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On the Face of It
Derek, a fourteen-year old boy has half a face burnt by acid befriends an old man, Mr. Lamb who has one leg made of tin, under unusual conditions. The story is about the behavioral changes in Derek by the optimism shown by Lamey Lamb.
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About the author
Susan Hill
182 books2,292 followersSusan Hill was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire in 1942. Her hometown was later referred to in her novel A Change for the Better (1969) and some short stories especially "Cockles and Mussels".
She attended Scarborough Convent School, where she became interested in theatre and literature. Her family left Scarborough in 1958 and moved to Coventry where her father worked in car and aircraft factories. Hill states that she attended a girls’ grammar school, Barr's Hill. Her fellow pupils included Jennifer Page, the first Chief Executive of the Millennium Dome. At Barrs Hill she took A levels in English, French, History and Latin, proceeding to an English degree at King's College London. By this time she had already written her first novel, The Enclosure which was published by Hutchinson in her first year at university. The novel was criticised by The Daily Mail for its sexual content, with the suggestion that writing in this style was unsuitable for a "schoolgirl".
Her next novel Gentleman and Ladies was published in 1968. This was followed in quick succession by A Change for the Better, I'm the King of the Castle, The Albatross and other stories, Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, A Bit of Singing and Dancing and In the Springtime of Year, all written and published between 1968 and 1974.
In 1975 she married Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and they moved to Stratford upon Avon. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977 and their second daughter, Clemency, was born in 1985. Hill has recently founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, which has published one work of fiction per year.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author by this name.
She attended Scarborough Convent School, where she became interested in theatre and literature. Her family left Scarborough in 1958 and moved to Coventry where her father worked in car and aircraft factories. Hill states that she attended a girls’ grammar school, Barr's Hill. Her fellow pupils included Jennifer Page, the first Chief Executive of the Millennium Dome. At Barrs Hill she took A levels in English, French, History and Latin, proceeding to an English degree at King's College London. By this time she had already written her first novel, The Enclosure which was published by Hutchinson in her first year at university. The novel was criticised by The Daily Mail for its sexual content, with the suggestion that writing in this style was unsuitable for a "schoolgirl".
Her next novel Gentleman and Ladies was published in 1968. This was followed in quick succession by A Change for the Better, I'm the King of the Castle, The Albatross and other stories, Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, A Bit of Singing and Dancing and In the Springtime of Year, all written and published between 1968 and 1974.
In 1975 she married Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and they moved to Stratford upon Avon. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977 and their second daughter, Clemency, was born in 1985. Hill has recently founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, which has published one work of fiction per year.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author by this name.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 1, 2026
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, the expression “on the face of it” refers to a superficial or initial impression, something that appears to be true, good, or acceptable at first glance but may reveal a very different reality upon deeper understanding. This definition is central to grasping the profound appropriateness of the title of the play On the Face of It.
The phrase encapsulates the thematic core of the narrative: the disparity between appearance and reality, and the danger of forming judgements based solely on external perception.
Human beings, more often than not, are conditioned to evaluate others through the lens of prejudice, preconceived notions, and societal conditioning. Such judgements are frequently shaped by outward appearances, hearsay, or ingrained biases rather than genuine understanding.
The play thus foregrounds an urgent moral imperative—the need to discard these metaphorical “glasses” of prejudice, hatred, and superficial judgement in order to perceive the true essence of individuals. It urges us to cultivate empathy and insight, recognising that reality often lies beneath the surface.
At a superficial level, Mr. Lamb may appear to be an eccentric, isolated, and physically impaired old man, living alone in a large house with an overgrown garden. His physical disability and unconventional lifestyle might lead others to view him as pitiable or strange. #
However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that this perception is deeply flawed. In reality, Mr. Lamb is a man of remarkable emotional depth and philosophical wisdom. He embodies kindness, generosity, acceptance, and a profound love for life. His openness towards the world, despite his own suffering, stands in stark contrast to society’s tendency to isolate and marginalise individuals who are different.
