History Comes Alive

The Ragged Orphan by Lindsey Hutchinson is a marvellous historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action is set in and around Birmingham, my home town, and I was familiar with many locations, making it easy to picture the scenes.

Life was hard and many people lived hand-to-mouth. There was no welfare state. Tragic circumstances saw orphans seeking work for themselves rather than enter the dreaded workhouses.

We see the courage, grit, determination and hard work of many plucky young lads. Life has dealt some hard hands but they never give up.

Poverty is made harder for some by the demon drink. The head of the household not only spends his wages down the pub but also uses his family as punching bags.

We witness philanthropy and kindness of one owner of a rag and bone yard. He has a huge heart, helping those who need it most.

There is a search for family. Some have become fractured over the years but we all want someone who loves us.

The Ragged Orphan was a consuming read that brought history to life under the masterful pen of Lindsey Hutchinson.

I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON

The Ragged Orphan

When 12 year-old Jared Johnson’s little sister dies, just hours after his mother breathes her last after wasting away so her children could eat, he knows he is on own.

Desperate to avoid the workhouse, he does everything he can to survive the inhospitable streets of Birmingham. Jared is blessed with the gift of the gab and soon attracts the attention of the King of the Tatters, Toby McGuire. Recognising a kindred spirit, Toby soon has Jared out on a cart hustling for rags.

Jared loves driving his horse Bess, shouting ‘any old rags’ as loud as he can, and it’s not long before he’s thriving. But being successful can bring you enemies as well as friends. Toby knows that Jared is destined for bigger things – provided his big mouth doesn’t get him hurt first…

The top 10 best-seller is back with an unforgettable story about an unforgettable boy. Heart-breaking and heart-warming, fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews will fall in love with this latest page-turner from Lindsey Hutchinson.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3UgLvHr

Author Bio – 

Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson.

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