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The Oceans Between Us
Inspired by heartrending real events, a mother fights to find her son and a child battles for survival in this riveting debut novel.
For readers of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, The Letter by Kathryn Hughes, and Remember Me by Lesley Pearse.
A woman is found wandering injured in London after an air raid.
She remembers nothing of who she is. Only that she has lost something very precious.
As the little boy waits in the orphanage, he hopes his mother will return.
But then he finds himself on board a ship bound for Australia, the promise of a golden life ahead, and wonders: how will she find him in a land across the oceans?
In Perth, a lonely wife takes in the orphaned child. But then she discovers the secret of his past. Should she keep quiet? Or tell the truth and risk losing the boy who has become her life?
For readers of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, The Letter by Kathryn Hughes, and Remember Me by Lesley Pearse.
A woman is found wandering injured in London after an air raid.
She remembers nothing of who she is. Only that she has lost something very precious.
As the little boy waits in the orphanage, he hopes his mother will return.
But then he finds himself on board a ship bound for Australia, the promise of a golden life ahead, and wonders: how will she find him in a land across the oceans?
In Perth, a lonely wife takes in the orphaned child. But then she discovers the secret of his past. Should she keep quiet? Or tell the truth and risk losing the boy who has become her life?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2019
2090 people are currently reading
4071 people want to read
About the author
Gill Thompson
5 books187 followersI taught English for 41 years, mainly at sixth form level. I'm now delighted to have a new career as a writer, with four historical fiction novels to my name. I'm a former Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Chichester, where I studied for my Creative Writing M.A. My new novel, 'The Child at the Window', comes out in April 2026. Do check out my creative writing blog: www.wordkindling.co.uk I'd love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
March 13, 2023
This is a historical fiction book that is all about orphaned child that is from London being sent to Australia from a better life, but of course they did not get that better life. I have to say there is also a lot about Whites dating Blacks in the book to. I did like this book, but it did not hard my heart hard like some historical fiction. I found some parts boring. The characters where not super developed to me, and I did not care about the characters like some other historical fiction books I have read. I do love some things this book covers, but I just wish those items was covered better. I would say overall it was just ok. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Headline) or author (Gill Thompson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review that is my opinion of the book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
March 18, 2019
3.5 stars
I love when authors draw inspiration from real life events because it really enhances a story and with this historical fiction book I actually learned a few things about British and Australian history. Granted it was an ugly side of their pasts, but by using it in the story I felt emotionally invested in the characters and couldn't put the book down.
Essentially this story is a love triangle, but not in the romantic way you might be thinking. After a London air raid, a woman is left injured and can't remember her past, let alone even her name. Unfortunately, nobody can figure out who she is either but she is determined to find out the truth. Her young son, Jack, is placed in an orphanage after authorities deem his mother must have been killed in the blast. Even though he has been told she is dead, in his heart he believes she is alive. After the war ends he is shipped off to Australia as part of a program in which that country receives child migrants from the UK. The Bindoon boys town where he is sent to live is a horrific place as the children are forced to work long hours doing manual labor and are subject to all forms of abuse. Eventually, a woman who longs to be a mother, takes in Jack even though her husband isn't exactly thrilled with the idea. The story takes place over the course of many years and follows the lives of Jack, his biological mother in England, and the woman who is raising him in Australia.
Pretty much from the start you feel for poor Jack. It's also not hard to have compassion for the two mothers and the more you read you feel this uneasiness because given the situation you just know that there can't be a 100% happy outcome. And while the main characters in the story are fictional, just knowing real life families were torn apart with kids being shipped halfway around the world, it just makes this book even more heart wrenching. It really is a shameful part of history and if you know nothing about it, I highly recommend reading this book for that reason alone.
I liked what the author came up with in terms of the plot but I can't say I was overly impressed with the writing. It felt short, simple, and to the point rather than very descriptive writing. I'm not saying it's bad writing, and it was certainly good enough to keep me interested in the story, but I just feel it wasn't on the same level as some of my favorite historical fiction books. I also thought the weakest part of the story was actually the last quarter or so when it teetered into melodramatic territory. I felt like a few too many plot devices were used and it hurt rather than helped the story.
Even though it sounds like I'm nitpicking, I really did enjoy this book and am glad I read it. I loved reading the Author's Note and hearing what inspired her to write the book. Definitely recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.
I won a free advance digital copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I love when authors draw inspiration from real life events because it really enhances a story and with this historical fiction book I actually learned a few things about British and Australian history. Granted it was an ugly side of their pasts, but by using it in the story I felt emotionally invested in the characters and couldn't put the book down.
Essentially this story is a love triangle, but not in the romantic way you might be thinking. After a London air raid, a woman is left injured and can't remember her past, let alone even her name. Unfortunately, nobody can figure out who she is either but she is determined to find out the truth. Her young son, Jack, is placed in an orphanage after authorities deem his mother must have been killed in the blast. Even though he has been told she is dead, in his heart he believes she is alive. After the war ends he is shipped off to Australia as part of a program in which that country receives child migrants from the UK. The Bindoon boys town where he is sent to live is a horrific place as the children are forced to work long hours doing manual labor and are subject to all forms of abuse. Eventually, a woman who longs to be a mother, takes in Jack even though her husband isn't exactly thrilled with the idea. The story takes place over the course of many years and follows the lives of Jack, his biological mother in England, and the woman who is raising him in Australia.
Pretty much from the start you feel for poor Jack. It's also not hard to have compassion for the two mothers and the more you read you feel this uneasiness because given the situation you just know that there can't be a 100% happy outcome. And while the main characters in the story are fictional, just knowing real life families were torn apart with kids being shipped halfway around the world, it just makes this book even more heart wrenching. It really is a shameful part of history and if you know nothing about it, I highly recommend reading this book for that reason alone.
I liked what the author came up with in terms of the plot but I can't say I was overly impressed with the writing. It felt short, simple, and to the point rather than very descriptive writing. I'm not saying it's bad writing, and it was certainly good enough to keep me interested in the story, but I just feel it wasn't on the same level as some of my favorite historical fiction books. I also thought the weakest part of the story was actually the last quarter or so when it teetered into melodramatic territory. I felt like a few too many plot devices were used and it hurt rather than helped the story.
Even though it sounds like I'm nitpicking, I really did enjoy this book and am glad I read it. I loved reading the Author's Note and hearing what inspired her to write the book. Definitely recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.
I won a free advance digital copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
January 22, 2019
The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson is a heartbreaking story about the children who were transported to Australia in their thousand after the Second World War.
Molly's house is destroyed during the blitz and she is wounded and has lost her memory. Her young son Jack comes home from school and finds his mum and their house gone. He is sent to the country to a convent. Later Jack having been told that he is an orphan is transported on a ship full of children to Australia. When he arrives they are taken to a boys town where they are badly treated and forced to work long hours.
Years later Molly starts to regain her memory bit by bit and is now looking to be reunited with her son.
