The story is about and based around The Foundling Hospital in London where poor and disadvantaged mothers would be bring their babies to be brought up cared for and saved from a life of poverty. The mother could return to claim their child back if their circumstances changed but few did...
This book switches between two women who are both important in the child's life and shows extremely well the different lives rich and poor live in the 1700s.
The historical detail is extraordinary and the author certainly did her research even into the slang used by the poorer characters. She really brought the decay and disease and hopelessness of Bess' position to life.
A really good read and for readers of Stacey Hall's previous novel "The Familiars" a welcome return its very different but if anything a more interestingly subject with loads of good characters.
This book switches between two women who are both important in the child's life and shows extremely well the different lives rich and poor live in the 1700s.
The historical detail is extraordinary and the author certainly did her research even into the slang used by the poorer characters. She really brought the decay and disease and hopelessness of Bess' position to life.
A really good read and for readers of Stacey Hall's previous novel "The Familiars" a welcome return its very different but if anything a more interestingly subject with loads of good characters.