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I Will Find You
I Will Find You, a tale of mystery and intrigue which starts in wartime Fenland near Ely and then moves halfway across the globe to Australia. John Taylor's story is colourful, poignant and moving as it charts the journey of young Robbie Spalding and his path from a Dr. Barnardos Home in Cambridge to a new life on the other side of the world. Robbie becomes Nick Thorne and this account of his arrival into adulthood is more than a little tragic and filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Touching, funny, sad and filled with drama, I will find you is an authentic and pacey read, gripping and compelling, and will certainly keep the readers' attention until the last page is turned. Expect to shed a tear for the casualties of war.
Touching, funny, sad and filled with drama, I will find you is an authentic and pacey read, gripping and compelling, and will certainly keep the readers' attention until the last page is turned. Expect to shed a tear for the casualties of war.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2017
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
John M. Taylor
4 books7 followersDragged up in a Fenland village of East Anglia.
Accomplished daydreamer and adventurer.
Lived in seven different countries.
Married almost 50 years....to the same wonderful lady.
Currently living in Perth Australia.
Accomplished daydreamer and adventurer.
Lived in seven different countries.
Married almost 50 years....to the same wonderful lady.
Currently living in Perth Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 8, 2020
A powerful and gripping story...
I WILL Find You by John M. Taylor is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted historical fiction based on true events that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this well researched story will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘…a tale of mystery and intrigue which starts in wartime Fenland near Ely and then moves halfway across the globe to Australia. John Taylor's story is colorful, poignant and moving as it charts the journey of young Robbie Spalding and his path from a Dr. Barnardos Home in Cambridge to a new life on the other side of the world. Robbie becomes Nick Thorne and this account of his arrival into adulthood is more than a little tragic and filled with unexpected twists and turns…’
This was a captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of intriguing moments that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.
There’s no doubt that I WILL Find You by John M. Taylor is an exceptionally well written book. However, it must be said that this story is not for the faint-hearted. The author’s script at times is razor-sharp and will cut deep into the emotions of its reader. The book does deal with some very serious issues, including illegal child migration and abuse.
This for me was a phenomenal read. It was one of those books that stayed with me for several days after I finished reading. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning and realistic. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.
It’s one of those stories that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from John M. Taylor in the future. I would highly recommend this book and would add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it.
A well-deserved five stars from me.
I WILL Find You by John M. Taylor is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted historical fiction based on true events that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this well researched story will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘…a tale of mystery and intrigue which starts in wartime Fenland near Ely and then moves halfway across the globe to Australia. John Taylor's story is colorful, poignant and moving as it charts the journey of young Robbie Spalding and his path from a Dr. Barnardos Home in Cambridge to a new life on the other side of the world. Robbie becomes Nick Thorne and this account of his arrival into adulthood is more than a little tragic and filled with unexpected twists and turns…’
This was a captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of intriguing moments that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.
There’s no doubt that I WILL Find You by John M. Taylor is an exceptionally well written book. However, it must be said that this story is not for the faint-hearted. The author’s script at times is razor-sharp and will cut deep into the emotions of its reader. The book does deal with some very serious issues, including illegal child migration and abuse.
This for me was a phenomenal read. It was one of those books that stayed with me for several days after I finished reading. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning and realistic. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.
It’s one of those stories that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from John M. Taylor in the future. I would highly recommend this book and would add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it.
A well-deserved five stars from me.
March 2, 2021
There’s nothing I love more when reading than to have a book pull me in from the beginning and never let me go. Even when this one ended, I still wanted more. As I began writing this review, I deleted my words many times over; I was giving too much away. I don’t want this review to map out every detail of Robbie Spaulding / Nick Thorne’s entire adventure, starting from Cambridge, England and moving on to Australia, as that’s an incredible journey (and quite a mystery!) that should be left for the reader to savor firsthand.
I will only say that this extraordinary tale details Robbie/Nick’s life over many years. The storytelling is beautiful and haunting and the descriptions of the character’s life in various areas of Australia could not be more disparate. Thrown into one new (and often frightening) situation after another, Nick must quickly learn to adapt in order to survive. Even at a young age, he is challenged in ways many never are … even after reaching old age. In fact, as I see it, Nick lives many lives as he perseveres in his quest to reunite with his mother, who, despite what he has been told, he believes is still alive.
