The Foundling

by Linda Hayner

One cold morning in January, 1644, Willy--four years old--is abandoned on the porch of a parish church in London. The parish constable finds him, and Willy begins a journey that requires him to rely on his natural ingenuity and his early training in order to survive.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction

341 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Foundling had been on my shelves for many years, the victim of low expectations. Happily, those expectations were far exceeded. Author Dr. Linda Hayner brings mid-17th century England to life with the story of Will, abandoned to the care of a parish church in London. Will ends up touching the lives of many people as he navigates his way through the various situations encountered on his way to maturity. Hayner's characters were real to me, and captivating. I did not want the story to end. Highly recommended!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps my favourite book of all time. I first read it when I was 11 and have loved it ever since. This was the book that got me into historical fiction. It is a very well-written and well-researched novel with a setting and characters that keep me captivated until the end every time I read it. It will be a treasured part of my collection for years to come. I only wish Linda would write more books in the future (I am only aware of 2 -- Ellanor's Exchange is inferior to The Foundling, but still well done).

[Sarah Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squeaky clean historical fiction based in London during the mid 1600s. I had to put it down a few times because some of the characters were infuriating (they were supposed to be so that’s a good thing) and I wanted to wring their necks. I did feel like the last few chapters were very rushed but overall a good read.

CC: nothing really unless a very sensitive reader, mention of losing children to the plague, kidnapping, children being treated very poorly

[Amy Wass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! I think it’s ones would be a great read aloud for boys. Lots of opportunities to talk about empathy, bravery, commitment, doing hard things, loyalty and the importance of wise relationships all from the perspective of a boy.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good I liked the fast pace and I liked wills character I wished we got to see more of Marie though

[ELFLIFE021 Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I first read this after having an excerpt of it in my 6th-grade literature book (around 11.)
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this up until part three and at that point, I was becoming bored with the realistic conversations of the time-period.
If you were the same, PUSH THROUGH! I became sick shortly after ”taking a break” from the book, and my mom read ahead and told me to keep reading.
I am so glad I did!
This book not only attaches you to the characters but the message of helping your friends who are in abusive situations no matter what the consequences is, to say the least, extremely powerful.
I have to say, I was significantly disappointed when I reached the end because there was nothing more to read!
This book has become one that I return to, to rate the quality of other books I read and would recommend to others.

[Mazzou B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good picture of the 1600s for those who don't know much about daily life- specifically of orphans in England- in that time period. Personally, even though I sped-read this book I found it a waste of my time. It wasn't badly written, but it was three times the length it should have been for the story within. The tale was a disappointment as virtually nothing happened. Seriously! It was just a wordy look at an orphans life in London.

[Leah Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy of this book is very well-loved (translation: beat up) from being read and re-read many times. I highly recommend it.

Audience: The Foundling is written at a teen reading level and would be an ideal family read-aloud.

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting one! Set in 1600's (?) England. Follows the life of a young boy, an abandoned child. A good read! :)

[Marius B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was slightly disappointed over the abrupt ending, but over all it was a great read! I love reading books over that time period (1600s). I think this would be a great read-aloud!

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long-time favorite. Beautifully written!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a very satisfying read.