This story is shocking in the way that children were treated and the lack of support for the parents trying to find out what happened to their children.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Headline for my e- copy in exchange for an honest review.
Molly's house is destroyed during the blitz and she is wounded and has lost her memory. Her young son Jack comes home from school and finds his mum and their house gone. He is sent to the country to a convent. Later Jack having been told that he is an orphan is transported on a ship full of children to Australia. When he arrives they are taken to a boys town where they are badly treated and forced to work long hours.
Years later Molly starts to regain her memory bit by bit and is now looking to be reunited with her son.
This story is shocking in the way that children were treated and the lack of support for the parents trying to find out what happened to their children.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Headline for my e- copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2021
“The Ocean Between Us” by Gill Thompson
🌟🌟🌟🌟
A historical fiction, heartbreaking story about an orphan that is taken from London to Australia with the promise of a much better life. Unfortunately that better life did not happen. This story was actually drawn from true events, I love it when authors incorporate this into their story line.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
A historical fiction, heartbreaking story about an orphan that is taken from London to Australia with the promise of a much better life. Unfortunately that better life did not happen. This story was actually drawn from true events, I love it when authors incorporate this into their story line.
September 8, 2019
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson. (2019).
A woman is found after being injured in London following an air raid. She has little memory other than that she has lost something previous.
A little boy is in an orphanage, hoping his mother will return for him. Then he finds himself on board a ship bound for Australia with the promise of a golden life ahead. He still holds hope that somehow his mother will find him.
In Perth, a lonely wife takes in an orphan. Then she discovers the secret of his past. What should she do when she doesn't want to risk losing him?
This book was truly heartbreaking. I have previously heard of the child migrant scheme but did not have any real knowledge around it so this book was my first real taste of it. The idea that authorities lied to children telling them their parents were dead to convince them to move to Australia is horrifying. Even more horrifying is the realisation that these children were promised a glorious new life and actually ended up being abused and used as slave labour. The author explains in her Author's Note that she was inspired to write this book after in 2010 heading the English prime minister apologise to a group of child migrants. The author has written a very emotive and quite moving story centred around the fictional Jack, a child migrant. In later parts of the novel a new character in Rosie is introduced, and her story is equally saddening as she is part of Australia's Stolen Generation. The book is set in two primary locations as we follow Jack's story in Australia and Molly's story in England. An extremely powerful debut fiction novel, I'd highly recommend this bittersweet book.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson. (2019).
A woman is found after being injured in London following an air raid. She has little memory other than that she has lost something previous.
A little boy is in an orphanage, hoping his mother will return for him. Then he finds himself on board a ship bound for Australia with the promise of a golden life ahead. He still holds hope that somehow his mother will find him.
In Perth, a lonely wife takes in an orphan. Then she discovers the secret of his past. What should she do when she doesn't want to risk losing him?
This book was truly heartbreaking. I have previously heard of the child migrant scheme but did not have any real knowledge around it so this book was my first real taste of it. The idea that authorities lied to children telling them their parents were dead to convince them to move to Australia is horrifying. Even more horrifying is the realisation that these children were promised a glorious new life and actually ended up being abused and used as slave labour. The author explains in her Author's Note that she was inspired to write this book after in 2010 heading the English prime minister apologise to a group of child migrants. The author has written a very emotive and quite moving story centred around the fictional Jack, a child migrant. In later parts of the novel a new character in Rosie is introduced, and her story is equally saddening as she is part of Australia's Stolen Generation. The book is set in two primary locations as we follow Jack's story in Australia and Molly's story in England. An extremely powerful debut fiction novel, I'd highly recommend this bittersweet book.
June 6, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Back in 2010, I was in the kitchen, performing some desultory domestic task and listening idly to the Radio 4 news, when an item stopped me in my tracks. The then prime minister, Gordon Brown, was apologising to a group of ex child migrants to Australia on behalf of a British government that had been allowed them to be sent there three decades before. The children have been told their parents were dead when many were in fact still alive. My first thought was what a shocking account. My second was what a powerful story it would make.’
Gill Thompson, Author’s Note, The Oceans Between Us
The first three chapters of The Oceans Between Us, the first novel from English Lecturer Gill Thompson, was longlisted for the Mslexia novel award. I can see why this book has captured the attention of this prize. It would surprise me if anyone can walk away from reading this debut from Gill Thompson without being visibly moved by the characters and their experiences. Inspired by true events, The Oceans Between Us is a tale of finding a placed to call home, connecting with your family, heartbreak, loss and never giving up.
In the heart of London during the Blitz, a woman is found disorientated and injured, walking the streets aimlessly. The woman does not know her name, or where she comes from. She does have the overwhelming feeling that she has lost something dear to her. At the same time, a little boy is taken to an orphanage outside of London. He has the hope that his mother will come back for him and he is certain that she is still alive, despite the sisters of the orphanage warning him that she perished in the war. But this little boy’s course in life is about to change, thanks to a new policy adopted by the British and Australian governments. The boy, known as Jack, boards a ship and sets sail for the land of oranges and sunshine – Australia. He is excited about this new life, but at the same time he worries, wondering how his mother will ever reach him if she comes looking for him. When Jack sets foot on Australian soil he is taken to a facility known as Bindoon. Every day at Bindoon is a fight for survival, but Jack is rescued from Bindoon by a childless couple, the Sullivans. Jack’s life is improved, but a terrible secret works its way around their lives, reminding all involved of sacrifice, hope and survival.
As an Australian, I was visibly upset, remorseful and angry about the content in this book. Although the situation laid out on the pages of The Oceans Between Us was certainly not new to me, I have read a couple of books on the true events inspired by this tale. I have also watched a number of film and television dramas on this chapter in history, but it doesn’t lessen the blow of the experiences in any way. Transporting orphans or improvised children from Britain to Australia, to improve the breeding stock of Australia, the new lucky country, was utterly appalling. These policy makers had next to no concern for the welfare of these children, their families left behind and the long lasting impact of such a move on a young child. They thought their heart was in the right place, giving these children a shot at a new life of opportunity. However, most children endured the pain of displacement, awful abuse, bullying and mistreatment. This is portrayed extremely well by Gill Thompson, which I suspect will be down to the extent of the research she conducted to compile her first novel.
Jack, the young orphan of this tale, and Molly his mother, who is left behind in London, are both superbly presented figureheads for the experiences of many during this time. Thompson does well with this aspect of her novel, balancing the authenticity of their experiences, with moments of darkness and light. Jack is lucky to be rescued in a sense from a horrific life in Bindoon, but the couple that eventually adopts him does do him damage in their own way. Thompson accurately captures these experiences and feelings within the unfolding pages of The Oceans Between Us.