This enchanting book intrigued, entertained, and educated me. The author’s descriptions made the story leap from the pages. So often, I felt as if I were watching a film … the imagery was so detailed and compelling. I learned so much about Child Migration and though I found it upsetting, it is a history that more people should know. This is a truly important story, and I’m grateful to the author for taking the time to research and write it … but most of all, to infuse it with the love and honor it deserves.
I will only say that this extraordinary tale details Robbie/Nick’s life over many years. The storytelling is beautiful and haunting and the descriptions of the character’s life in various areas of Australia could not be more disparate. Thrown into one new (and often frightening) situation after another, Nick must quickly learn to adapt in order to survive. Even at a young age, he is challenged in ways many never are … even after reaching old age. In fact, as I see it, Nick lives many lives as he perseveres in his quest to reunite with his mother, who, despite what he has been told, he believes is still alive.
This enchanting book intrigued, entertained, and educated me. The author’s descriptions made the story leap from the pages. So often, I felt as if I were watching a film … the imagery was so detailed and compelling. I learned so much about Child Migration and though I found it upsetting, it is a history that more people should know. This is a truly important story, and I’m grateful to the author for taking the time to research and write it … but most of all, to infuse it with the love and honor it deserves.
May 13, 2019
First off I would like to thank the Author, John M. Taylor for sending me a copy of his book to read and review, this was done so with the intent that I would give an honest review in exchange. And that's what you all will find here, my honest review!
I will say I was intrigued from the description of the book alone and historical fiction especially one based on true stories. Taylor did seven years of research for this and the child migrant stories deeply resonated, the horrible truths of history are at the heart of this novel.
Taylor really sets you up for a story that takes you on quite an emotional ride. It's a story that shoes not only what people did to the natives of Australia but to their own children and how one boy's journey to figure out his history leads him through the lives of others. As said before, Taylor really did his research for this novel and not just with the darker parts of history but he made sure to do justice when writing about Aboriginal villages and ways of life and he never presumes to know more than he does about the culture or to write about things that are too culturally sensitive which is a great relief in this day and age.
The story is really well paced and extremely well written, I mean I barely wanted to put this book down the whole time. I needed to read more about Australia or Robert or find out what was going to happen in the Outback. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or even just looking for a book to really tug on the heartstrings.
If you have ever read The Thorn Birds this book spans the same sort of saga/epic story the only difference being this is the story and saga of one boy versus a family though he is not alone, and his journey will bring the story of others as he travels. Robert is on one quest, and that is to find his Mother.
I will say I was intrigued from the description of the book alone and historical fiction especially one based on true stories. Taylor did seven years of research for this and the child migrant stories deeply resonated, the horrible truths of history are at the heart of this novel.
Taylor really sets you up for a story that takes you on quite an emotional ride. It's a story that shoes not only what people did to the natives of Australia but to their own children and how one boy's journey to figure out his history leads him through the lives of others. As said before, Taylor really did his research for this novel and not just with the darker parts of history but he made sure to do justice when writing about Aboriginal villages and ways of life and he never presumes to know more than he does about the culture or to write about things that are too culturally sensitive which is a great relief in this day and age.
The story is really well paced and extremely well written, I mean I barely wanted to put this book down the whole time. I needed to read more about Australia or Robert or find out what was going to happen in the Outback. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or even just looking for a book to really tug on the heartstrings.
If you have ever read The Thorn Birds this book spans the same sort of saga/epic story the only difference being this is the story and saga of one boy versus a family though he is not alone, and his journey will bring the story of others as he travels. Robert is on one quest, and that is to find his Mother.
August 17, 2019
The biggest part of this story takes part in Australia in the outback and the cover reflects this very well : the colour of the dust and the heat of the sun. The main character is determined to reach his goal and this determination is reflected in the title by choosing a bigger font for the two first words.
The author takes us form England to Australia and back to England where he treats us to a fabulous story. We follow Robbie on his journey. A journey that will get to you because it’s horrible, heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
I admire the author for the research he must have done. It was very interesting to learn about the aboriginals. It’s very clear that not all wisdom can be found in books. Experiences passed from father to son can be life saving.
