Its no secret that I adored The Familiars. It was one of my favourites reads last year so I had high expectations for THE FOUNDLING. Psst Ill let you into a secret…it didn’t disappoint.
Such a difficult book to put down as I was transfixed by the atmospheric imagery and beautiful prose. Halls transports the reader back to London in the 1750s and focuses on The Foundling Hospital where mothers took their babies to be looked after, until they could return and take them back. I was fully immersed in the 18th century as the setting came alive with noise, colourful characters and an enchanting plot. I love a historical fiction book, especially ones that fully embody the time period in every way.
The story focuses on women and motherhood through the eyes of Bess, who had to leave her newborn Clara at the hospital and Alexandra, a wealthy woman living in Bloomsbury with her young daughter. Watching the connection between these two very different women play out was gripping. I was immediately drawn to Bess due to her formidable nature and her situation which really was heart breaking. I was rooting for this young mother and found myself rushing to the end for answers. The writing is precise, skillful and captivating. The structure is spot on with alternating chapters of Bess and Alexandra and the characters were complex, brave and vivid. I cannot fault this book at all if I’m honest.
THE FOUNDLING is pure perfection. I was swept up in all the mystery, history and powerful storytelling. I highly recommend this book and THE FAMILIARS. Honestly, historical fiction at its best and Halls is becoming one of my favourite authors.
Such a difficult book to put down as I was transfixed by the atmospheric imagery and beautiful prose. Halls transports the reader back to London in the 1750s and focuses on The Foundling Hospital where mothers took their babies to be looked after, until they could return and take them back. I was fully immersed in the 18th century as the setting came alive with noise, colourful characters and an enchanting plot. I love a historical fiction book, especially ones that fully embody the time period in every way.
The story focuses on women and motherhood through the eyes of Bess, who had to leave her newborn Clara at the hospital and Alexandra, a wealthy woman living in Bloomsbury with her young daughter. Watching the connection between these two very different women play out was gripping. I was immediately drawn to Bess due to her formidable nature and her situation which really was heart breaking. I was rooting for this young mother and found myself rushing to the end for answers. The writing is precise, skillful and captivating. The structure is spot on with alternating chapters of Bess and Alexandra and the characters were complex, brave and vivid. I cannot fault this book at all if I’m honest.
THE FOUNDLING is pure perfection. I was swept up in all the mystery, history and powerful storytelling. I highly recommend this book and THE FAMILIARS. Honestly, historical fiction at its best and Halls is becoming one of my favourite authors.