THE FATE OF MOLLY MEADOWS: A Novel

by Norah Winter

TWO HISTORICAL TRAGEDIES UNCANNILY COLLIDE AND TRANSFORM THE DESTINY OF A BRITISH HOME CHILD ON THE BRINK OF A Novel inspired by true events.April 15, 1912: Molly Meadows is plotting to escape her life of drudgery on a Canadian farm when the unsinkable Titanic sinks in the Atlantic Ocean. Stricken by the news, she recalls her own passage at the age of eleven when she was shipped to Canada as part of a government scheme to provide the new land with young workers.

Now, approaching adulthood, Molly is desperate to search for the boy she loves. But with the newspapers labelling British pauper children as thieves and guttersnipes she hides her shameful past. Then uses her dubious psychic skills to gain the trust of a woman with a superstitious connection to the Titanic. As her web of lies grows, Molly is faced with an agonizing predicament. Until sudden tragedy strikes, stripping away all choice.

Inspired by an obscure chapter of Canadian history, The Fate of Molly Meadows is the story of a young woman’s relentless search for love, and the strength of the human heart when all appears to be lost.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2024

Reviews

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about the British Home Children shipped to Canada to help out on the farms in the early 1900s. After meeting Peter who both were in bad placements, they ran away soon finding better accommodations, promising one another their forever love. Working for many years with the Kesslers who owned a profitable farm, Molly became friends with Nellie the daughter, using her tarot cards to predict the future. This ability led her to become a companion to a depressed newly-married young British wealthy lady, who was affected by the Titanic tragedy, averting it through a last minute change of plans. Becoming close, she continued to live the good life while seeking out Peter, whom she discover was engaged to a wealthy socialite and helped at the children's home. Unsuccessfully attempting to woo him back, he was too much tempted by the lure of money. This is an excellent book that portrays the immature thinking of young women in the throes of infatuation and how it can affect decision-making. While Molly could see through circumstances of Nellie, it was more difficult to sort through her own emotions depending on a past childhood promise. It was only through another tragedy that clarified matters, leaving her future open-ended (for a possible sequel). Highly recommended for those who enjoy an intriguing historical novel with excellent character development.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonder filled process - of fate itself

So many twists and turns as the life of Molly goes on into adulthood. Not a large number of characters, just enough to make for a good, believable story across culture and “classes” of society norms then - and to some degree even today.

[Stacy Doubrava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

I love historical fiction. I too have never heard of the British street children coming to Canada, nor about the deadly tornado in Regina. Everyone has backgrounds, family, and all of these things influence their lives.