The Bereaved: A Novel

Julia Park Tracey's historical fiction novel "The Orphan Train" explores the dark side of the Orphan Train system, which transported orphans from crowded cities to new homes in rural towns during the 19th century. The novel follows the story of Martha, a bereaved mother who flees her country home with her children to New York City, where she struggles to provide for them. When she discovers that the Society has indentured her two eldest out to work via the Orphan Train and placed her two youngest for adoption, she sets out to reclaim them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Sibylline Press

Based on her extensive research into her grandfather's past as an adopted child, Julia Park Tracey has crafted a mesmerizing work of historical fiction that delves into the darkest aspects of the Orphan Train movement. In 1859, women faced numerous limitations, including limited rights over their own children. Traumatized by the loss of her husband and the vulnerability of her children as wards of a predator, Martha, a bereaved and frightened mother, makes the courageous decision to flee their beloved country home, taking her children with her to the desolate streets of New York City. However, as a naïve woman navigating a male-dominated society, she quickly finds herself grappling with poverty and desperation. Seeking solace and a means to provide for her children, Martha finds herself at the doorstep of The Home for the Friendless, a benevolent institution that offers free food, clothing, and education to street kids in New York. Through a temporary arrangement, Martha secures a place for her children at the Home. However, upon her return to reclaim her children, she is met with a shocking revelation. The Society, which had previously taken custody of her children, has indentured her two eldest out to work through the Orphan Train program, while her two youngest have been placed for adoption. Faced with the Society's refusal to assist and the impending outbreak of the Civil War, Martha embarks on a determined quest to reclaim each of her children.

Dimension: 218 x 142 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781736795422