Customer Reviews

The English Orphans

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this book when I was in fourth grade. I don't know where I got the book - it was old then (in the '60's.) The story is about a poor family who sail to America to make a better life. The parents get sick and die and the children are sent to the poor house. The pretty sister gets adopted by a rich family and the plain sister is left in the poor house and only later is taken in by a kind widow. The plain sister is the main character and she suffers from slights from her pretty sister who pretends not to know her. However in the end, the plain sister ends up being accomplished and kind and cultured while the pretty sister ends up being spoiled and pampered and despised. It is the classic Cinderella tale retold in a less magical manner, however just as appealing and pleasing to the sense of justice. I told the story to my daughter when she was young because I could not find the book. Then a few years ago I looked the book up on Amazon and found an original copy, which I treasure.

I was not disappointed, sometimes sad, sometimes happy but always keeping you turning the pages, I most definitely would read more of this author.
You need to realize that it is set in times past, but that only sets the stage for how grateful we should be to live in the here and now.
wonderful tale. a keeper. The English Orphans
I went to kindle store and downloaded several more of her books and can't wait to start on them. (I went for the freebies so don't know how the 3.00 plus books would be.) formating,english etc. may be better.

This was a wonderful book, it gave a glimpse into what life was like for the poor and destitute. It was also inspirational. I highly recommend this book

I found this story on a lark while going through the free books. I figured if I hate it no harm no foul.
I. Was. Hooked.
It's sweet, interesting and somehow nostalgic. Perfect for a summer afternoon read.

This was the first of three books I have started reading by Mary Jane Holmes. I never knew of her till I saw it was offered by Amazon on the kindle. Since it was free I thought I would read it.
What a wonderful book it was. I enjoyed every page that I read. Her style of writing is just what I like. It keep me reading far into the night. Each person in it I got to really know.
It is great to have this kindle and be able to read these classics now.
Thanks to Amazon, I can enjoy alot of kindle books for free.

Thoroughly enjoyed this first book I've read by Mary Jane Holmes. It makes me very thankful for the much easier lives that we live.

I have downloaded all of the free books that she wrote and will read these first before buying her others. However, Ethelyn's Mistake will not be on my list of purchases. Why would an e-book cost $46.00? I am new to e-books, and this really stumps me.

The title kind of gives away the fact that the children will become orphans. The time in which this story is based shows that life was hard and that people could die in a short time without medication and for unknown reasons. I enjoyed the book but had one problem with it. They pulled Mary's two front teeth but then they kept talking about how beautiful she had become! Seems a little strange to me.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. It tugged at my heartstrings and found the characters to have depth. By the end of the book I was wishing for a series.

i loved this book.i am becoming a fan of mary jane holmes.i just got finished reading dora deane and loved that one to.dora deane is like a cinderella story.i hope to read other books like these.

What a good book. The author had a great writing ability. I especially liked when she herself would narrate from time to time getting you from point A to point B for clarification. I didn't however enjoy all the death and sadness it touched me and at times made me cry. I recommend it, I stayed up till 3am to finish it and it was well worth it. Enjoy I will be seeking out the author's other works, it's ashame she no longer is with us but her legacy continutes in her skills as a writer.