The Orphanage Girls Come Home

The Orphanage Girls Come Home is the poignant conclusion to Mary Wood's Orphanage Girls series, set against the backdrop of World War I. This gripping narrative follows the journey of Amy, a young orphan in 1910 London, as she is selected to join a programme that relocates orphaned children to Canada. Leaving behind her close friends Ruth and Ellen, who have become her makeshift family, Amy embarks on a journey filled with both hope and hardship.

The Plot

As Amy sails to Montreal, she encounters unexpected challenges that test her resilience. The crossing reveals a hidden secret that complicates her journey, leading her to question her dreams and expectations of a new life. By 1919, as the world around her changes, Amy's life in Canada diverges from what she had envisioned. Yet, she clings to a sense of hope, keeping Ruth's address close to her heart, a symbol of her unwavering connection to her past.

Themes

• The value of friendship and loyalty
• The impact of war on personal lives
• The search for belonging and identity

Wood's writing style captivates readers with its emotional depth and vivid imagery. The exploration of the era’s social issues, along with the characters’ personal struggles, adds layers to the narrative, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction. Readers who enjoyed When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler or The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson will find resonances in Amy's journey of resilience and hope.