This book is about loss, friendship, acceptance and family in the broadest sense of the word. 4 stars.
Thank you, John M. Taylor for this captivating story.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The author takes us form England to Australia and back to England where he treats us to a fabulous story. We follow Robbie on his journey. A journey that will get to you because it’s horrible, heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
I admire the author for the research he must have done. It was very interesting to learn about the aboriginals. It’s very clear that not all wisdom can be found in books. Experiences passed from father to son can be life saving.
This book is about loss, friendship, acceptance and family in the broadest sense of the word. 4 stars.
Thank you, John M. Taylor for this captivating story.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
March 14, 2023
In short: Introducing a slice of Australian and English history but not very immersive storytelling.
I didn't know much about this book before starting, I just heard about it on the radio and the premise caught my interest. I also donate to Barnardo's and was curious about it's history (something I will be checking up on as it wasn't too flattering).
I think of this book as having three sections:
Childhood spent with white people rife with abuse
Outback adventure with a fishing interlude
Ancestry.com pre internet.
If any of these seem like your thing then go ahead and enjoy and read this review no further.
I wouldn't say this book is very engaging for me in the end. The prose itself is procedural in places and lacks the visual scenery that I usually enjoy.
I had a feeling I was not connecting to this book very well when the only characters you get a real good look at were all children. I find it very difficult to conjure their personality in my mind but even with that I couldn't help feel there was something missing with the main character Nick. The emotional impact on Nick didn't seem believable, all his reactions to disappointment and bad treatment were rational and didn't seem like the response a child would have. Poor boy is repressed but also doesn't seem to experience any grief beyond a melancholic look (only expressed through the lens of other characters who notice he's sad but don't pry). No screaming it's not fair, no lashing out in emotional turmoil, no anger at the world. It left a noticeable gap in his character that I couldn't help poking at like a missing tooth. I did however appreciate that much as in real life there are successes and failures in Nick's journey of saving people which keeps the reader guessing in regards to the plot.
My other issue is all the other characters also have no personality. Most of the adult characters are either abusive or automatically sympathetic to the main character. I couldn't differentiate between some of them except by their appearance and job title. Not much else seemed to be going on. The strangest thing kept happening with the women who are all either substitute mothers or nice girls who make Nick blush. It's kind of a sad nod to the fact that he was raised only amongst boys so he can't quite stop categorising them this way (also mentioned by Taylor) but worryingly I'm not sure if this was intentional. I'd have quite liked to see how his relationship with any woman not his mother would have panned out but that's not the focus of this book and Taylor doesn't get into it.
My favourite part of the book was the way the author described Australia. It's people, the flora and fauna were written with love and wonder and it was so welcoming to read. The entire section of him living with Gidga and learning their ways was easily the highlight of the book for me.
After reading reviews: I've just seen that the author was raised in the fens of England and lives in Australia and yes that makes so much sense. It's great to see everyone was intrigued by the book and gripped at every turn and I'm sorry to end up being an outlier. I will agree, it is easy to read and I enjoyed Chris and Nick's friendship. It's a great introduction to aboriginal culture but I just couldn't enjoy it as much as other reviewers.
I am interested to see how Taylor has developed his characters in his new book.
Follow on books:
Not one I've read yet but will be reading for it's Aborigine content - My Tidda, my sister by Marlee Silva
I didn't know much about this book before starting, I just heard about it on the radio and the premise caught my interest. I also donate to Barnardo's and was curious about it's history (something I will be checking up on as it wasn't too flattering).
I think of this book as having three sections:
Childhood spent with white people rife with abuse
Outback adventure with a fishing interlude
Ancestry.com pre internet.
If any of these seem like your thing then go ahead and enjoy and read this review no further.
I wouldn't say this book is very engaging for me in the end. The prose itself is procedural in places and lacks the visual scenery that I usually enjoy.