Similarly, Derek initially appears to be a withdrawn and bitter adolescent, defined by the physical disfigurement of his face. His scar, which society perceives as “ugly” or “frightening,” becomes the basis of his social alienation.
Yet, beneath this outward appearance lies a sensitive, intelligent, and deeply vulnerable fourteen-year-old boy who yearns for acceptance, companionship, and normalcy. His apparent hostility is not inherent but is a defensive response to the rejection and cruelty he has experienced. Thus, Derek’s character reinforces the idea that external appearances often conceal complex emotional realities.
The true conflict in the play, therefore, does not reside within Mr. Lamb or Derek themselves, but in the attitudes of the society that surrounds them. It is society’s inability to look beyond physical imperfections that creates barriers, fostering isolation and emotional suffering.
Both characters are, in essence, victims of a world that prioritises superficial appearances over inner worth.
On a broader philosophical level, the play extends this idea to humanity as a whole. At first glance, the world appears fragmented—divided by differences in appearance, ability, status, and identity. However, beneath these apparent divisions lies an inherent unity. All living beings share the same fundamental need for love, acceptance, and coexistence. This underlying sameness challenges the artificial boundaries constructed by human perception.
As the play progresses, both the characters’ perceptions of each other and the audience’s understanding undergo a transformation. Initial impressions are dismantled, giving way to deeper insight and empathy. This gradual shift reinforces the central message of the play—that truth and beauty lie beyond appearances.
In conclusion, the title On the Face of It is profoundly apt, as it encapsulates the play’s exploration of appearance versus reality, prejudice versus understanding, and isolation versus acceptance.
Through its nuanced portrayal of characters and relationships, Susan Hill compels us to question our assumptions and to recognise the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface of human experience.
Great read !!
The phrase encapsulates the thematic core of the narrative: the disparity between appearance and reality, and the danger of forming judgements based solely on external perception.
Human beings, more often than not, are conditioned to evaluate others through the lens of prejudice, preconceived notions, and societal conditioning. Such judgements are frequently shaped by outward appearances, hearsay, or ingrained biases rather than genuine understanding.
The play thus foregrounds an urgent moral imperative—the need to discard these metaphorical “glasses” of prejudice, hatred, and superficial judgement in order to perceive the true essence of individuals. It urges us to cultivate empathy and insight, recognising that reality often lies beneath the surface.
At a superficial level, Mr. Lamb may appear to be an eccentric, isolated, and physically impaired old man, living alone in a large house with an overgrown garden. His physical disability and unconventional lifestyle might lead others to view him as pitiable or strange. #
However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that this perception is deeply flawed. In reality, Mr. Lamb is a man of remarkable emotional depth and philosophical wisdom. He embodies kindness, generosity, acceptance, and a profound love for life. His openness towards the world, despite his own suffering, stands in stark contrast to society’s tendency to isolate and marginalise individuals who are different.
Similarly, Derek initially appears to be a withdrawn and bitter adolescent, defined by the physical disfigurement of his face. His scar, which society perceives as “ugly” or “frightening,” becomes the basis of his social alienation.
Yet, beneath this outward appearance lies a sensitive, intelligent, and deeply vulnerable fourteen-year-old boy who yearns for acceptance, companionship, and normalcy. His apparent hostility is not inherent but is a defensive response to the rejection and cruelty he has experienced. Thus, Derek’s character reinforces the idea that external appearances often conceal complex emotional realities.
The true conflict in the play, therefore, does not reside within Mr. Lamb or Derek themselves, but in the attitudes of the society that surrounds them. It is society’s inability to look beyond physical imperfections that creates barriers, fostering isolation and emotional suffering.
Both characters are, in essence, victims of a world that prioritises superficial appearances over inner worth.
