Book Review – The Lost Orphan ★★★★★

Justine, a publicist for MIRA, emailed me to see if I’d like to read The Lost Orphan, and although I don’t normally choose to read Historical Fiction, I need to smack myself in the head and realize how much I like it. Big thanks to Justine for reaching out to me with this one!

About The Book 📚

Title: The Lost Orphan

Author: Stacey Halls

Publication Date: April 7, 2020

Publisher: MIRA

Genre: Historical Fiction

My Review

› In November 1747, Bess Bright is a mother for not even a day. After giving birth to a baby girl in the morning, she finds herself leaving her baby at the Foundling Hospital. The baby is to be sent to a wet nurse in the countryside, then return to the city around 5 years-old to live at the Foundling until they are ready to work in service and labour. Bess has a plan to work hard and earn enough money to get her baby back in a few years.

› Bess lives with her father, Abe, and brother, Ned. Abe is quiet, Ned is unreliable. Bess sells fish with her father from 4:30 am to sundown. January 1754, when Bess returns to the Foundling to collect her daughter, they tell her she was claimed by her mother a few days after being dropped off. Bess is shocked and determined to find her child. The rest of the story is a compelling story that you won’t be able to put down.

› The setting and world-building are top-notch and Halls writes some of the most interesting characters. This isn’t an action-packed plot, yet it still feels quick, with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more.

Rating: ★★★★★

› Final Thoughts
• The Lost Orphan is a fascinating historical fiction novel with decisive, strong, independent women that portray mental illness and the lengths a mother will go for her child. It reminded me of The Girl They Left Behind by Roxanne Veletzos and The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker. I can’t wait to read more from Stacey Halls.