got sucked into the picture. It made me feel like the story would go lightning quick and be fast read with many twists and turns. When Joseph met Hasty and learned about painting jumping so early in the book, it kept me thinking that we would have many interesting surreal adventures. When Joseph got to St. Theodore’s, I felt like everything had slowed down.
In the scene in the office where Joseph first enters the painting, we start seeing the school as an awful place to be.
My parting thought for this book is that it was very well written—amazing for a debut book. The author is a good writer and has a great sense of humor. I will read anything he writes in the future.
I liked the first chapter with Hasty and how she immediately got sucked into the picture. It made me feel like the story would go lightning quick and be fast read with many twists and turns. When Joseph met Hasty and learned about painting jumping so early in the book, it kept me thinking that we would have many interesting surreal adventures. When Joseph got to St. Theodore’s, I felt like everything had slowed down.
In the scene in the office where Joseph first enters the painting, we start seeing the school as an awful place to be.
My parting thought for this book is that it was very well written—amazing for a debut book. The author is a good writer and has a great sense of humor. I will read anything he writes in the future.
November 5, 2023
Lucky enough to snag myself a signed (personally to me, which is especially rare in my collection!) copy at a local book event, and boy am I happy I did! The story is very compelling and relatable, while also being out of this world and unique. Characters are well-written, plot progresses smoothly and keeps you hooked throughout. Definitely worth the read, and the author is quite friendly, so if you have the chance to pick up your copy in-person, definitely don't pass that up!
January 14, 2026
Great read. The first half builds nicely and the second half is an exciting, nervy finish full of twists, turns and anxious moments!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews