Wounded Hearts: Memories of the Halifax Protestant Orphans' Home

by Lois Legge

Between 1857 and 1970, thousands of children came to live at the Halifax Protestant Orphan’s Home. Some were children whose parents simply didn’t have the means to care for them any longer; others were orphans who had nowhere else to go. Many faced abuse, poverty, and neglect before, during, and after their time in the facility. All were vulnerable young wards, left in the trusted care of an institution that, in countless cases, would ultimately betray them.

In Wounded Hearts: Memories of the Halifax Protestant Orphans’ Home veteran journalist Lois Legge digs deep into the lived experiences of the children who passed through those doors, painting an indelible picture of innocence lost. This in-depth narrative introduces readers to the strength and sorrow of the home’s survivors, in advance of the fiftieth anniversary of Veith House (2020), an inclusive community centre and the former site of the orphanage. Features 30 black and white photos.

248 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2019

Reviews

[Cindy Wiedemer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really was expecting more from this book While the history was efficient and quick, the details and memories from survivors really was summed up and glossed over. It felt flat, lacking emotion and like the author was attempting to fill in enough words to make a book while often not saying much at all. Perhaps the survivors didn't provide specific details or perhaps the author felt specifics wasn't needed at all times. I found this book to be a lost opportunity. As many of the orphanage survivors would have similar stories, they were repetitive and often lacked emotion. I didn't enjoy the method of this book, but I am glad this story, this history is being brought to light.