As a West Australian, it was heartening to see much of the novel set in my neck of the woods. I am very familiar with Fremantle, the port where Jack’s ship docks. I know about Bindoon and I’ve visited Geraldton, which is mentioned as the hub for the female orphans to be taken once they arrived on West Australian soil. I also appreciated many of the local area references that were included as Jack grew up in the care of the Sullivans. These places included Kings Park, the University of Western Australia and even Lake Monger. Thompson is also respectful of the traditions, folklore and local indigenous people of Western Australia. There is an excellent side thread involving a local indigenous girl, who is the subjected to the truly heartbreaking White Australia policy. This particular character is also just one victim, among so many of the Stolen Generation.
Linked to these themes of Australian racial prejudice, Thompson tackles inequality in the post World War II era. Jack’s mother Molly must overcome the sneers and pure dislike of her marriage to a Jamaican man. Thompson handles this aspect with a strong level of insight and sensitivity. The author also explores social attitudes in relation to mixed race marriages and relationships, both in British and Australian society. The employ of such authentic and compelling characters helps to move this aspect of the narrative along.
The Oceans Between Us truly pulls at your heartstrings. With themes of salvation, longing, self preservation, inequality, betrayal, forbidden love, friendship, loyalty, the search for justice and a place to call home, along with human endurance, this novel will touch your soul. Thompson’s characters are not to be forgotten, along with their experiences. I plunged into the depths of this story and I came out a changed person. And although Jack, Molly, Sam, Rosie and the accompanying list of protagonists are fictional, I will forever keep these characters in my thoughts.
I cannot recommend The Oceans Between Us enough. I am really looking forward to future writing from Gill Thompson.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
‘Back in 2010, I was in the kitchen, performing some desultory domestic task and listening idly to the Radio 4 news, when an item stopped me in my tracks. The then prime minister, Gordon Brown, was apologising to a group of ex child migrants to Australia on behalf of a British government that had been allowed them to be sent there three decades before. The children have been told their parents were dead when many were in fact still alive. My first thought was what a shocking account. My second was what a powerful story it would make.’
Gill Thompson, Author’s Note, The Oceans Between Us
The first three chapters of The Oceans Between Us, the first novel from English Lecturer Gill Thompson, was longlisted for the Mslexia novel award. I can see why this book has captured the attention of this prize. It would surprise me if anyone can walk away from reading this debut from Gill Thompson without being visibly moved by the characters and their experiences. Inspired by true events, The Oceans Between Us is a tale of finding a placed to call home, connecting with your family, heartbreak, loss and never giving up.
In the heart of London during the Blitz, a woman is found disorientated and injured, walking the streets aimlessly. The woman does not know her name, or where she comes from. She does have the overwhelming feeling that she has lost something dear to her. At the same time, a little boy is taken to an orphanage outside of London. He has the hope that his mother will come back for him and he is certain that she is still alive, despite the sisters of the orphanage warning him that she perished in the war. But this little boy’s course in life is about to change, thanks to a new policy adopted by the British and Australian governments. The boy, known as Jack, boards a ship and sets sail for the land of oranges and sunshine – Australia. He is excited about this new life, but at the same time he worries, wondering how his mother will ever reach him if she comes looking for him. When Jack sets foot on Australian soil he is taken to a facility known as Bindoon. Every day at Bindoon is a fight for survival, but Jack is rescued from Bindoon by a childless couple, the Sullivans. Jack’s life is improved, but a terrible secret works its way around their lives, reminding all involved of sacrifice, hope and survival.
As an Australian, I was visibly upset, remorseful and angry about the content in this book. Although the situation laid out on the pages of The Oceans Between Us was certainly not new to me, I have read a couple of books on the true events inspired by this tale. I have also watched a number of film and television dramas on this chapter in history, but it doesn’t lessen the blow of the experiences in any way. Transporting orphans or improvised children from Britain to Australia, to improve the breeding stock of Australia, the new lucky country, was utterly appalling. These policy makers had next to no concern for the welfare of these children, their families left behind and the long lasting impact of such a move on a young child. They thought their heart was in the right place, giving these children a shot at a new life of opportunity. However, most children endured the pain of displacement, awful abuse, bullying and mistreatment. This is portrayed extremely well by Gill Thompson, which I suspect will be down to the extent of the research she conducted to compile her first novel.
Jack, the young orphan of this tale, and Molly his mother, who is left behind in London, are both superbly presented figureheads for the experiences of many during this time. Thompson does well with this aspect of her novel, balancing the authenticity of their experiences, with moments of darkness and light. Jack is lucky to be rescued in a sense from a horrific life in Bindoon, but the couple that eventually adopts him does do him damage in their own way. Thompson accurately captures these experiences and feelings within the unfolding pages of The Oceans Between Us.
As a West Australian, it was heartening to see much of the novel set in my neck of the woods. I am very familiar with Fremantle, the port where Jack’s ship docks. I know about Bindoon and I’ve visited Geraldton, which is mentioned as the hub for the female orphans to be taken once they arrived on West Australian soil. I also appreciated many of the local area references that were included as Jack grew up in the care of the Sullivans. These places included Kings Park, the University of Western Australia and even Lake Monger. Thompson is also respectful of the traditions, folklore and local indigenous people of Western Australia. There is an excellent side thread involving a local indigenous girl, who is the subjected to the truly heartbreaking White Australia policy. This particular character is also just one victim, among so many of the Stolen Generation.
Linked to these themes of Australian racial prejudice, Thompson tackles inequality in the post World War II era. Jack’s mother Molly must overcome the sneers and pure dislike of her marriage to a Jamaican man. Thompson handles this aspect with a strong level of insight and sensitivity. The author also explores social attitudes in relation to mixed race marriages and relationships, both in British and Australian society. The employ of such authentic and compelling characters helps to move this aspect of the narrative along.
The Oceans Between Us truly pulls at your heartstrings. With themes of salvation, longing, self preservation, inequality, betrayal, forbidden love, friendship, loyalty, the search for justice and a place to call home, along with human endurance, this novel will touch your soul. Thompson’s characters are not to be forgotten, along with their experiences. I plunged into the depths of this story and I came out a changed person. And although Jack, Molly, Sam, Rosie and the accompanying list of protagonists are fictional, I will forever keep these characters in my thoughts.
I cannot recommend The Oceans Between Us enough. I am really looking forward to future writing from Gill Thompson.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 28, 2019
This heartbreaking book grabbed me from the very first page. Lots of emotions came out when reading this book and I enjoyed it so much! Historical fiction lovers will love this book. A great debut by this author!
May 6, 2019
This is a story that is heart wrenching, it pulled at my heart so much, it will push a few buttons for some people as we start in London during the blitz and end up in Perth Western Australia, following the journey of a young boy Jack Malloy.
Molly Malloy and her son Jack live in Croydon London, it is World War 2 and they have already lost a husband and father, when a bomb explodes during the day leaving Jack to come home from school to no house and a mother who is missing. Jack is sent to an orphanage Melchet and cared for by the nuns.
