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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a coming-of-age novel set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, along the Mississippi River.
The story follows Tom Sawyer, a clever, mischievous boy who loves adventure and often gets into trouble. He lives with Aunt Polly and spends his days with his best friend Huckleberry Finn and his love interest Becky Thatcher.
Key events in the book include:

•  Tom cleverly persuades other boys to whitewash a fence for him
• Tom and Huck witness a murder in the graveyard committed by Injun Joe
• The boys struggle with fear and guilt after keeping the secret
• Tom and Huck run away to live on an island, and everyone believes they drowned
• They dramatically return during their own funeral
• Tom and Becky get lost in a cave, where they again encounter Injun Joe
•  The villain later dies, and the boys discover hidden treasure

By the end, Tom shows growing courage, loyalty, and responsibility, even while staying playful and adventurous.

About the author

Mark Twain (1835–1910) was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, an American writer, humorist, and lecturer often called the “father of American literature.” He is best known for “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Born in Missouri, Twain worked as a printer’s apprentice, riverboat pilot on the Mississippi, journalist, and traveler, and these experiences shaped his writing. His style is noted for wit, satire, realistic dialogue, and social criticism, especially on issues such as race and hypocrisy.

Twain’s works and public persona made him one of the most recognizable literary figures of his time, and his influence on American storytelling remains strong today.

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