Having no knowledge of Britain's Home Children, I was delighted to receive this book. Set in 1930s England, Winky is a part of the Britain's Home Children debacle. Upon her arrival in Canada, Winny is devastated to be separated from her friends and sent to hard labour under an unforgiving mistress. The treatment at the hands of Canadians who basically wanted slave labour on their farms is abominable for these children, some as young as 4 or 5. An eye-opener for me.

The Forgotten Home Child is a gripping story I had to keep reminding myself that this is based off of historical facts. The writing is inspiring, articulate, and flew off the page. It was difficult to read knowing that this was based upon real events that happened to real children.There was no support for the children once they came to Canada, no one checked in on them to see how they were doing, or what their living arrangements were like. They were left to fend for themselves during this time.

This novel mostly focuses on Jack and Winnie in the past from when they were living on the streets in Britain to the homes for boys and girls, their trip to Canada and their lives in their new homes. It alternates between present day when Winnie is 97, and when Winnie was in Britain coming to Canada.

My heart ached for Winnie and her friends throughout the novel. The Forgotten Home Child was thought-provoking, I kept thinking about this novel after I finished it.

As you read The Forgotten Home Child written by Genevieve Graham, the most important thing to remember is that this fictional story is based on actual events. This book is well written, and the characters were soundly developed. What impressed me the most about this book was how impeccably and painstakingly the research was done. Ms. Graham uses real-life events to tell a heartbreaking story of how between 1869 to 1948, approximately 100,000 to 130,000 children were taken from England’s streets, orphanages, and homes and then shipped to other countries, under the guise of a better life. Some of these children’s stories were happy, but the majority of them ended in some tragedy. One of the countries these children were sent to was Canada. Unfortunately, the primary purpose these children were sent to Canada was to rid England of these unwanted children. Canada then embraced these children by making them indentured servants where they worked on farms or as domestic servants. These destitute children were between the ages of three and eighteen. Ms. Graham, a native of Canada, makes no excuses for the involvement of her country; when she came across this part of her country’s history, she was shocked and saddened and felt compelled to share the stories of the British Home Children.

In The Forgotten Home Child, Ms. Graham brings these children’s story to life, through the characters, Winny, Mary, Jack Cecil, and Edward. Ms. Graham takes the many stories she discovered through her research and applies them to these characters to tell this harrowing story of survival. As I read this novel, I fell in love with all these characters, who are authentic and believable. Ninety-seven-year-old Whinny narrates much of this story to her granddaughter and her great-grandson. Sharing her family history for the first time, Winny tells what happened in her life between 1936 to 2018. Through the writing of Ms. Graham, the humiliation and stigma these children endured daily is described in excruciating detail. These events which carried over and affected much of their adult lives are palpable throughout the entire book.

History does not always paint a pretty picture, but we must remember the mistakes that were made so that they are never repeated. There are over four million decedents of the British Home Children living across Canada. Everything you read in The Forgotten Home Child has happened to these children. This book was not always easy to read; there are many instances of child abuse. However, I believe it was necessary to give credence to this vital part of history. This book would work well in a book club setting as it lends itself to intense discussion. I highly recommend this book.

* I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Genevieve Graham. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. *

The Forgotten Home Child is a haunting story based on the little-known program called British Home Children. In this program, orphaned, homeless, and destitute children were shipped to Canada, New Zealand and Australia under the premise that they would have better opportunities in the colonies.

The novel toggles between present day and history (beginning in 1936). It is told in dual narration from from the perspective of two of the main characters: Jack and Winnifred (Winny).

Following a rag-tag group of street urchins, author Genevieve Graham relays the composite life of many of the over 100,000 Home Children who were shipped to faraway colonies. They were promised a better life, and a few found it, but most were purchased as indentured servants to help out at farms that were struggling through the Great Depression and both world wars. Many of the children were mistreated at best and severely abused at worst.

Their plight is quite sad, and The Forgotten Home Child is sometimes hard to read. There were insufficient personnel (and probably interest) to check on the children once they had arrived and were taken to scattered farms. Their experiences colored their entire life.


Ms. Graham’s interest in her country’s history shows in her well researched story. The plot flows nicely and balances character development and growth. The bleakness of the characters situation made the story drag at times because it was emotionally exhausting to read, however, this story about the abuse and hardships of the British Home Children is compelling and important.