Jack is always hopeful that his beautiful mother will come for him, but years pass and they convince Jack that she is gone, and an opportunity to travel to Australia, live on farm ride horses and eat oranges all of the time finds him on a ship to Australia and sent to Boys Town where life is nothing like he was promised. Jack is lucky enough to be taken in by a loving family in Perth the Sullivan family, where he grows to be a young man and lawyer, never forgetting his mother. He becomes a lawyer to search for answers and get some closure on what happened The Sullivan family also take in an Aboriginal girl Rosie as a housemaid and Jack and Rosie form a forbidden friendship.
Back in England Jack’s mother Molly is found wandering with no memory of who she is always feeling like she has lost something, years later slowly Molly’s memory returns and she wants desperately to find her son Jack and with her new husband Reggie they start the search.
This was a compelling story that was hard to put down, what happened to these children should never have happened, the pain and hurt they and their families went through, was heartbreaking, MS Thompson also deals with the stolen generation, there were lots of emotions that I felt reading this one, fabulously written and a debut.
Molly Malloy and her son Jack live in Croydon London, it is World War 2 and they have already lost a husband and father, when a bomb explodes during the day leaving Jack to come home from school to no house and a mother who is missing. Jack is sent to an orphanage Melchet and cared for by the nuns.
Jack is always hopeful that his beautiful mother will come for him, but years pass and they convince Jack that she is gone, and an opportunity to travel to Australia, live on farm ride horses and eat oranges all of the time finds him on a ship to Australia and sent to Boys Town where life is nothing like he was promised. Jack is lucky enough to be taken in by a loving family in Perth the Sullivan family, where he grows to be a young man and lawyer, never forgetting his mother. He becomes a lawyer to search for answers and get some closure on what happened The Sullivan family also take in an Aboriginal girl Rosie as a housemaid and Jack and Rosie form a forbidden friendship.
Back in England Jack’s mother Molly is found wandering with no memory of who she is always feeling like she has lost something, years later slowly Molly’s memory returns and she wants desperately to find her son Jack and with her new husband Reggie they start the search.
This was a compelling story that was hard to put down, what happened to these children should never have happened, the pain and hurt they and their families went through, was heartbreaking, MS Thompson also deals with the stolen generation, there were lots of emotions that I felt reading this one, fabulously written and a debut.
May 27, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Gill Thompson for my copy of his book: The Oceans Between Us.
The book tells the story of Jack, a young English boy and his mum Molly.
Jack is five when during the Blitz his mother Molly's is presumed dead after a bomb explodes in their backyard and he is sent to an orphanage. Molly was injured from the bomb blast, she spends years in hospital and has no idea who she is or anything about her life. Jack is taken to an orphanage and he's told that his mum has died
England had so many orphanages that are full and Australia offered to give home's to children who have lost their parents during the war and it was part of a migration scheme to increase the population of Australia. Jack is sent to Australia by boat, the children are told stories about how wonderful his life would be in Australia, sunshine, oranges and wide open spaces. The horrible fact was many of these children are abused, siblings are often separated and Jack was sent to Bindoon.
Bindoon is in Western Australia, it's a horrible place, boys are expected to work hard, conditions are primitive and boys are abused and some in the worst possible way.
Jack is lucky, he catches the attention of Kathleen she's married to John and he works for a department that organized the migration scheme.
They decide to adopt Jack as they don't have children of their own and Kathleen is desperate to be a mother.
Molly spends years in hospital, she has lost her memory and has no idea who she is or where she lived or if she's married or a mother. Years go by, Margaret as she is now called, is given all kinds of treatment and slowly she recovers enough that she can leave hospital, is employed to work at the hospital where she was once a patient and lives in a nearby boarding house.
As time goes on, she starts working in a dress shop and little pieces of memory return, she remembers her name, her real name is Molly, she had a son called Jack and what happened to Jack?
It's a sad story based on true events so many children were sent to Australia after WW II, many were orphans, others their parents had put them into care for only a short period of time while they tried to find work or a place to live, they returned to collect them and to find out that their children had also been sent to Australia.
It's very hard to believe that children were treated this way in Australia, but it's true and Gill Thompson's book "The Oceans Between Us" explains the sad details of the children's migration scheme in Australia and he writes a interesting story about this shocking time in Australia's history. I enjoyed the book but I did find it a little slow in places for me and I gave it three stars. I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
The book tells the story of Jack, a young English boy and his mum Molly.
Jack is five when during the Blitz his mother Molly's is presumed dead after a bomb explodes in their backyard and he is sent to an orphanage. Molly was injured from the bomb blast, she spends years in hospital and has no idea who she is or anything about her life. Jack is taken to an orphanage and he's told that his mum has died
England had so many orphanages that are full and Australia offered to give home's to children who have lost their parents during the war and it was part of a migration scheme to increase the population of Australia. Jack is sent to Australia by boat, the children are told stories about how wonderful his life would be in Australia, sunshine, oranges and wide open spaces. The horrible fact was many of these children are abused, siblings are often separated and Jack was sent to Bindoon.
Bindoon is in Western Australia, it's a horrible place, boys are expected to work hard, conditions are primitive and boys are abused and some in the worst possible way.
Jack is lucky, he catches the attention of Kathleen she's married to John and he works for a department that organized the migration scheme.
They decide to adopt Jack as they don't have children of their own and Kathleen is desperate to be a mother.
Molly spends years in hospital, she has lost her memory and has no idea who she is or where she lived or if she's married or a mother. Years go by, Margaret as she is now called, is given all kinds of treatment and slowly she recovers enough that she can leave hospital, is employed to work at the hospital where she was once a patient and lives in a nearby boarding house.
As time goes on, she starts working in a dress shop and little pieces of memory return, she remembers her name, her real name is Molly, she had a son called Jack and what happened to Jack?
It's a sad story based on true events so many children were sent to Australia after WW II, many were orphans, others their parents had put them into care for only a short period of time while they tried to find work or a place to live, they returned to collect them and to find out that their children had also been sent to Australia.
It's very hard to believe that children were treated this way in Australia, but it's true and Gill Thompson's book "The Oceans Between Us" explains the sad details of the children's migration scheme in Australia and he writes a interesting story about this shocking time in Australia's history. I enjoyed the book but I did find it a little slow in places for me and I gave it three stars. I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
July 16, 2019
I loved this book. It was a beautifully told, heart-wrenching tale, made all the more tragic by the fact that it was based around real life stories. The author conjured the time periods, and places impeccably, so the reader is taken from war-time London to the Australian outback and back to a smoky Croydon jazz club, seamlessly. Well drawn and immediately relatable characters. Highly recommend this book.
December 27, 2022
"… no se lucha contra la violencia con más violencia. Se lucha con astucia".
Quienes me conocen saben que no me resisto a las novelas históricas, y menos a las que están ambientadas en la Segunda Guerra Mundial. “Un océano entre nosotros” está inspirada en la historia real de los niños deportados de Inglaterra a Australia, como parte de una labor humanitaria, en medio de este período de caos y barbarie.