I had a feeling I was not connecting to this book very well when the only characters you get a real good look at were all children. I find it very difficult to conjure their personality in my mind but even with that I couldn't help feel there was something missing with the main character Nick. The emotional impact on Nick didn't seem believable, all his reactions to disappointment and bad treatment were rational and didn't seem like the response a child would have. Poor boy is repressed but also doesn't seem to experience any grief beyond a melancholic look (only expressed through the lens of other characters who notice he's sad but don't pry). No screaming it's not fair, no lashing out in emotional turmoil, no anger at the world. It left a noticeable gap in his character that I couldn't help poking at like a missing tooth. I did however appreciate that much as in real life there are successes and failures in Nick's journey of saving people which keeps the reader guessing in regards to the plot.
My other issue is all the other characters also have no personality. Most of the adult characters are either abusive or automatically sympathetic to the main character. I couldn't differentiate between some of them except by their appearance and job title. Not much else seemed to be going on. The strangest thing kept happening with the women who are all either substitute mothers or nice girls who make Nick blush. It's kind of a sad nod to the fact that he was raised only amongst boys so he can't quite stop categorising them this way (also mentioned by Taylor) but worryingly I'm not sure if this was intentional. I'd have quite liked to see how his relationship with any woman not his mother would have panned out but that's not the focus of this book and Taylor doesn't get into it.
My favourite part of the book was the way the author described Australia. It's people, the flora and fauna were written with love and wonder and it was so welcoming to read. The entire section of him living with Gidga and learning their ways was easily the highlight of the book for me.
After reading reviews: I've just seen that the author was raised in the fens of England and lives in Australia and yes that makes so much sense. It's great to see everyone was intrigued by the book and gripped at every turn and I'm sorry to end up being an outlier. I will agree, it is easy to read and I enjoyed Chris and Nick's friendship. It's a great introduction to aboriginal culture but I just couldn't enjoy it as much as other reviewers.
I am interested to see how Taylor has developed his characters in his new book.
Follow on books:
Not one I've read yet but will be reading for it's Aborigine content - My Tidda, my sister by Marlee Silva
August 30, 2019
I Will Find You by John M. Taylor is a painfully beautiful story of one boy’s love for his mother and his journey to be reunited with her. He travels from England to Australia and spends some time in the outback as well as aboard ships before returning home.
Nick Thorne, once Robbie Spalding lived in England where his father was part of the Airforce during the war. When his father’s plane is shot down his mother joins the Land Army but she falls and suffers a major injurer. Nick is taken to an orphanage temporarily and only learns of his mother’s death when he is told he is being sent to a family in Australia. When he gets to Australia he finds no family is waiting, instead, he is taken to Clontarf where the “Brothers” beat, neglect, and abuse the boys. When Nick turned thirteen he was sent to a Church Farm to work but it was just like Clontarf, it was here that he managed to escape.
With the help of an Aboriginal boy, Gidga, Nick survives the Australian outback and makes his way to the Aboriginal’s village. Even though Nick likes the Aboriginal people he still believes his mother is alive and leaves to go find her. His journey is not an easy one as he signs on with fishing ships, understanding that he won’t be able to do anything without money. Most of the time it appears that he will never find anything out about his parents or his past because it seems that none of the departments he is directed to can help him. To make matters worse no one wants to take responsibility for his old records. In a final attempt to find anything out Nick goes back to his old hometown in England.
I enjoyed all the twists and surprises in Nick’s life. I wanted to keep reading to find out where Nick would find himself and who he would meet there. Nick is also the type of character where the reader is emotionally connected to his story right away. What I did not care for was the fact that there was a joke on page two hundred and eighty that I did not understand at all. While that does not affect my overall opinion of the book I feel I am not the only one confused. Also when Nick starts trying to track down his records things get very repetitive. I can only imagine the frustration he felt as I was frustrated by just reading it over again multiple times.
The book is designed with adult readers in mind. There were numerous events in the book such as boys having to “share” a bed with one of their caretakers or being beaten to the point of passing out that was hard to read. With that in mind, this book is more suited for mature readers. Overall I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4. This book offers tragedy and hope at the same time. The back of the book even offers some factual information about what happened to other children like Nick who were sent to Australia.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
Nick Thorne, once Robbie Spalding lived in England where his father was part of the Airforce during the war. When his father’s plane is shot down his mother joins the Land Army but she falls and suffers a major injurer. Nick is taken to an orphanage temporarily and only learns of his mother’s death when he is told he is being sent to a family in Australia. When he gets to Australia he finds no family is waiting, instead, he is taken to Clontarf where the “Brothers” beat, neglect, and abuse the boys. When Nick turned thirteen he was sent to a Church Farm to work but it was just like Clontarf, it was here that he managed to escape.
