Barefoot Child

The heart-breaking and compelling new book set in a Victorian workhouse from the author of The Orphans of Halfpenny Street follows Lucy as she is thrown out onto the street and must find a way to survive.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The captivating and heart-wrenching novel, set in a Victorian workhouse, is written by the acclaimed author of "The Orphans of Halfpenny Street."

When Lucy and her brother, Joshua, are left orphaned, it becomes the responsibility of Joshua to provide for them both. However, Joshua is just a teenager and is naive, easily influenced by bad influences and alcohol. Despite Lucy's desperate efforts to avoid the workhouse, their meager savings are depleted, and they are forced to live on the streets, facing extreme poverty.

As Lucy grapples with the harsh reality of her situation, she finds herself standing at the gates of the workhouse, a place she dreads and considers a fate worse than death. Inside the workhouse, Lucy encounters cruelty and unkindness, testing her resilience and strength. She knows that she must tap into her inner reserves if she wants to survive, let alone thrive.

In this challenging environment, Lucy is surprised to find a friend in the most unexpected place—a fellow orphan named Emily. Emily has a kind heart and a fierce determination to survive, and she becomes a source of support and guidance for Lucy. Together, they navigate the treacherous waters of the workhouse, facing hardships and challenges that test their courage and resilience.

Through their friendship and their shared experiences, Lucy and Emily learn to rely on each other and find hope in the darkest of times. They discover that even in the most dire circumstances, there is always a glimmer of light and the possibility of a better future.

"The Orphans of Halfpenny Street" is a powerful and unforgettable tale of resilience, friendship, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. It is a testament to the strength of the human heart and the power of compassion in the face of hardship.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 180 x 121 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008286682