The little boy, William Beech, is in a terrible state when he arrives to the countryside. What has happened to him? What is the name of the place called? How is it pictured in the book/film? Does this place exist in reality?

Willie is a nervous, fearful boy with a history of abuse from his mother. This abuse has clearly shaped his mannerisms, which Tom notices right away. Willie fears possible punishment so much that he often stays quiet. Because of being abused, Willie sees the world as an innately dangerous place where there is violence lurking in every corner. He easily becomes frightened of mundane things, such as the squirrel in the graveyard. Willie's religious upbringing is one focused on abstaining from the sins of the world. We see that Willie tries so hard to be a good, sinless boy that he hides himself, incapable of communicating with Tom in certain moments.

The place is called Little Weirwold.

The narrow road sloped gently upwards. Willie could just make out, in all the speed of their walking, the wild hedgerows flashing in low green lines beside him. It felt very unreal, like a muddled dream. When they reached the top of the hill Willie saw a row of small thatched cottages standing on either side of the road ahead.