With the help of an Aboriginal boy, Gidga, Nick survives the Australian outback and makes his way to the Aboriginal’s village. Even though Nick likes the Aboriginal people he still believes his mother is alive and leaves to go find her. His journey is not an easy one as he signs on with fishing ships, understanding that he won’t be able to do anything without money. Most of the time it appears that he will never find anything out about his parents or his past because it seems that none of the departments he is directed to can help him. To make matters worse no one wants to take responsibility for his old records. In a final attempt to find anything out Nick goes back to his old hometown in England.
I enjoyed all the twists and surprises in Nick’s life. I wanted to keep reading to find out where Nick would find himself and who he would meet there. Nick is also the type of character where the reader is emotionally connected to his story right away. What I did not care for was the fact that there was a joke on page two hundred and eighty that I did not understand at all. While that does not affect my overall opinion of the book I feel I am not the only one confused. Also when Nick starts trying to track down his records things get very repetitive. I can only imagine the frustration he felt as I was frustrated by just reading it over again multiple times.
The book is designed with adult readers in mind. There were numerous events in the book such as boys having to “share” a bed with one of their caretakers or being beaten to the point of passing out that was hard to read. With that in mind, this book is more suited for mature readers. Overall I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4. This book offers tragedy and hope at the same time. The back of the book even offers some factual information about what happened to other children like Nick who were sent to Australia.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
March 23, 2020
I Will Find You is an engaging and poignant read. Revolving around events in the lives of child migrants from the UK to Australia, the author has done an excellent job in bringing these events into focus through the story of one such child, Robbie Spalding.
There are many things I loved about this book. The actual storyline made me want to keep reading in order to see what happened next in Robbie’s life. The string of injustices done to him – and others like him – tug at the heartstrings and engender feelings of great anger against the authorities and individuals responsible. The book is well paced and I felt drawn into each part of the narrative and the different settings.
The story starts in Cambridgeshire towards the end of WW2, where a series of unfortunate events result in Robbie being classed as parentless and sent to a Doctor Barnardo’s home in Cambridge – an injustice in itself, as Robbie believes his mother is still alive. After a short time at the orphanage several of the children are given new names and sent to Australia. Robbie Spalding is now Nick Thorne.
I found this part of the book captivating. Life at ‘Clontarf Boys Town’ is almost unbearable for the boys, the dreadful abuse heartbreaking to read about. But once Nick manages to escape into the outback, he finds peace and contentment for a time with a family in an Aboriginal village. Nick loves the way of life and the wonderful people he meets, but he knows that, one day, he would have to move on in search of his birth mother. Characterisation throughout the book is excellent. As well as Nick, I particularly liked the aboriginal boy, Gidga, and his mother, Arana. Descriptions of the outback are colourful and vibrant: the dry, dusty yellows and reds beneath a punishingly burning sun and the sudden, violent storms that give rise to the fresh, green growth are beautifully drawn.
Nick’s relentless determination to find his mother is admirable and provides the basis for a fascinating and informative story. I would recommend this book to anyone unfamiliar with the practice of the UK government sending child orphans to countries like Australia and Canada. In most cases, the promises of a better life than could be had in orphanages at home proved to be just the opposite.
There are many things I loved about this book. The actual storyline made me want to keep reading in order to see what happened next in Robbie’s life. The string of injustices done to him – and others like him – tug at the heartstrings and engender feelings of great anger against the authorities and individuals responsible. The book is well paced and I felt drawn into each part of the narrative and the different settings.
The story starts in Cambridgeshire towards the end of WW2, where a series of unfortunate events result in Robbie being classed as parentless and sent to a Doctor Barnardo’s home in Cambridge – an injustice in itself, as Robbie believes his mother is still alive. After a short time at the orphanage several of the children are given new names and sent to Australia. Robbie Spalding is now Nick Thorne.