Londres vive bajo continuos bombardeos, y a consecuencia de ellos Molly y su pequeño hijo de cinco años Jack son separados. Molly resulta gravemente herida, y cuando recupera la conciencia, no recuerda quién es o cómo llegó allí, y tardará aún más tiempo en recordar a su hijo. Por su parte, Jack es llevado a un orfanato, pero está confiado de que su madre aparecerá en cualquier momento… pero no aparece. En medio del devastador panorama que vive el país, le ofrecen un “gran sueño”, una nueva tierra llena de luz y nuevas oportunidades.
La historia está estructurada en cinco partes que dividen la vida de Molly y Jack, los años de la guerra y postguerra hasta terminar en 1962. Período a período veremos el avance de nuestros protagonistas con sus victorias personales y sus derrotas, ninguno tuvo un camino fácil, pero ambos conservan el amor que los unió. Cuenta con un ritmo ágil, en gran parte debido a las tramas paralelamente, el lenguaje sencillo y la abundancia de diálogos… además que las ansías del encuentro entre madre e hijo hace que agotes sus páginas.
Los personajes que realmente no son muchos, están bien construidos, y es imposible no sentir empatía con los niños que se encontraron en esta situación, primero de abandono, y luego fueron en muchos casos engañados.
A pesar de conocer algo sobre este tema, no conocía algunos de los detalles, que fueron verdaderamente escabrosos… de los cuales la autora no reservó detalle, y mezcla con acierto los hechos históricos con la ficción de su obra.
En definitiva, es una historia que cuenta sobre el dolor de la separación y el verdadero valor de los lazos familiares a pesar de ella. Les aseguro que no les dejará indiferentes.
“...los británicos tienen un problema: demasiados niños. Pobres criaturas cuyos padres cayeron en la guerra y cuyas madres murieron en los bombardeos de Londres…”
Quienes me conocen saben que no me resisto a las novelas históricas, y menos a las que están ambientadas en la Segunda Guerra Mundial. “Un océano entre nosotros” está inspirada en la historia real de los niños deportados de Inglaterra a Australia, como parte de una labor humanitaria, en medio de este período de caos y barbarie.
Londres vive bajo continuos bombardeos, y a consecuencia de ellos Molly y su pequeño hijo de cinco años Jack son separados. Molly resulta gravemente herida, y cuando recupera la conciencia, no recuerda quién es o cómo llegó allí, y tardará aún más tiempo en recordar a su hijo. Por su parte, Jack es llevado a un orfanato, pero está confiado de que su madre aparecerá en cualquier momento… pero no aparece. En medio del devastador panorama que vive el país, le ofrecen un “gran sueño”, una nueva tierra llena de luz y nuevas oportunidades.
La historia está estructurada en cinco partes que dividen la vida de Molly y Jack, los años de la guerra y postguerra hasta terminar en 1962. Período a período veremos el avance de nuestros protagonistas con sus victorias personales y sus derrotas, ninguno tuvo un camino fácil, pero ambos conservan el amor que los unió. Cuenta con un ritmo ágil, en gran parte debido a las tramas paralelamente, el lenguaje sencillo y la abundancia de diálogos… además que las ansías del encuentro entre madre e hijo hace que agotes sus páginas.
Los personajes que realmente no son muchos, están bien construidos, y es imposible no sentir empatía con los niños que se encontraron en esta situación, primero de abandono, y luego fueron en muchos casos engañados.
A pesar de conocer algo sobre este tema, no conocía algunos de los detalles, que fueron verdaderamente escabrosos… de los cuales la autora no reservó detalle, y mezcla con acierto los hechos históricos con la ficción de su obra.
En definitiva, es una historia que cuenta sobre el dolor de la separación y el verdadero valor de los lazos familiares a pesar de ella. Les aseguro que no les dejará indiferentes.
“...los británicos tienen un problema: demasiados niños. Pobres criaturas cuyos padres cayeron en la guerra y cuyas madres murieron en los bombardeos de Londres…”
April 30, 2019
A story of mother and son separated by war and geography. Although Jack was only 5 when the bomb fell that would change his and his mother's life forever, he refused to give up hope that she was still alive.
Molly suffered from amnesia after a bomb struck her and her little boy Jack's home. For years she knew that she was missing something important. By the time her memory came back Jack had already been shipped out to Australia with thousands of other war "orphans " and her circumstances and walls of bureaucracy hindered her efforts to find her lost son.
It's described as a heartbreaking story and it certainly made me cry. Although Jack and Molly's story are fictional they are based on a shameful period of Britain's and Australian history where we shipped children to Australia like discarded rubbish and let them be treated however the Australian government saw fit. Families were ripped apart.
This debut novel was an excellent and emotional read.
Molly suffered from amnesia after a bomb struck her and her little boy Jack's home. For years she knew that she was missing something important. By the time her memory came back Jack had already been shipped out to Australia with thousands of other war "orphans " and her circumstances and walls of bureaucracy hindered her efforts to find her lost son.
It's described as a heartbreaking story and it certainly made me cry. Although Jack and Molly's story are fictional they are based on a shameful period of Britain's and Australian history where we shipped children to Australia like discarded rubbish and let them be treated however the Australian government saw fit. Families were ripped apart.
This debut novel was an excellent and emotional read.
February 19, 2020
Oh, this book is heartbreaking. But, SO amazingly done.
There’s an air raid, during the blitz, that leaves Molly injured and with no memory–only a feeling of something missing.
Meanwhile, in an orphanage is a little boy waiting for his mother. Unfortunately–and based on real events–the boy is sent to Australia after the war with many other children.
I won’t give away any more of the plot. This is one that you have to read and soak in. But, as a mother, I can say I was anxious for so much of this book.
One of the joys of reading, for me, is when a story has the ability to bring the reader into it and you feel a part of the story–like you’re there. But that can be bittersweet in a story like this where you’re not sure of the ending and it breaks your heart a little bit each page.
The fact that this story was based around events that actually happen just breaks my heart even more.
Gill Thompson did an amazing job of bringing the reader into her story and enlightening the reader as to events that should be remembered.
A wonderful, powerful story that I’d recommend across the board.
There’s an air raid, during the blitz, that leaves Molly injured and with no memory–only a feeling of something missing.
Meanwhile, in an orphanage is a little boy waiting for his mother. Unfortunately–and based on real events–the boy is sent to Australia after the war with many other children.
I won’t give away any more of the plot. This is one that you have to read and soak in. But, as a mother, I can say I was anxious for so much of this book.
One of the joys of reading, for me, is when a story has the ability to bring the reader into it and you feel a part of the story–like you’re there. But that can be bittersweet in a story like this where you’re not sure of the ending and it breaks your heart a little bit each page.
The fact that this story was based around events that actually happen just breaks my heart even more.
