Reviews

The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls

daphnevandenbergkramer's review against another edition

3.0

3,5 ⭐️

dibdab's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.25

This is the story of 2 women in Georgian London. It start  with a bit of mystery and suspense and the plot rumbles along at a fair pace. The setting was excellent:a vivid picture of London in the 18th century.  However I didn't particularl  care about either of the two main characters.  Additionally, I found parts - particularly the ending - rather unbelievable (and this from a keen reader of fantasy!). Overall an enjoyable read but not a favourite. 

kernowme's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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

4.0

leelee77's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book, it’s totally unlike anything I’ve read before but it’s opened me up to a new genre.

I was lucky to be given the opportunity to read this on Pigeonhole where a part of the book is released daily over the course of 10 days. Every day when I finished each section I couldn’t wait for the next day to find out what happened next.

amongst_the_bookstacks's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective 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? No

4.25

Stacey Halls has done it again with The Foundling, what a sensational read! From the very first page, I was swept away into the bustling streets of 18th-century London, a world where secrets fester and hearts yearn. Halls’ masterful storytelling had me enthralled, as she deftly spins the tale of Bess Bright, a woman who leaves her newborn at the Foundling Hospital, to return years later to reclaim her child, only to find that someone else has already taken her. 

Halls’ writing is a dazzling dance of wit and poignancy, as she explores the profound depths of motherhood, identity, and the bonds that bind us—whether by blood or by choice. The characters are richly drawn, each one a vibrant thread in this tapestry of intrigue and heartache. I found myself utterly invested in Bess’s journey, as she navigates the labyrinth of lies and deception with a courage that is both inspiring and deeply moving. And let’s not forget the vivid portrayal of Georgian London, a character in its own right, teeming with life, mystery, and danger at every turn. The Foundling is a true gem, a vibrant blend of historical detail and emotional depth. Simply put, it’s a must-read!

celiapowell's review against another edition

4.0

Another really enjoyable historical novel from Stacey Halls - this one set in Georgian London, where Bess gives up her baby girl to a Foundling Hospital, and then saves every bit she makes to try and afford to get her back 6 years later. When she returns however, her baby is gone - collected by someone else. Bess is determined to find her and get her back. Richly detailed, and evokes both the poorer and wealthier areas of the city really well.

ruthlessly's review against another edition

3.75

 I enjoy Stacey Halls writing so much. I think its evident she has a great love for historical fiction and this felt like bringing important issues for women at the time. It's also easy to read, at the same time. I think she's really great at creating both setting and atmosphere. This book essentially follows Bess, who left her baby in the Foundling Hospital in London and what happens when she goes to try and reclaim her daughter six years later: except someone has already done so. It's an intriguing premise and I think the author tells it in a really fun manner. That said, this didn't feel as emotionally resonant as I perhaps wanted it too. The ending didn't overly do it for me -- I thought it was a bit too neat. But I appreciated that this left space for letting the reader change its mind about characters and for being clear about the harsh choices faced in Georgian England. I thought there was some interesting questions about love and money here too! This wasn't my favourite but I did really like it!

nyanyark's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense 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? It's complicated

3.5

thisisgettingstupid999's review against another edition

4.0

A missing baby, a desperate mother, a reclusive widow, and an earnest young doctor – it all adds up to a page-turning melodrama of the best kind.
There were a few things that, for me, prevented it from being a five star :

Spoiler

Firstly, a lot of the plot seemed to hang on some pretty unbelievable coincidences.
Secondly, the tale took a dip at part 3 when there was a lot of trudging through streets and huddling in corners and (what appeared to be) a prolonged attempt to wring emotion out of the reader. (How hard-hearted I am!)
Finally, did I miss something or was it never clear how Bess managed to manipulate the doctor into getting her the nursemaid position?

Overall , though, I really enjoyed this well-written and captivating story.

susan_song's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful 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

3.25