I found this part of the book captivating. Life at ‘Clontarf Boys Town’ is almost unbearable for the boys, the dreadful abuse heartbreaking to read about. But once Nick manages to escape into the outback, he finds peace and contentment for a time with a family in an Aboriginal village. Nick loves the way of life and the wonderful people he meets, but he knows that, one day, he would have to move on in search of his birth mother. Characterisation throughout the book is excellent. As well as Nick, I particularly liked the aboriginal boy, Gidga, and his mother, Arana. Descriptions of the outback are colourful and vibrant: the dry, dusty yellows and reds beneath a punishingly burning sun and the sudden, violent storms that give rise to the fresh, green growth are beautifully drawn.
Nick’s relentless determination to find his mother is admirable and provides the basis for a fascinating and informative story. I would recommend this book to anyone unfamiliar with the practice of the UK government sending child orphans to countries like Australia and Canada. In most cases, the promises of a better life than could be had in orphanages at home proved to be just the opposite.
June 9, 2021
John Taylor proves himself to be a master storyteller in this insightful, absorbing and riveting read. From the start, the author skilfully draws the reader into the heart and soul of its main characters. We embark on a journey with English Nick, an escapee from the brutal regime of the dreaded Clontarf Boys Town in Perth, Western Australia and his new-found friend and brother in life, Gidga, a young Aboriginal boy also escaping capture. ‘I Will find You’ is based on factual accounts of wartime child migrants sent from England to Australia - an isolating, harrowing experience which contrasts powerfully with the friendship, love and kinship Nick found in his Gidga’s Australian aboriginal community.
Beautifully written and hard to put down, this inspiring story of hope, courage, determination and friendship unfolds as Nick travels on foot with Gidga across the rugged, unrelenting Australian outback. Nick learns quickly from Gidga how to literally cover their tracks, evade capture from the police & survive off the meagre pickings of the land. Their deepening friendship is beautifully described with compassion & insight and their outback adventures & close calls are breath-taking as they push on against impossible odds, to Gidga’s aboriginal homeland across the desert.
John Taylor graphically describes the aboriginal culture that gave Nick the security, friendship, love and kinship Nick found in Gidga’s family. This experience gave him the strength & stability he needed to continue his never-forgotten determination to find his birth mother in England, whom he knew in his heart was still alive, despite being told she had died many years ago.
John Taylor’s book is an absorbing read which also exposes a little-known history of these desperately unhappy and brutal times. I bought 2 more copies for friends, one of whom was one of those children.
Margo Bavinton
June 2021
Beautifully written and hard to put down, this inspiring story of hope, courage, determination and friendship unfolds as Nick travels on foot with Gidga across the rugged, unrelenting Australian outback. Nick learns quickly from Gidga how to literally cover their tracks, evade capture from the police & survive off the meagre pickings of the land. Their deepening friendship is beautifully described with compassion & insight and their outback adventures & close calls are breath-taking as they push on against impossible odds, to Gidga’s aboriginal homeland across the desert.
John Taylor graphically describes the aboriginal culture that gave Nick the security, friendship, love and kinship Nick found in Gidga’s family. This experience gave him the strength & stability he needed to continue his never-forgotten determination to find his birth mother in England, whom he knew in his heart was still alive, despite being told she had died many years ago.
John Taylor’s book is an absorbing read which also exposes a little-known history of these desperately unhappy and brutal times. I bought 2 more copies for friends, one of whom was one of those children.
Margo Bavinton
June 2021
February 23, 2023
Poignant Australian Story
There is rarely that book will captivate you with the very first sentences in introduction as John Taylor did in his novel I Will Find You. With every word he is getting in readers heart and mind sharing main character’s personal loss and desperation while questioning his/human existence. For me this was the best part of book.
Following introduction, story start with a small boy in Fenland a few years old. His happy childhood gets disturb with loss of his parents and finishing in orphanage. From there ,he, with group of other boys gets transferred in Australia. This is when story start to be intense. In Australia boys get looked after by priests who with unmerciful rules and sever punishments keep discipline in orphanage. As boys grow up they start work on farms and other physical works in community. As adults they move away. However, emotional damage and lost childhood is cost that gets paid for being provided with shelter while staying without parents. Their longing for mother and security never gets outgrown. Their thoughts are torn between places they have been born and grown up. Will their longing fade or be satisfied was my question which flies through whole book.