On a broader philosophical level, the play extends this idea to humanity as a whole. At first glance, the world appears fragmented—divided by differences in appearance, ability, status, and identity. However, beneath these apparent divisions lies an inherent unity. All living beings share the same fundamental need for love, acceptance, and coexistence. This underlying sameness challenges the artificial boundaries constructed by human perception.
As the play progresses, both the characters’ perceptions of each other and the audience’s understanding undergo a transformation. Initial impressions are dismantled, giving way to deeper insight and empathy. This gradual shift reinforces the central message of the play—that truth and beauty lie beyond appearances.
In conclusion, the title On the Face of It is profoundly apt, as it encapsulates the play’s exploration of appearance versus reality, prejudice versus understanding, and isolation versus acceptance.
Through its nuanced portrayal of characters and relationships, Susan Hill compels us to question our assumptions and to recognise the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface of human experience.
Great read !!
February 7, 2020
ماذا تفعل عندما يعاملك الناس بشئ من التنمر بسبب وجود تشوه في وجهك
وينكر أقربائك هذا الفعل و هم في الوقت ذاته يمارسون التنمر ضد أشخاص آخرين??
بأي فكر ستؤمن بالتنمر أم بالتنكر للتنمر❓❗⁉
تحكي القصة عن حوار دار في حديقة بين ولد ذو وجه مشوه و رجل فقد ساقه في الحرب
كان الولد يشتكي للرجل من التنمر الذي يتعرض له و كان الرجل هو الحافز و الدافع للصبي
لكن عندما جاءت والدة الصبي طلبت منه الابتعاد عن الرجل لأنه ذو ساق مفقودة!!!
إزدواجية المعايير يعيشها الكثير من الأشخاص
و هى كسلوك لا يقل سوءاً عن التنمر
أعجبني قلم الكاتبة و أسلوبها الحواري
وينكر أقربائك هذا الفعل و هم في الوقت ذاته يمارسون التنمر ضد أشخاص آخرين??
بأي فكر ستؤمن بالتنمر أم بالتنكر للتنمر❓❗⁉
تحكي القصة عن حوار دار في حديقة بين ولد ذو وجه مشوه و رجل فقد ساقه في الحرب
كان الولد يشتكي للرجل من التنمر الذي يتعرض له و كان الرجل هو الحافز و الدافع للصبي
لكن عندما جاءت والدة الصبي طلبت منه الابتعاد عن الرجل لأنه ذو ساق مفقودة!!!
إزدواجية المعايير يعيشها الكثير من الأشخاص
و هى كسلوك لا يقل سوءاً عن التنمر
أعجبني قلم الكاتبة و أسلوبها الحواري
February 22, 2023
can't believe that an old man called 'mr.lamb' from my hs english textbook made me cry but here we are
October 22, 2016
رائعة.. رائعة.. أيضا هذة المسرحية ذات الفصل الواحد سمعتها ولم أقرأها.. و من روعتها تمنيت لو قرأتها كنسخة ورقية.
إسمها بالعربية " وجه مشوه"
هذه المسرحية من نوعية التي يتم الإحتفاظ بها للأبد، لكي تقرأ مرة بعد مرة.
المسرحية تحكي قصة ولد شوه وجهه بالحمض.. و تصف حيرته و قلقه.. شعوره بالرثاء على نفسه، و الذي يستتبعه بالتالي غضب عظيم..
رسائل الأهل له تكاد تكون هي " العامل الحفاز" الوحيد لكل هذه "اللخبطة"
الشاب الصغير يقابل رجلا.. به أثر تشوه ما.. ويتحدثون في سياق رائع.. عن كل شيء..
أحببت المسرحية جدا لدرجة أنه بعد حادثة النهاية - و بالرغم من أنها ليست جديدة في الأدب- إلا أنها جعلتني أرجع لأعيد سماع جزء من نقاشهما في وسط المسرحية...
إسمها بالعربية " وجه مشوه"
هذه المسرحية من نوعية التي يتم الإحتفاظ بها للأبد، لكي تقرأ مرة بعد مرة.