Gill Thompson did an amazing job of bringing the reader into her story and enlightening the reader as to events that should be remembered.
A wonderful, powerful story that I’d recommend across the board.
February 27, 2022
Una historia en la que unos actos totalmente abusivos se disfrazan de acciones caritativas y utilizan una situación tan traumática como la guerra para aprovecharse de las víctimas más inocentes y desamparadas, los niños huérfanos o separados de sus familias.
En este caso, una ficción basada en hechos reales que abarca de 1941 a 1962, Jack formará parte de uno de aquellos viajes en los que miles de niños fueron deportados de Inglaterra hasta Australia en un movimiento por el que unos se deshacían de niños de los que ni siquiera se comprobaba si los padres vivían y los otros recibían niños con la idea de repoblar el país con niños blancos y la promesa de una vida mejor pero con una realidad en la que la inmensa mayoría fueron usados como mano de obra gratis, sometidos a trabajos forzosos y padeciendo abusos sexuales y malos tratos físicos y psicológicos.
Dentro de toda esta tragedia, Jack será un niño afortunado pero en su interior siempre le quedará la duda de si su madre murió o sigue viva, si le abandonó y si le ha olvidado.
Mientras tanto, en Londres, una mujer que vaga sola por la calle y que no recuerda su nombre ni su pasado, es internada en una clínica y tiene que empezar de cero cuando recibe el alta. Siempre con la sensación de haber perdido algo y no saber de qué se trata, poco a poco va recuperando la memoria y conociendo detalles de lo sucedido a través de los años.
Un libro que nos muestra uno más de los tantos episodios inhumanos e injustos que ocurren en tiempos de guerra, con un fondo de denuncia política y social, narrado desde el punto de vista de Jack y Molly, y que se lee con el corazón encogido durante la mayor parte de la novela.
En este caso, una ficción basada en hechos reales que abarca de 1941 a 1962, Jack formará parte de uno de aquellos viajes en los que miles de niños fueron deportados de Inglaterra hasta Australia en un movimiento por el que unos se deshacían de niños de los que ni siquiera se comprobaba si los padres vivían y los otros recibían niños con la idea de repoblar el país con niños blancos y la promesa de una vida mejor pero con una realidad en la que la inmensa mayoría fueron usados como mano de obra gratis, sometidos a trabajos forzosos y padeciendo abusos sexuales y malos tratos físicos y psicológicos.
Dentro de toda esta tragedia, Jack será un niño afortunado pero en su interior siempre le quedará la duda de si su madre murió o sigue viva, si le abandonó y si le ha olvidado.
Mientras tanto, en Londres, una mujer que vaga sola por la calle y que no recuerda su nombre ni su pasado, es internada en una clínica y tiene que empezar de cero cuando recibe el alta. Siempre con la sensación de haber perdido algo y no saber de qué se trata, poco a poco va recuperando la memoria y conociendo detalles de lo sucedido a través de los años.
Un libro que nos muestra uno más de los tantos episodios inhumanos e injustos que ocurren en tiempos de guerra, con un fondo de denuncia política y social, narrado desde el punto de vista de Jack y Molly, y que se lee con el corazón encogido durante la mayor parte de la novela.
July 9, 2019
Fascinated by this part of British/Australian history - so barbaric. Loved how the author combined the historical detail of the social norms back then and the complexities of motherhood to weave a compelling story.
September 18, 2019
This was an enjoyable, easy read that was well researched and I appreciated that it was based on some historic events from the mid 20th Century, that I was not aware of. The story kept me interested enough through to the conclusion but I didn't find it particularly exciting or memorable.
May 20, 2024
Ficción histórica basada en hecho reales, sobre los niños que fueron enviados de Inglaterra a Australia, disfrazado como "labor humanitaria" pero que realmente fueron utilizados como mano de obra infantil, siendo victimas de abusos de todo tipo.
Una historia dura, al conocer los horrores por los que tuvieron que pasar esos pobres niños, separados de su familia, prometiendoles que iban a tener una vida mejor, lejos de la guerra; imposible no empatizar con Jack y Molly su madre biológica, sentir el dolor de su separación y las secuelas que ésta dejo.
Una historia dura, al conocer los horrores por los que tuvieron que pasar esos pobres niños, separados de su familia, prometiendoles que iban a tener una vida mejor, lejos de la guerra; imposible no empatizar con Jack y Molly su madre biológica, sentir el dolor de su separación y las secuelas que ésta dejo.
February 23, 2019
The Oceans Between Us is a story that alternates between mother and son. With the story being set in Australia and England also, you really couldn’t get much further distance between both.
This is a story that is really going to tug at the readers heart strings. What’s worse is that even though a work of fiction, it is based on real events. I just couldn’t imagine anything worse than the emotional journey that Jack and his mum Molly go through.
I had to really admire Jack. Being sent to an orphanage at such a young age and then to be sent off to the other side of the world for a promising new life. For someone so young that is such a big upheaval. One thing he never gives up hope for is his mum. I just wanted to wrap him up in my arms and I felt so much empathy for Kathleen who takes him in and gives him a home.
The story touches on so many issues that are sadly very much still around today like, racism and abuse. The author doesn’t go into any great detail though rather leaving it to the readers imagine of which I was grateful for.
The Oceans Between Us is a story that will touch every readers heart. Jack and Molly’s plight is something that I think will stay with me for a long time to come. The last part of the story I read through tears as I was so caught up in what was happening to the characters. Very much a bitter sweet read and is a brilliant showcase of the authors writing skills. An absolute must read.
My thanks to Anne Cater, NetGalley and Headline Review for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
This is a story that is really going to tug at the readers heart strings. What’s worse is that even though a work of fiction, it is based on real events. I just couldn’t imagine anything worse than the emotional journey that Jack and his mum Molly go through.
I had to really admire Jack. Being sent to an orphanage at such a young age and then to be sent off to the other side of the world for a promising new life. For someone so young that is such a big upheaval. One thing he never gives up hope for is his mum. I just wanted to wrap him up in my arms and I felt so much empathy for Kathleen who takes him in and gives him a home.
The story touches on so many issues that are sadly very much still around today like, racism and abuse. The author doesn’t go into any great detail though rather leaving it to the readers imagine of which I was grateful for.
The Oceans Between Us is a story that will touch every readers heart. Jack and Molly’s plight is something that I think will stay with me for a long time to come. The last part of the story I read through tears as I was so caught up in what was happening to the characters. Very much a bitter sweet read and is a brilliant showcase of the authors writing skills. An absolute must read.
My thanks to Anne Cater, NetGalley and Headline Review for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 8, 2020
The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson is a heart breaking historical novel inspired by true events. The story surrounds a lost generation of children who were shipped from England to Australia at the end of World War II. “The kids they thought no one wanted.” Some were orphans, others were told they were orphans. The emotional impact on individuals and families was huge.
Families were quite literally torn apart in Australia too as Aboriginal children were taken from their families in the hope that the indigenous people would die out.
