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A review by kelly_e
The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham
emotional
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? No
5.0
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
5 stars!
Having worked in a historical museum, I had the privilege of learning about the history of some of the British Home Children who came to live in my area, and their descendants. It's a part of Canadian history many of us know nothing about, and often gets swept under the rug. I was definitely keen to learn more about this time period, and I think everyone else should be as well. When I read the premise for this book, I just knew it would be something I'd be reading.
The Forgotten Home Child is a work of fiction, inspired by the true stories of the British Home Children who came to Canada. It is the story of Winny, and her friends Jack, Mary, Cecil, Edward, Charlotte and Quinn. 97- year-old Winny knows she doesn't have much time left, and she figures she will take her past to the grave with her. However, when her grand-daughter and great-grandson take an interest, she finds herself revealing a secret she promised to keep so long ago. It's a story of friendship, love, loss, hope, survival, courage, resilience, and the family we create.
Alternating between the past and the present, this novel is written flawlessly. Both timelines are necessary in developing the story, and contribute to why this story must be told. I loved this book from start to finish. It was beautiful, it was heartbreaking, it was emotional, and it was most definitely educative. This book taught me the true importance of owning your story, there is no shame, despite how painful your past may be, your story deserves to be told. The character development is phenomenal, as I felt connected to each and every one of these characters. This is so much more than just a compelling story, it is a book that delves into an overlooked and undermentioned part of Canadian history. Many of the experiences (but not all) are tragic, and for this reason it is a part of history that cannot be swept under the rug. Many of the stories used in this book are the harsh realities these young children faced in their day to day lives.
This is a must read for all Canadians! It was my first Genevieve Graham novel, and let me just say it definitely won't be my last. I absolutely love what she does for Canadian literature. If you enjoyed The Home for Unwanted Girls or are a historical fiction fan in general than add this one to your TBR pronto.
Content Warnings: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, violence, suicide, death, adoption, PTSD
5 stars!
Having worked in a historical museum, I had the privilege of learning about the history of some of the British Home Children who came to live in my area, and their descendants. It's a part of Canadian history many of us know nothing about, and often gets swept under the rug. I was definitely keen to learn more about this time period, and I think everyone else should be as well. When I read the premise for this book, I just knew it would be something I'd be reading.
The Forgotten Home Child is a work of fiction, inspired by the true stories of the British Home Children who came to Canada. It is the story of Winny, and her friends Jack, Mary, Cecil, Edward, Charlotte and Quinn. 97- year-old Winny knows she doesn't have much time left, and she figures she will take her past to the grave with her. However, when her grand-daughter and great-grandson take an interest, she finds herself revealing a secret she promised to keep so long ago. It's a story of friendship, love, loss, hope, survival, courage, resilience, and the family we create.
Alternating between the past and the present, this novel is written flawlessly. Both timelines are necessary in developing the story, and contribute to why this story must be told. I loved this book from start to finish. It was beautiful, it was heartbreaking, it was emotional, and it was most definitely educative. This book taught me the true importance of owning your story, there is no shame, despite how painful your past may be, your story deserves to be told. The character development is phenomenal, as I felt connected to each and every one of these characters. This is so much more than just a compelling story, it is a book that delves into an overlooked and undermentioned part of Canadian history. Many of the experiences (but not all) are tragic, and for this reason it is a part of history that cannot be swept under the rug. Many of the stories used in this book are the harsh realities these young children faced in their day to day lives.
This is a must read for all Canadians! It was my first Genevieve Graham novel, and let me just say it definitely won't be my last. I absolutely love what she does for Canadian literature. If you enjoyed The Home for Unwanted Girls or are a historical fiction fan in general than add this one to your TBR pronto.
Content Warnings: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, violence, suicide, death, adoption, PTSD