Osbert is a very clever boy and a talented violinist who wins a place at The Institute, a rather sinister school in Schwartzgarten. There he meets one friend, one kind teacher and several cruel teachers intent on humiliating the children. Osbert is spurred into action and the tale unfolds with grim and gory events that are dark but comic. This is a brilliantly written book with fantastic characters. It is a real page-turner, a hilarious read and it will delight boys and girls alike.