Racism was rife in England and Australia. Those who were invited over on the Windrush to help rebuild England after the war met hostility, prejudice and discrimination. Gill Thompson has portrayed a realistic account of the hatred faced by mixed race couples and their children from all quarters of society.
There are some truly harrowing scenes set within a boys Roman Catholic home in Australia – cruelty at best, sexual assault at worst, and everything in between. They were innocent victims without a voice.
At the heart of the novel there are the loves of mothers for their children, and vice versa. The maternal bond is strong. The need the children have for their mothers is heart breaking. The need the mothers have for their children breaks your heart too. I certainly shed some tears along the way.
The Oceans Between Us was a heart wrenching read. The severed love bonds were painful and tangible. This is a book about love that never dies.
Families were quite literally torn apart in Australia too as Aboriginal children were taken from their families in the hope that the indigenous people would die out.
Racism was rife in England and Australia. Those who were invited over on the Windrush to help rebuild England after the war met hostility, prejudice and discrimination. Gill Thompson has portrayed a realistic account of the hatred faced by mixed race couples and their children from all quarters of society.
There are some truly harrowing scenes set within a boys Roman Catholic home in Australia – cruelty at best, sexual assault at worst, and everything in between. They were innocent victims without a voice.
At the heart of the novel there are the loves of mothers for their children, and vice versa. The maternal bond is strong. The need the children have for their mothers is heart breaking. The need the mothers have for their children breaks your heart too. I certainly shed some tears along the way.
The Oceans Between Us was a heart wrenching read. The severed love bonds were painful and tangible. This is a book about love that never dies.
November 24, 2021
Las novelas ambientadas en la Segunda Guerra Mundial son mi debilidad a pesar de su dureza.
De 1941 a 1962 nos cuenta como Molly pierde la memoria tras un bombardeo en Londres, no recuerda nada, no sabe quien es, solo sabe que le falta algo muy importante. Con el tiempo recuperará la memoria e insistirá en averiguar que fue de su hijo.
Nos cuenta cómo Jack que tiene 5 años es llevado a un orfanato con muchos otros niños y cómo estos niños, considerados huérfanos, son llevados a Australia , un lugar donde "serán felices, tomarán el sol, comerán naranjas y tendrán un futuro" .
Nos cuenta cómo eso fue mentira, cómo esos niños fueron engañados, abandonados, utilizados como mano de obra barata, maltratados y abusados.
Nos cuenta cómo Jack fue adoptado y cómo tuvo una buena vida a pesar de todo, una vida que no fue tan terrible como la de muchos de sus compañeros.
Y nos cuenta cómo el amor de una madre es tan fuerte que atraviesa océanos.
Está basado en hechos reales, una parte de la historia que desconocía por completo y que se une a los horrores que ocurrieron en uno de los periodos más oscuros y nefastos de la historia. Otro horror más por el que en 2010 el primer ministro británico Gordon Brown pidió perdón a esos niños enviados a Australia.
Y aunque es tremendamente duro, no se regodea en detalles escabrosos. Es la historia de una pérdida, de un reencuentro, de muchas injusticias pero también es una historia de solidaridad, de amor, de perdón y sobre todo de esperanza.
De 1941 a 1962 nos cuenta como Molly pierde la memoria tras un bombardeo en Londres, no recuerda nada, no sabe quien es, solo sabe que le falta algo muy importante. Con el tiempo recuperará la memoria e insistirá en averiguar que fue de su hijo.
Nos cuenta cómo Jack que tiene 5 años es llevado a un orfanato con muchos otros niños y cómo estos niños, considerados huérfanos, son llevados a Australia , un lugar donde "serán felices, tomarán el sol, comerán naranjas y tendrán un futuro" .
Nos cuenta cómo eso fue mentira, cómo esos niños fueron engañados, abandonados, utilizados como mano de obra barata, maltratados y abusados.
Nos cuenta cómo Jack fue adoptado y cómo tuvo una buena vida a pesar de todo, una vida que no fue tan terrible como la de muchos de sus compañeros.
Y nos cuenta cómo el amor de una madre es tan fuerte que atraviesa océanos.
Está basado en hechos reales, una parte de la historia que desconocía por completo y que se une a los horrores que ocurrieron en uno de los periodos más oscuros y nefastos de la historia. Otro horror más por el que en 2010 el primer ministro británico Gordon Brown pidió perdón a esos niños enviados a Australia.
Y aunque es tremendamente duro, no se regodea en detalles escabrosos. Es la historia de una pérdida, de un reencuentro, de muchas injusticias pero también es una historia de solidaridad, de amor, de perdón y sobre todo de esperanza.
March 23, 2019
4.5 stars
I flew through this emotional book with a lump in my heart and watery eyes.
It featured Jack who was transported from the UK to Australia after WW2. I wasn’t aware that this was a practice, and it seems madness as many families are temporarily displaced after a war. In Jack’s case, he was incorrectly categorised as an orphan, as were so many others.
We get to see the story from his point of view, and also his mother Molly who never stopped searching for him. And through the eyes of the family that adopted him in Australia.
On top of that, it also tacked the horrific theme of Aboriginal children who were separated from their parents by government policy. And sent to work as domestic servants for white middle class families.
I took many of these lovely characters to my heart, and I felt their sorrow from losing family bonds. For the harsh life ahead of them, and I cringed at just what some had to endure. But I also felt their bravery in finding justice for all children who suffered from these two awful policies.
Overall it’s a sad, but very authentic feeling read. With characters that you want to hug.
I flew through this emotional book with a lump in my heart and watery eyes.
It featured Jack who was transported from the UK to Australia after WW2. I wasn’t aware that this was a practice, and it seems madness as many families are temporarily displaced after a war. In Jack’s case, he was incorrectly categorised as an orphan, as were so many others.
We get to see the story from his point of view, and also his mother Molly who never stopped searching for him. And through the eyes of the family that adopted him in Australia.
On top of that, it also tacked the horrific theme of Aboriginal children who were separated from their parents by government policy. And sent to work as domestic servants for white middle class families.
I took many of these lovely characters to my heart, and I felt their sorrow from losing family bonds. For the harsh life ahead of them, and I cringed at just what some had to endure. But I also felt their bravery in finding justice for all children who suffered from these two awful policies.
Overall it’s a sad, but very authentic feeling read. With characters that you want to hug.
June 15, 2019
This is a sad but beautiful story as well. Sad to read the true events that this story is modeled after but at the same time as author, Gill Thompson states as an author, there are some liberties that can be taken like giving a happy ending.
I was so connected to all of the characters and the story. The main ones are Jack, who is adopted by John and Kathleen. John is really rough around the edges. Deep down I do believe in a tiny part of his heart that he did love Jack. Although, he never really showed it to Jack. Kathleen on the other hand was happy to have Jack as her son.
