"Sturdy and Strong; Or, How George Andrews Made His Way" by G. A. Henty is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book follows the journey of the young protagonist, George Andrews, as he navigates the challenges of poverty and societal expectations after his mother falls ill, leading her to a workhouse. Striving to support his family, George embarks on a quest for work in London, highlighting themes of perseverance, friendship, and moral integrity. The opening of the novel introduces readers to George and his mother, who are struggling to make ends meet following the death of George's father. Faced with hard realities, George's mother is advised by a doctor to enter a workhouse for her health, leading George to resolve to take care of himself and find work. Determined to improve their situation, George leaves his previous job as a grocer's errand boy and sets off to London in search of better opportunities, vowing to earn a living while holding onto a dream of a brighter future for them both. This initial setup establishes the narrative's central conflict, along with George's steadfast character in the face of adversity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)