After being kicked out by her mother when she was very young, Winnifred Ellis survived on the streets of London with the help of four other children, all orphans, living hand to mouth and sleeping in doorways. Winny and Mary ended up at a girls’ orphanage, and learned to sew and cook, in preparation for their lives after they graduated from the orphanage. Jack, Edward, and Cecil were sent to a different facility, but all five were forced into the opportunity to relocate to Canada through a program run by a man determined to get children off the streets of London. Canada was presented as the Promised Land, where they would be living with kind families that would care for them.

In fact, the British Home Children were often sadly mistreated, brutalized, and even killed by the families that had requested them. Winny eventually becomes a nurse, while the boys all become soldiers during World War II. Her work as a nurse in a military hospital brings an injured Jack back into her life, and the two eventually marry and have a daughter, Susan. They never speak of their earlier history, but when Winny is ninety-seven, her granddaughter Chrissie accidentally drops Winny’s small trunk, and all her secrets spill out.

Based on true events, The Forgotten Home Child is a powerful story of a system that exploited countless children. The courage and resiliency of these people is an inspiration, and as the author states, these children helped build Canada into the nation it is today. With the current interest in genealogy and finding your roots, many more stories similar to this one are bound to be told.

This book was amazing. I was interested in reading more about this time in Canada and boy did it deliver. I loved it so much that I bought it, even though I received this as a digital ARC from Netgalley. :)

The characters were endearing andI fell in love with Winny, Mary, Jack, Edward and Cecil. They were well fleshed out and their stories told with such care and tenderness. I could feel the banter, love and loyalty this band of urgents from the streets of London had for each other. The author passed back and forth gracefully through the past and present. I looked forward to seeing the reaction of Winny's grandson Jamie to her story and him wanting more.

Don't get me wrong this book had a lot of hard times mentioned but the author handled those times brilliantly.

Huge thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me a chance to read this story and teaching me something new about this country I now make my home in.

Between 1869 and 1948, “100,000 to 130,000 destitute British children between the ages of three and eighteen were taken from England’s streets, orphanages, and homes, and then shipped across the ocean to work in other countries, where it was thought they’d have a chance to lead better lives.” Unfortunately, “there were few to no checks and balances in place.” Some children did benefit, however, most did not.

Canada, 2018. When Winnifred is asked by her great-grandson about his family tree, she feels it’s the right time to reveal her story.

England, 1936. Fifteen year old Winny finally feels safe and well-fed with a good friend Mary by her side, when they learn that soon they will be traveling to Canada, where families and better lives await them.

The story goes back in time and reveals how the children met, involving also Mary’s brother Jack and two brothers, and how the streets became their home.

In Canada, things don’t go as they hoped. They get separated.

The program originally created by Dr. Thomas Barnardo had good intentions, but with Canada’s vastness it got out of hand. It was almost impossible to monitor conditions of all children.

Winny works long hours doing farm chores. Sleeping and eating in the sheep barn. The food is not properly provided. She is outgrowing her shoes and suffers many blisters because of that. But what gives her spark in life is an indentured boy who works for the same family. He puts some humor into her life, which also lightens up the sad tone of the story.

Winny’s story alternates with Jack’s story and his three friends.

During the winter time, when there is less farm work, all kids are contracted to go to school. But it doesn’t necessarily happen that way.

At eighteen, they are free to pick their own paths. What paths will they pick? Will some paths of those close friends cross again?

The innocent voices of those children pulled me into the story right away. However, as the story builds up the tone is sad. Once, they’re in Canada, their lives are not easy, but with those harsh people who provide work, some of them show a human side at some point, which then gives the story a softer, kinder tone. And makes the story even more engrossing.

The sad part of the story shows a beautiful side of human resilience. And that among those harsh people, there are still kind ones.

A couple of times, I got teary eyes and it wasn’t during a time showing children’s hardship, but actually when harshness of some showed human side and while reading one letter written from a man to a man about those we love.

This interestingly woven story brings a little known chapter in Canadian history. With different parts, some sad, some uplifting and some joyful, it touches upon human emotions.

Some of us are getting exhausted by the dual time line stories, especially with one time line set in modern time. If you are one of those readers, then keep in mind that it takes 5 or 6 short chapters. And at the same time, I can see how the author was trying to make a point to show how some things were different back then and how they are now. Also there is a very nice twist at the very end.

What I Loved:
The Forgotten Home Child was about a historical event that I didn’t know much about. I really enjoy reading about people and situations that are new to me. The children brought from England to Canada have such heartbreaking stories, but I am so glad that I was able to read this beautifully written book.

