The one word which describes this novel for me is STUNNING!!
Bess an unmarried mother living in poverty in Georgian London is forced to give her baby daughter Clara into the care of the Foudling hospital where she will remain until Bess can reclaim her. 6 years later Bess returns to be told that her daughter has already been claimed and her world falls apart as she searches for her little girl.
Alexandra lives a privileged life as a young widow with a small daughter, she fights demons from the past and when her close friend Doctor Mead a doctor at the Foundling hospital suggest she takes on a nursemaid for her daughter, a string of events take place that changes her life forever.
The Georgian London which this book transported me to was dark and dangerous. The poverty and hardship experienced by some compared to the privileges of others were in sharp contrast. The class and background you were born into determined your everyday existence and future and this was demonstrated brilliantly.
At the heart of this novel the love of a mother resounded. To have no other option but surrender your child is unimaginable to me. The invisible cord between mother and child is strong and this was beautifully portrayed.
The book is full of amazing characters and the historical setting is first class. The storyline had me transfixed and I can honestly say it will stay with me, and is one of the best books I have recently read. Thank you to readers first for my chance to read this beautiful historical novel.
Bess an unmarried mother living in poverty in Georgian London is forced to give her baby daughter Clara into the care of the Foudling hospital where she will remain until Bess can reclaim her. 6 years later Bess returns to be told that her daughter has already been claimed and her world falls apart as she searches for her little girl.
Alexandra lives a privileged life as a young widow with a small daughter, she fights demons from the past and when her close friend Doctor Mead a doctor at the Foundling hospital suggest she takes on a nursemaid for her daughter, a string of events take place that changes her life forever.
The Georgian London which this book transported me to was dark and dangerous. The poverty and hardship experienced by some compared to the privileges of others were in sharp contrast. The class and background you were born into determined your everyday existence and future and this was demonstrated brilliantly.
At the heart of this novel the love of a mother resounded. To have no other option but surrender your child is unimaginable to me. The invisible cord between mother and child is strong and this was beautifully portrayed.
The book is full of amazing characters and the historical setting is first class. The storyline had me transfixed and I can honestly say it will stay with me, and is one of the best books I have recently read. Thank you to readers first for my chance to read this beautiful historical novel.