"That Boy of Norcott's" by Charles James Lever is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins with a dramatic and contentious custody trial in Dublin, involving young Digby Norcott, who finds himself caught between his estranged parents amidst themes of social class and parental rights. As the narrative unfolds, the book tackles issues such as identity, family dynamics, and the effects of upbringing on character development. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a pivotal trial in which Digby’s mother seeks to regain custody of her son from his father, Sir Roger Norcott. The trial's outcome leads to significant changes in Digby's life, as he transitions from living with his father, who has a penchant for extravagance and notoriety, to his mother, who embodies a stark contrast in values and lifestyle. This opening section delves into the turmoil of a broken family, the complexities of Digby's relationships with both parents, and his initial struggles as he adjusts to these drastic life changes. As he begins to forge his own path, readers are left anticipating how these experiences will shape him as he navigates the world and his sense of self. (This is an automatically generated summary.)