This novel is poignant Australian story. There is a lot of information which are witness about first white settlers in Australia and about everything get endured in other to survive and become Australians. On the other hand, this is story of specific boy who stayed as an orphan and as a child brought in Australia? I recommend this book for people who are interested in educational reading and Australian history. I congratulate John Taylor for topic he chooses to write about. I appreciate information he provided.
There is rarely that book will captivate you with the very first sentences in introduction as John Taylor did in his novel I Will Find You. With every word he is getting in readers heart and mind sharing main character’s personal loss and desperation while questioning his/human existence. For me this was the best part of book.
Following introduction, story start with a small boy in Fenland a few years old. His happy childhood gets disturb with loss of his parents and finishing in orphanage. From there ,he, with group of other boys gets transferred in Australia. This is when story start to be intense. In Australia boys get looked after by priests who with unmerciful rules and sever punishments keep discipline in orphanage. As boys grow up they start work on farms and other physical works in community. As adults they move away. However, emotional damage and lost childhood is cost that gets paid for being provided with shelter while staying without parents. Their longing for mother and security never gets outgrown. Their thoughts are torn between places they have been born and grown up. Will their longing fade or be satisfied was my question which flies through whole book.
This novel is poignant Australian story. There is a lot of information which are witness about first white settlers in Australia and about everything get endured in other to survive and become Australians. On the other hand, this is story of specific boy who stayed as an orphan and as a child brought in Australia? I recommend this book for people who are interested in educational reading and Australian history. I congratulate John Taylor for topic he chooses to write about. I appreciate information he provided.
March 30, 2021
Naturally I could/would not publically review my own work, but I can offer this review I received recently by email from Lannah Sawers-Diggins:
My goodness, what can I say? What a fantastic book. ‘I Will Find You’ is the most amazing story. From beginning to end I found it very difficult – dare I say impossible – to put down. I am Australian, born and bred and thought I knew quite a lot about our wonderful Indigenous people – but what I learned from ‘I Will Find You’ – well, let’s just say there is an absolute treasure trove of information in those pages and yes, I learned a heck of a lot. The descriptions of two young boys finding their way in the remoter areas of our outback – one Caucasian and the other Indigenous – while ‘on the run’ – what an eye-opener. But it’s not ‘just’ the above descriptions – the story starts with Nick’s roots in wartime Fenland and all that life takes him through there and then describes his progress as he moves out to Australia – and all that he goes through simply to survive out here. Every emotion is covered and described perfectly - I found I was laughing, crying and even identifying with things as I read through. ‘I Will Find You’ is definitely worth reading – and learning from. I do have to say I was very disappointed to finish it – but then I suppose it did have to finish. Five big stars from me.
My goodness, what can I say? What a fantastic book. ‘I Will Find You’ is the most amazing story. From beginning to end I found it very difficult – dare I say impossible – to put down. I am Australian, born and bred and thought I knew quite a lot about our wonderful Indigenous people – but what I learned from ‘I Will Find You’ – well, let’s just say there is an absolute treasure trove of information in those pages and yes, I learned a heck of a lot. The descriptions of two young boys finding their way in the remoter areas of our outback – one Caucasian and the other Indigenous – while ‘on the run’ – what an eye-opener. But it’s not ‘just’ the above descriptions – the story starts with Nick’s roots in wartime Fenland and all that life takes him through there and then describes his progress as he moves out to Australia – and all that he goes through simply to survive out here. Every emotion is covered and described perfectly - I found I was laughing, crying and even identifying with things as I read through. ‘I Will Find You’ is definitely worth reading – and learning from. I do have to say I was very disappointed to finish it – but then I suppose it did have to finish. Five big stars from me.
August 5, 2020
This story begins in England and moves across the other side of the world to Australia (and back).
It is heartbreaking, intriguing and will touch your heart & soul unlike any other story.
Robert Spalding lives through injustices in WW2, child migration to Australia (and the unspeakable abuse therein).
Robert becomes Nick Thorne, escapes working on a farm, and meets a young Aboriginal boy, Gidga, and finds a new family.
But through all he endures, he never forgets his one goal: to find his birth mother again.
