The Foundling

Before reading The Foundling I had read multiple reviews about Stacey Halls and how outstanding her writing is and I must say that her writing is. I must say, she did not disappoint whatsoever. At first, I was hesitant about The Foundling as it is different to my usual reads however, it was incredible. 

I adored the layout of the book. The dual narrative brought the novel to life and allowed for a more engaging, interesting read. Within any novel I read I always prefer a dual narrative or multiple narratives. It allows readers to be more open minded and develop stronger rapports with characters. The layout consisted of part one, part two, part three and part four. Parts one and two are told from the point of view of Bess who is also known as Eliza and Elizabeth. Parts two and four are told from the point of view of Alexandra. 

The story itself is an interesting one and quite frankly very different as well as creative. It is based on a young child Clara also referred to as Charlotte who is left in The Foundling Hospital by her mother Bess. Years later when Bess goes back to The Foundling Hospital to get Clara she discovers that her little girl has been taken. She is determined to find out who took her little girl and why. When Alexandra, a rich widowed woman who is advised to hire a housemaid for her daughter, she is hesitant about this due to her past. Although she follows up on this advice yet little does she know that sooner or later, the truth will come out...

The Foundling highlights the real, raw difference of social classes and wealth of the time period which was the 17th century. The contrast between Bess and Alexandra is clearly shown by Stacey through their personalities, living standards and characterisations as well as character development. Although, despite the juxtaposition between their social and working classes, by the end of the novel they have developed a strong bond all through Clara. I always say that what is meant to be will be and this was emphasised within the novel. If Bess really was not meant to raise Charlotte, she wouldn't have became a nursemaid for her and she would not have made the discovery of who stole her and why. The fact that she managed all these things symbolise that what will be will be. If someone is meant to be in your life, they will be in your life no matter how long they are out of touch for, they will find their way back. If you are meant to be in a certain job role, the opportunity will arise eventually and so no matter how bad your situation may be, if it is meant to work out, it will just as it did for Bess.

I must admit, there was sympathy felt for Alexandra because despite what she did, she did it with good intentions and with a good heart however, in the completely wrong way. Although she justified her actions, it does not make it right and so Alexandra is a conflicting, controversial character. I personally have sympathy for her yet I also believe she should have went about her actions in a different way however, in the end everything eventually fell into place. 

To conclude, I am going to stick with my usual routine of ending with a quote from the book The Foundling 'Loyalty is earned. Not demanded'