This story does display as the hurdles parents and children experience when becoming a family from different walks of life. The children hold hope that their biological parents will still love them or want them; so it is hard for them to fully embrace at first the new parents. So, the real story that this one is modeled after is about human trafficking. It is sad that people hold human lives with so little regard. I do enjoy readers to check out this book as it is one not to be missed. The Oceans Between Us will touch your heart with engaging characters that will stick with you long after you have finished the book!
I was so connected to all of the characters and the story. The main ones are Jack, who is adopted by John and Kathleen. John is really rough around the edges. Deep down I do believe in a tiny part of his heart that he did love Jack. Although, he never really showed it to Jack. Kathleen on the other hand was happy to have Jack as her son.
This story does display as the hurdles parents and children experience when becoming a family from different walks of life. The children hold hope that their biological parents will still love them or want them; so it is hard for them to fully embrace at first the new parents. So, the real story that this one is modeled after is about human trafficking. It is sad that people hold human lives with so little regard. I do enjoy readers to check out this book as it is one not to be missed. The Oceans Between Us will touch your heart with engaging characters that will stick with you long after you have finished the book!
October 13, 2020
I never knew about this part of WW2--shipping children from England to Australia under the excuse of a "better life" , but in truth, for a working or slavery life. Also brings forward the second story of racial inequalities of those who are not "whites", both in England and in Australia. And the love of a mother for her child-whether by blood or not.
August 7, 2021
Åh, vilken underbar bok.
October 23, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I flew through this. It was heartbreaking. Breathtaking. Beautifully written.
November 16, 2020
Another book that I listened to while walking. Cried at the end while walking, luckily no one saw me! Great read!
July 23, 2022
Cuando escogí este libro no sabía la historia real en la que se basa; pensaba que era una historia de niños que eran desplazados durante la guerra para su protección contra los bombardeos y que más tarde regresarían a sus casas tras la guerra. Pero esta historia no tiene nada que ver.
El libro está basado en un terrible hecho real: la emigración forzosa de miles de niños británicos blancos huérfanos o arrebatados mediante engaños a sus padres para reforzar la población blanca de Australia. Según la explicación final de la autora y algún artículo que he leído por internet, más de 150.000 niños (un gran porcentaje durante la II Guerra Mundial) fueron llevados de esta forma a Australia durante el siglo XIX y XX, hasta los años 60/70 (antes fueron presidiarios los que llevaban a poblar dicho país). Si esto ya es duro, cuando llegan allí no son adoptados ni acogidos por familias sino que son colocados en distintos internados, colegios o centros donde son tratados como mano de obra esclava y en algunos casos abusados sexualmente. Solo fue ya en el siglo XXI cuando los ministros australiano y británico pidieron públicamente perdón a los niños por lo que les hicieron, aunque de poco les sirva a los ya fallecidos.
Basándose en esta horrible realidad, la autora narra la historia de Jack Malloy y su madre, Molly, que durante un bombardeo en Londres son separados accidentalmente. Molly pierde la memoria, y Jack declarado erróneamente huérfano es llevado a un orfanato desde donde emigra bajo engaños a Australia. Desde ese momento cuenta su historia de lucha y superación. Paralelamente cuenta la historia también de Molly, su recuperación y su eterna búsqueda del hijo perdido.
Además de esto el libro también hace mención del racismo en varias facetas: en Inglaterra contra las personas negras y en Australia contra los aborígenes, abordando brevemente en este caso el horrible proyecto llevado a cabo a mediados del siglo XX de intentar extinguir la raza aborigen alejando los niños de sus familias y obligándoles a ser criados de los blancos, dando lugar a la Generación Perdida.
Los hechos narrados son muy duros, pero no me ha llegado a gustar del todo como lo narra la autora. Lo ha contado a saltos de escenas, alternando la vida de Jack y la de Molly. Me da que ha querido abarcar demasiado, por lo que la historia a mi gusto perdía ritmo cada vez que daba ese salto. Habría resultado una lectura más fluida si se hubiera centrado sólo en la historia de Jack. Por lo que le doy un tres sobre cinco para valorar el que de a conocer esa parte desconocida de la historia, si no se quedaría en un dos.
El libro está basado en un terrible hecho real: la emigración forzosa de miles de niños británicos blancos huérfanos o arrebatados mediante engaños a sus padres para reforzar la población blanca de Australia. Según la explicación final de la autora y algún artículo que he leído por internet, más de 150.000 niños (un gran porcentaje durante la II Guerra Mundial) fueron llevados de esta forma a Australia durante el siglo XIX y XX, hasta los años 60/70 (antes fueron presidiarios los que llevaban a poblar dicho país). Si esto ya es duro, cuando llegan allí no son adoptados ni acogidos por familias sino que son colocados en distintos internados, colegios o centros donde son tratados como mano de obra esclava y en algunos casos abusados sexualmente. Solo fue ya en el siglo XXI cuando los ministros australiano y británico pidieron públicamente perdón a los niños por lo que les hicieron, aunque de poco les sirva a los ya fallecidos.
Basándose en esta horrible realidad, la autora narra la historia de Jack Malloy y su madre, Molly, que durante un bombardeo en Londres son separados accidentalmente. Molly pierde la memoria, y Jack declarado erróneamente huérfano es llevado a un orfanato desde donde emigra bajo engaños a Australia. Desde ese momento cuenta su historia de lucha y superación. Paralelamente cuenta la historia también de Molly, su recuperación y su eterna búsqueda del hijo perdido.
Además de esto el libro también hace mención del racismo en varias facetas: en Inglaterra contra las personas negras y en Australia contra los aborígenes, abordando brevemente en este caso el horrible proyecto llevado a cabo a mediados del siglo XX de intentar extinguir la raza aborigen alejando los niños de sus familias y obligándoles a ser criados de los blancos, dando lugar a la Generación Perdida.
Los hechos narrados son muy duros, pero no me ha llegado a gustar del todo como lo narra la autora. Lo ha contado a saltos de escenas, alternando la vida de Jack y la de Molly. Me da que ha querido abarcar demasiado, por lo que la historia a mi gusto perdía ritmo cada vez que daba ese salto. Habría resultado una lectura más fluida si se hubiera centrado sólo en la historia de Jack. Por lo que le doy un tres sobre cinco para valorar el que de a conocer esa parte desconocida de la historia, si no se quedaría en un dos.
May 27, 2019
There are many excellent, heartbreaking WWII stories involving lost children that it takes a unique story to break through and be worth truly getting behind. This is that book. Based on true events, we meet Jack, who is told that his mother died when a bomb destroys their London home. His mother Molly survives but initially has no memory of her son as she recuperates. With hopes of riding horses and playing with friends until he is reunited with his mother, who he doesn’t believe is dead, Jack is transported to Australia with other displaced children to a life far from what is promised. Molly also never stops searching for what she has lost. What a powerful story. All the more impressive as this is a debut novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy of this engaging book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy of this engaging book in exchange for an honest review.
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