Reviews

The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls

Only show reviews with written explanations

a_rxsnbrg's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

reading_rita's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Sometimes, keeping your expectations low can lead to pleasant surprises, and "Foundling" certainly exceeded mine. Set in 18th century London, the story follows 18-year-old Bess, who, out of desperation, leaves her newborn daughter at the Foundling Hospital (which, interestingly, is a real place I hadn’t heard of before). Her plan is to reclaim her baby once she’s on her feet. However, when Bess returns six years later, she’s shocked to learn that her child was already reclaimed by her “mother” just a day after being left. What follows is a gripping story, as Bess embarks on a desperate quest to get her daughter back.

Bess is a compelling character, and the novel's central moral dilemma—about whether parental love alone is enough in the face of extreme poverty, or if financial security can truly make up for emotional neglect—is heart-wrenching. The contrast between the hardships of poverty and the detachment of wealth is well explored, especially when children as young as six are expected to work to survive.

The audio narration was excellent, keeping me engaged throughout, I ended up finishing this book in a couple sittings.

If you enjoy historical fiction with themes of motherhood and life in 18th-century London, this book is definitely worth a read.
4/5 ⭐

winniefoster's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It's a solid novel that somehow ends up less than the sum of its parts. After a strong opening, the plot relies on coincidence and contrivance. The main characters are caricatures rather than realistic and the ending is pat. It's an average and forgettable read.