How I Felt:
The story introduces us to Winnifred Ellis, our 98-year-old main character in 2018. Her story is told through present day, 2018, as well as the historical view starting in 1936. Winnifred is moving in with her granddaughter and great-grandson and her granddaughter accidentally knocks a suitcase open, spilling some of its contents. This leads to questions about the suitcase and its contents, and Winny decides it is time to share her secrets with her family.

Winny tells her family about her childhood in England where she lived on the streets, then in an orphanage, and finally, at Dr. Barnardo’s Barkingside Home for Girls. Barnardo’s has contracts with Canada allowing them to bring children from England to Canada to be workers, and Winny and her group of close friends that she considers family have all been chosen. What awaits them will be a mixture of fear, ghastly treatment, and at times, the ability to find joy.

Following Winny on her journey, the story jumps between the present and the past. It was broken up into fairly large sections in the past and then the present, which made the story easy to follow and enjoyable to read. This was written from two perspectives, Winny in both the present and past, as well as Jack’s perspective, one of her friends. It was interesting to see Jack’s story from the past only, and I’m so glad it was included.

Sometimes when a book jumps back and forth between timelines and people, and I find myself connecting with a specific time or person, but in this story, I enjoyed reading every time period and connected with each portion of the story. It was beautiful to read.

The characters felt real and were easy to connect to. I loved the character arc that Winny has. A lot of times, the storyteller that is revealing their history is enlightening others, but in this story, there was a beautiful give and take between Winny and her grandchild, as well as great-grandchild. I loved how they taught each other as the story unfolded.

Overall, this was an absolutely beautiful story. It had heartbreak and loss, but also redemption and happy moments. I was completely enraptured in the character’s lives and could not put this down.

Content Warnings:
Child neglect, abuse, abandonment, and death, war injury and death, rape, pregnancy, and suicide.

To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend The Forgotten Home Child for readers that enjoy an emotional, historical fiction story that is well-researched. Bonus if you are looking for something that is not wholly based in England during WWII.

I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I was provided with a free copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing is captivating and beautifully descriptive without being too much. There were parts I wish would have been more developed, but overall really liked. I’d recommend to a friend without hesitation.

England 1936. London’s streets are filled with impoverished children begging on corners for food and stealing to survive. Running away from home after being abused by her stepfather, Winny meets street siblings Mary, Jack, Cecil, and Edward. The group forms a fiercely protective bond – separated only when they are caught stealing for food.

Winny and Mary are taken to Dr. Barnardo’s Barkingside Home for Girls – for the forgotten children and orphans – where the girls learn they are to be shipped to Canada and promised new families and a better life. When they board the ship, Winny and Mary are briefly reunited with Jack, Cecil, and Edward. They know separation is inevitable once they land and promise that no matter what, they will find each other.

There is nothing but contempt for the British Home Children that no one wants, and Winny’s new life on a farm becomes endless exhausting chores, painful beatings, gnawing hunger, frigid cold, and scorching heat. No one from Barkingside Home comes to follow up on how she is.

Jack and his brothers are placed with a brutal master. They are beaten daily, starved, worked beyond exhaustion. They dream up plans of leaving and finding Mary and Winny. No one from the Barkingside Home comes to check on how they’re faring. Fearing for their lives, they run away out of sheer desperation.

When a community gathering reunites her with Mary, Winny is very worried by her best friend’s lifelessness and is even more determined to save them both. But how? Soon after, Winny receives heart-breaking news. This turn of events seems to affect Winny’s mistress and she seems to soften slightly – even encouraging Winny to think to her future. Is there a chance at a better life for her, or any of the British Home Children?

Moving effortlessly between the past and present narratives of Winny and Jack, the survival of these forgotten children is brought to life. The brutality they experienced. The fear they surely suffered. The shame they were made to feel. Yet, the inextinguishable human hope and the desire to live blazed through these brave children - who are nothing short of heroes.

The Forgotten Home Child is a work of fiction but based on true facts. I never heard of the British Home Children until I read this book and I cannot emphasize enough how notable a part of Canada’s history they are, and the significance of this historic retelling.

With impeccable research on the history of the British Home Children, the exceptional, detailed depictions in conditions of life within the vast societal classes of the era, and simply brilliant writing, Graham delivers a superb read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the read of Genevieve Graham’s, The Forgotten Home Child.

Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.

