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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
This is a 5 star read for me. Literally the only book that has managed to make me cry even though i’ve read it before
Set in the 1930s, this historical fiction tells the story of the Forgotten Children, orphans from England sent to Canada, where many become indentured servants to families looking for help on their farms.
The premise was interesting and historical fiction is my jam, so I was definitely the intended reader for this one. While I enjoyed the story, I just wasn’t as drawn in as I normally am with books like this. It felt a bit flat for me. I do think this would make a good discussion for book clubs wanting to learn more about this topic. There are some good discussion questions and ideas for enhancing your discussion. I also found the author’s note along with photographs very interesting.
The premise was interesting and historical fiction is my jam, so I was definitely the intended reader for this one. While I enjoyed the story, I just wasn’t as drawn in as I normally am with books like this. It felt a bit flat for me. I do think this would make a good discussion for book clubs wanting to learn more about this topic. There are some good discussion questions and ideas for enhancing your discussion. I also found the author’s note along with photographs very interesting.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A very moving and emotional story of British children sent to work as basically slaves in Canada. A work of historical fiction that tells the sad story of “home children.” The challenges the characters faced, that they shouldn’t have had to face, we’re overcome with the strength and love they found in each other. It’s not many books that really make me cry. This one gets 5
Well written, I just am not interested in reading a sad but true story.
Interesting, unknown part of history. However, there were unrealistic annoying things too. Some of the characters did not feel real. It was almost like the author was trying to share so many real life examples, people had to be two different people for the story to work. Mrs. Adam’s and Renfrew for example. They were horrible. Then by some stroke of luck, this child who they didn’t value or even treat as human is suddenly believed over their own loved one? And then they become generous?! Not realistic. And Mr. Renfrew, an influential and important man, actually going to jail for the crime because his wife turned him in?!? That is not the way things typically worked in the 1930s.
And Esther? How did Winnie pay for a nanny while going to nursing school? Or did Esther not have anything going on and decided she could spend six years of her life looking after her brothers friends adopted child? A lot of details left out there.
And it may be real life, although I didn’t read it happening in the authors note, but I absolutely hated the secrets kept and then Billy’s 60 year resentment to the secrets. You’re going to waste a lifetime of love because you threw a fit when you were 18 that your parents didn’t share all their not-safe-for-kids trauma with you when you were a child and not realize it was silly and make it right when you become adult enough to understand it?!?
I get it, people do unexpected and dumb things all the time, but it didn’t feel totally genuine to me. There were enough instances where I was thrown out of the story by these unrealistic happenings that I almost DNF. But I stuck it out.
A worthwhile read, but… not one I’ll be recommending all over the place.
And Esther? How did Winnie pay for a nanny while going to nursing school? Or did Esther not have anything going on and decided she could spend six years of her life looking after her brothers friends adopted child? A lot of details left out there.
And it may be real life, although I didn’t read it happening in the authors note, but I absolutely hated the secrets kept and then Billy’s 60 year resentment to the secrets. You’re going to waste a lifetime of love because you threw a fit when you were 18 that your parents didn’t share all their not-safe-for-kids trauma with you when you were a child and not realize it was silly and make it right when you become adult enough to understand it?!?
I get it, people do unexpected and dumb things all the time, but it didn’t feel totally genuine to me. There were enough instances where I was thrown out of the story by these unrealistic happenings that I almost DNF. But I stuck it out.
A worthwhile read, but… not one I’ll be recommending all over the place.
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Engaging story and a really informative look into a piece of history I didn't know about. The writing at times felt a bit cheesy, but overall I really enjoyed this.
I loved this book. Very well written and researched. The characters came to life to shed light on this terrible aspect of our history. I did feel at times some of the abuses were overly portrayed, but maybe they had to be... Overall, however, very readable and informative and entertaining. I loved the dual timelines and could feel Winnie's pain going back to a past that she'd kept carefully hidden. I highly recommend this book and even put it in my subscription box.
Historically interesting. Sweet story of friendship that forges a special new kind of family. There was something missing for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read a digital ARC of this book
My first book by Genevieve Graham and can I say it was absolutely amazing! What a story.
I have heard of the British Home Children but never in my wildest thoughts did I think how horrible they were treated.
The British Home children were sent to Canada for a better life...yeah right...what some of the supposed ophans went through brought tears to my eyes. Yes it is a historical fiction story but based on true stories...
I fell in love with the characters and at moments I had to stop reading because of becoming emotional tears were flowing hard....
The synopsis tells you what the book is about so I'm not going into that...what I will say is that if you love historical fiction I guarantee that you will love this book.
Based on true stories from the Home children's children you will feel a series of emotions that will rock your world.
Keep a box of tissues handy because if you have heart it will break and you will cry...
Highly recommend!
My first book by Genevieve Graham and can I say it was absolutely amazing! What a story.
I have heard of the British Home Children but never in my wildest thoughts did I think how horrible they were treated.
The British Home children were sent to Canada for a better life...yeah right...what some of the supposed ophans went through brought tears to my eyes. Yes it is a historical fiction story but based on true stories...
I fell in love with the characters and at moments I had to stop reading because of becoming emotional tears were flowing hard....
The synopsis tells you what the book is about so I'm not going into that...what I will say is that if you love historical fiction I guarantee that you will love this book.
Based on true stories from the Home children's children you will feel a series of emotions that will rock your world.
Keep a box of tissues handy because if you have heart it will break and you will cry...
Highly recommend!