The Foundling [Paperback]

Linda Hayner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1997

One cold morning in January, 1644, Willy--four years old--is abandoned on the porch of a parish church in London. The parish constable finds him, and Willy begins a journey that requires him to rely on his natural ingenuity and his early training in order to survive.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up. This historical novel traces the fortunes of a child abandoned by his destitute mother in London during the winter of 1644. After a constable finds him near a church door, Willy is lodged temporarily with benevolent Master Perry. Immediately fond of the boy, the merchant leads the local parish in providing for Willy properly, placing him with a motherly nurse for fostering. The plot follows Willy into adolescence, from his mistreatment by a vicar charged with his education to his adventures as an apprentice ironmonger. This material has potential; unfortunately, it is not realized. Earnest in asserting its worthy themes of good works and the golden rule, the narrative is also unremittingly bland. Characterizations are shallow, with speech patterns virtually indistinguishable among individuals, and moments of tension are undercut by plodding pacing and stilted language. Further, the period is not well integrated into the plot. The years 1644-1656 were turbulent times for England, including civil war, the execution of Charles I, and Cromwell's Protectorate, yet the characters seem at most mildly troubled by events outside their immediate concerns. This book cannot compare with the work of top-notch writers of juvenile historical fiction, such as Katherine Paterson and Elizabeth George Speare.?Starr E. Smith, Marymount University Library, Arlington, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Dr. Linda Hayner, a student of seventeenth-century London history, became interested in the plight of foundlings while researching church records in the Guildhall Library, London, England. Dr. Hayner holds a Ph.D. in British History from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 341 pages
• Publisher: JourneyForth (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890849412
• ISBN-13: 978-0890849415
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,085,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book, December 1, 2008

By 

M. Davis (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Foundling (Kindle Edition)

I read this book a few months ago and absolutely loved it. Linda Hayner brought 17th century London to life with vivid descriptions and interesting characters. This book is historical fiction at its best.

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Your Average Orphan Story, November 16, 2010

By 

Mrs. Chips (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Foundling (Paperback)

What happens to a little child found on the porch of a church in 1644 London? Follow Willy's life from when the parish constable discovers him on a very rainy night to when Willy achieves manhood. The authentic historical details and the likable characters draw the reader in. It avoids the saccharine sentimentality of many orphan stories so it is enjoyable rather than cloying.

The novel is over 300 pages long, but it kept my interest and I wanted more when it ended. Treat yourself to the most painless method found for absorbing history--a well researched novel with a plausible, interesting plot and accurate period details. For another story around the same era, but about a very different social strata, try Ellanor's Exchange by the same author.