This book deeply affected me. It is about children who were sent from England to start a new life as hired help in Canada (they were also sent to Australia and New Zealand evidently) because it would “be better” than their current situation. The trust is not that pleasant however. This story tears at your heart but is told with compassion and hope. I was not aware of this bit of Canadian history not being Canadian but it sounds like many Canadians didn’t really know about it either til recently. I will remember this for a long time! Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for providing this copy of #theforgottenhomechild to read and review.

This was an uncomfortable, captivating and disturbing book. But so very well written. So well researched.
As much as I think Ms. Graham should be commended for bring Candian history to life...I am, from time to time, ashamed of my country's past transgressions.
This is one of those times.
But thank you to Ms. Graham for writing such an eye-opening book, and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Genevieve Graham writes great Canadian Historical fiction. The Forgotten Home Child tells the story of street children in England who were sent to Canada before WW2.The children were indentured servants and the story goes back and forth in time to reveal their hardships and successes. A wonderful read!
Thanks to NetGalley and publishe rSimon and Schuster for and advance read copy.

Another book I read and truly loved was The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham. This was a carefully researched historical novel based on the lives of real children who were street urchins in England before World War II. They were sent on to Canada as indentured “slaves”. Many of Canada’s current population descended from these children. I became very attached to the main characters and hated to see the book end.

I loved this historical fiction about a time period I knew nothing about. Graham's writing is immersive and her depictions of the conditions these kids were forced to live in is heartbreaking.

#theforgottenhomechild #genevievegraham #Netgalley I knew this book was going to be emotional. I just didn't know how emotional it would be. To say I shed some tears is an understatement. This book, while a work of fiction, does have some truth to it. Did you know that children were shipped from England to Canada? Some orphans. Some lied to saying their parents had passed away. All in hopes of a better life. They were bought and sold to various masters. Their stories. It's amazing to know that children actually went through and survived this. And I hope that some children were actually like #Winny and #Jack. This book is most definitely a must read. 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ #netgalleyreview #bookreader #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookreview #bookhangover #stillemotional

A compelling story rich with Canadian history that I was not aware of. The Forgotten Home Child tells the story of British Home Children who were brought over to Canada in the 1900's. At the time in London there was an alarming amount of children living on the streets or in desolate areas. Bringing them to Canada to work on farms and live with families was thought to bring them a better life. For many this was not the case and they were abused, assaulted and mistreated. Genevieve Graham brings this story to life with her characters Winny, Mary, Jack and others. Winny is the main narrator who tells her story from the 1930's and the present in 2018. Through her story we learn about how she was torn away from her friends and left to work on a farm that did not want her or care for her. Her heartbreaking tale to find her friends and make a life of her own will leave you in tears. Fantastically written with such care, this is truly one of Genevieve finest books!

This was a wonderful book. It was so sad at times, but showed such resilience also. I was fully engaged in the story the entire time. I cared for the characters and wanted to know what happened to them. The atmosphere and characters were very well written.

At one point I was worried that the story was going to turn too dark for my tastes, but it didn't go over that edge. It certainly showed the darker side of what happened to these children and some parts were difficult to read, but it also showed their growth and the love they shared.

After reading the author's note to readers, I was impressed with the way Genevieve Graham incorporated all of the information she collected into the story. The facts provided in this section of the book are just incredible. Be sure not to skip it; it very well may be the best part of the book.

This one was an excellent book. It did a great job in portraying the true stories of orphans, or "home child's", in Canada's early history. The back and forth POVs weren't as bothersome I'd usually find it to be, it actually added lots of depth to the characters and the dynamic between each of them. I'd totally rec this to a friend, I'm beyond happy with my experience

This is a wonderful example of how fictional characters blend into a real historical background to weave an emotional tapestry that brings a forgotten event in history back to life. Told through the perspectives of two of England’s home children. Home children came from group homes and orphanages. With governments overburdened by their care needs, many of these children were placed in programs to send them to Canada to serve as servants and assistants to families desperate for workers. Ripe for exploitation many of these children were abused. Forced to work in miserable conditions some children never made it to 18 and eventual freedom. Through the eyes of Winny, Jack, Edward and Cecil, we are given all sides of what life was like as home children living in a foreign country, stigmatized and sold out for what they are by their English accents, home children often had the hardest go in life one could imagine. This story is told primarily through the eyes of Winny, a home child, now in her upper 90’s. Winny looks back on all the people and experiences and people that shaped her life. Living in the shame of the shadow of being a home child, Winny has kept her secrets even from her closest family members....till now. A heartwarming, emotional journey. Review posted to Amazon, Goodreads and LibraryThing.