This is such a well written, heartfelt story. It highlights parts of Australian history that should be known.
It is the kind of story that will stay with the reader for a long time after reading.
As it should.
It is a "Must Read"!
It is heartbreaking, intriguing and will touch your heart & soul unlike any other story.
Robert Spalding lives through injustices in WW2, child migration to Australia (and the unspeakable abuse therein).
Robert becomes Nick Thorne, escapes working on a farm, and meets a young Aboriginal boy, Gidga, and finds a new family.
But through all he endures, he never forgets his one goal: to find his birth mother again.
This is such a well written, heartfelt story. It highlights parts of Australian history that should be known.
It is the kind of story that will stay with the reader for a long time after reading.
As it should.
It is a "Must Read"!
August 30, 2020
This is one of those books you start reading and can’t put down. I would love to see it as a movie. It takes you on an emotional journey through the eyes of a very frightened little boy to the man he becomes. It tears at the heart reading of this little boys journey from the UK to Western Australia and the horrible treatment of boys by the Christian Brothers at Clontarf boys home. Its then followed by admiration of his adventures into adulthood and the discoveries and people he meets along the way. I loved every minute of this read and the only disappointment was that the book finished. I wanted it to go on and on ....
November 29, 2021
"I Will Find You" is a powerful and poignant work that held my attention from the start to the very end. John M. Taylor is a masterful storyteller with a gift for writing descriptive detail... information that not only brings support and authenticity to the travails of the book's main character but essential background that brings the reader a sense of actually being there as an eyewitness to this account. I am not generally a fan of historical fiction, so I was surprised to find Taylor's book so deeply engaging and so emotionally moving. I highly recommend this book, which is rife with twists, turns, revelations, and an ending that you will never forget.
June 21, 2024
"I Will Find You" by John M. Taylor is a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue that begins in wartime Fenland near Ely and spans halfway across the globe to Australia. The story follows young Robbie Spalding, who transitions from a Dr. Barnardos Home in Cambridge to a new life down under, where he takes on the name Nick Thorne. As Robbie's journey into adulthood unfolds, the narrative is marked by tragedy, unexpected twists, and poignant moments. This heartfelt and dramatic novel promises to keep readers engaged until the very last page, evoking a range of emotions along the way
July 31, 2020
The narrative is easy to read and the (real-life) story is compelling. The childhood of the empathetic main character is tracked from Cambridgeshire, via Barnardo's to Australia, into the outback, on to a fishing boat and back to England. All delightfully described. The appalling treatment of the boys at Clontarf Boys Town is skilfully portrayed, and further exposes the inhuman and immoral conditions there at the time.
June 4, 2023
Memoir or fiction?
I just finished this novel, and I'm shocked by the atrocities that we're perpetuated upon the kids, even as young as age three to four years of age. Boys Town was something I had heard about, read about, back in the day when the realities spilled forth on both male and female kids. The lascivious behavior and the neglect and torture was worse than anything I'd read back in the day.
I just finished this novel, and I'm shocked by the atrocities that we're perpetuated upon the kids, even as young as age three to four years of age. Boys Town was something I had heard about, read about, back in the day when the realities spilled forth on both male and female kids. The lascivious behavior and the neglect and torture was worse than anything I'd read back in the day.
July 9, 2020
This is an amazing story based on real events, which are incredibly well researched and told with an expert touch. I felt like I was walking alongside the characters and felt every emotion with them. I could not put this book down once I started reading it. I Will Find You should be on everyone's reading list. I can not wait for more from this author!!
November 29, 2025
As young Nick, an Australian orphan, searches for his real family in I Will Find You by John M. Taylor, the gods continually put the right people on his path. An Aboriginal mother told Nick, that he would have helpers that matched his determination. Excellent storytelling. Couldn't put it down!
January 9, 2018
Fantastic read. So gripping and sad at times. also a story of love and friendship with bonds that follow to the grave. A must read with a little history thrown in for good measure.
September 10, 2021
A great read. It is so very sad that this actually happened to so many. This had a happy ending but so many did not with people missing meeting up with loved ones by a short period of time. Another good read about this subject is Empty Cradles, have a tissue or two ready though.
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