المسرحية تحكي قصة ولد شوه وجهه بالحمض.. و تصف حيرته و قلقه.. شعوره بالرثاء على نفسه، و الذي يستتبعه بالتالي غضب عظيم..
رسائل الأهل له تكاد تكون هي " العامل الحفاز" الوحيد لكل هذه "اللخبطة"
الشاب الصغير يقابل رجلا.. به أثر تشوه ما.. ويتحدثون في سياق رائع.. عن كل شيء..
أحببت المسرحية جدا لدرجة أنه بعد حادثة النهاية - و بالرغم من أنها ليست جديدة في الأدب- إلا أنها جعلتني أرجع لأعيد سماع جزء من نقاشهما في وسط المسرحية...
January 1, 2017
كيف يكون للأهل تأثير سلبي بحديثهم و رسائلهم السيئة علي أطفالهم ..
كيف يختبئ الضعف خلف طبقات الحيرة الغضب المشتعل في باتريك ذو الوجه المشوه ؟
جيدة و صغيرة و مميزة
كيف يختبئ الضعف خلف طبقات الحيرة الغضب المشتعل في باتريك ذو الوجه المشوه ؟
جيدة و صغيرة و مميزة
September 20, 2016
In love with it , about the sense of alienation felt by the physically challenged people , they don't need sympathy, Mr. Lamb is a person who is optimistic person and contrary Derry has grown pessimist and later his mind is changed and he becomes optimistic : best part is the open ending on the story !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2016
ﻷول مرة أتمنى أمثل على المسرح بسبب هذا الحوار الرائع
February 25, 2023
i cried over someone named 𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒚 and 𝒎𝒓. 𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒃 from a story in my ncert highschool english textbook. this made me c r y. he came back okay. he came back for him.
February 28, 2023
So boring for a textbook story in ncert....
January 20, 2021
وجه مشوه مسرحية من فصل واحد لسوزان هيل.
يقابل فتى تشوه وجهه مع رجل ذا ساق صناعية وبدأ الحديث بينهما، تحدث كلاً من الرجل الاعرج والفتى المشوه ذا 14 عاماً، ورحل الطفل قائلاً بأنه لن يعود أبداً، ولكنه عندما عاد مرة أخرى وجد الرجل قد سقط وهو يحاول التقاط التفاح من فوق الشجرة.
تتحدث هذه المسرحية عن كيف يعامل الناس المختلفين بسبب حوادث أو لانهم مصابون، يحاولون دائماً تعذيبهم بسبب اختلافاتهم تلك التي لم يكونوا قط سبباً فيها، مثل الفتى المشوه الوجه الذي كره العالم وخافه بسبب حمقلة الناس في وجهه، بسبب تنمرهم على تشوهه، وبعدهم عنه كأنه المرض، وكذلك الرجل الذي قطعت ساقه في انفجار، اصبح هو الاخر في وحدة تامة وكأن العميان عليهم ان يعيشوا مع العميان وذوي الاعاقة عليهم ان يمكثوا مع ذوي الاعاقة.
كذلك تنتنهي القصة بفرض أن اهل الفتى الذين يكرهون فعل الناس في ولدهم الذي اصبح مشوهاً بسبب الحادث، يكرهون المختلفين مثله امثال الرجل العجوز الذي اصيبت قدمه ويرفضون اقتراب ابنهم منه ومحاولة منعهم له من العودة إلي منزله مرة أخرى.
يقابل فتى تشوه وجهه مع رجل ذا ساق صناعية وبدأ الحديث بينهما، تحدث كلاً من الرجل الاعرج والفتى المشوه ذا 14 عاماً، ورحل الطفل قائلاً بأنه لن يعود أبداً، ولكنه عندما عاد مرة أخرى وجد الرجل قد سقط وهو يحاول التقاط التفاح من فوق الشجرة.
