The Forgotten Home Child

The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham  384pages

Fans of Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train will love this latest novel from Genevieve Graham.  This story is also about the relocation of children, much like what happened here in in America between 1854 and 1929.  This story, however, is how the British relocated destitute children to Canada between 1869 and 1948. During that time it is estimated that more than 120,000 children between the ages of three and eighteen were taken from England’s streets and orphanages, or given up by their parents, and sent to Canada to be taken in by whoever would give them a home. Many were abused and neglected as there was no checks and balances systems to ensure they were well cared for. Graham based this novel on those children.

This story is framed by ninety-seven-year-old Winny, who was once one of those children. In 2018, her granddaughter drops the box when she is helping Winny move and a lifetime of memories tumble out.

Then the story goes back to 1936, which is the setting for the majority of the story. It follows Winny, Jack, his sister Mary, and two brothers, Edward and Cecil. The little band of five is all they have in the world to call their family.

Upon their arrival in Canada, they are split up---Jack, Edward and Cecil going to one farm while Mary and Winny are also split up.  Life is hard on the farms, the people entrusted with the youngsters treat them less than they do their animals. The live for the day when they can all be together again and make a home of their choosing.

At Winny’s new home, if she doesn’t finish her chores before the supper scraps are thrown out, the dogs get to eat while she goes to bed hungry. She is forced to sleep in the barn, but thank heavens for the sheep or she would freeze to death in the deep cold of a Canadian winter. At the farm where Mary has been sent, she is repeatedly raped by her “master.”  The boys are worked like mules and are often beat for the tiniest of infractions.

Much like Baker Kline’s Orphan Train, readers will get to know all five of the children intimately, but Winny takes the lead. This is a tale of loss, turbulence, resilience, second chances, adaptability, and courage. Be prepared to not get anything else accomplished once you start this wonderfully woven tale.

The Forgotten Home Child receives 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.