تتحدث هذه المسرحية عن كيف يعامل الناس المختلفين بسبب حوادث أو لانهم مصابون، يحاولون دائماً تعذيبهم بسبب اختلافاتهم تلك التي لم يكونوا قط سبباً فيها، مثل الفتى المشوه الوجه الذي كره العالم وخافه بسبب حمقلة الناس في وجهه، بسبب تنمرهم على تشوهه، وبعدهم عنه كأنه المرض، وكذلك الرجل الذي قطعت ساقه في انفجار، اصبح هو الاخر في وحدة تامة وكأن العميان عليهم ان يعيشوا مع العميان وذوي الاعاقة عليهم ان يمكثوا مع ذوي الاعاقة.
كذلك تنتنهي القصة بفرض أن اهل الفتى الذين يكرهون فعل الناس في ولدهم الذي اصبح مشوهاً بسبب الحادث، يكرهون المختلفين مثله امثال الرجل العجوز الذي اصيبت قدمه ويرفضون اقتراب ابنهم منه ومحاولة منعهم له من العودة إلي منزله مرة أخرى.
January 6, 2021
مسرحية إنسانية من الطراز الأول عن شخص يُدعى ديري مصاب بتشوه في وجهه بسبب سقوط حامض عليه ليتعرض إلى التنمر من قِبل الغرباء والتنفير من قِبل أهله
ولكن تجمعه صدفة مع عجوز ذو قدم صناعية يُدعى السيد لام في حديقة الأخير، ليدور بينهما حديث رائع وجذاب
ألمتني النهاية كثيرًا وتمنيت أن تكون سعيدة ولكن بشكل عام هي مسرحية مؤثرة للغاية
ولكن تجمعه صدفة مع عجوز ذو قدم صناعية يُدعى السيد لام في حديقة الأخير، ليدور بينهما حديث رائع وجذاب
ألمتني النهاية كثيرًا وتمنيت أن تكون سعيدة ولكن بشكل عام هي مسرحية مؤثرة للغاية
February 17, 2024
I had to read this for my English exams, and I cannot believe how blown away I am. As you read, you understand the main characters and why they act the way they do. The author has written this story flawlessly, and I will never be over the ending.
Goodbye, I will need 3-5 business days to recover.
Goodbye, I will need 3-5 business days to recover.
June 1, 2023
I adore the narrative because it explores how people's perspectives on beauty and their beliefs and thoughts can influence how one lives. Additionally, it makes clear that life is not about avoiding problems but rather about finding answers. Only our mentality sets us apart from others.
February 21, 2024
I'll never get over the fact that it felt incoherent at times especially in the beginning and then towards the end, all that mattered was that he came back for him but he couldn't witness it 💔
Just ncert things
Just ncert things
February 23, 2019
Kindness is a sort of love without being love
July 13, 2020
كل الحب سوزان هيل علي تلك الرائعة الصغيرة والعميقة والتي كانت بالنسبة لي بمثابة رمز قمتِ بتشفيره بحنكة وضمّنتِه الكثير من انسانيتك وحيرتك🙏
July 18, 2020
An awesome story about being kind and not pitying...
February 1, 2021
Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see the story is about being kind not pitying but I don’t know why the author decided to end the story this way
September 18, 2021
this story is so close to my heart
March 19, 2022
رواية فلسفية تدور حول أهم شئ وهو تقبل الانسان ذاته خاصة اذا كانت له ظروف خاصة كوجه مشوه او طرف صناعي وغيرها، والأهم تقبل راي وادراكات الناس لها... الصراع النفسي الابدي
November 8, 2022
Great Work!
October 31, 2024
Just one word -
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
February 24, 2025
Such a amazing life lesson in my english coursebook.
March 6, 2026
thanks for this wonderful masterpiece mam ..... its really emotional and great and literally every time i read it ends with tears in my eyes ..thanks for this
Read
November 10, 2012Super book....A positive outlook on the handicapped in our societies
August 3, 2020
It's one of those stories that really make me remember them on future discussion.
February 27, 2012
Read it in high-school. :P
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews