By 1948 Clara Newton, like so many others in England, had already lost so much.  Her mother was dead, she was estranged from her father, her fiancé died during the war and she was fired from the job she loved.  Perhaps on a whim, she applied for the position of housemother at Shilling Grange Orphanage. She thought the interview might be good practice. Shockingly she was hired.  After all, she knew nothing about caring for children.  In fact, her only experience with children was that she had been a child once.  With no other options, she accepted the position.  Sadly, she realized quickly she was in over her head.

THE ORPHANAGE, by Lizzie Page, candidly brings forth what life in the  Shilling Grange Orphanage had been like.  A place that had been run by nuns who ruled with an iron hand and now the children expected more of the same from Clara.  The children's histories were heartbreaking.  With very little government funding and almost no cooking skills, Clara quit.  Perhaps fate played a role here, but when she found herself without immediate transportation back to London her departure was delayed.  Slowly, things began to change and Clara wasn't going anywhere.  And this is the heart of the story.

The author skillfully brings to life the eight orphans in Clara's care.  Expertly developed, their personalities and their very essence grab readers' hearts.  While readers are not spared the details of their often tragic histories, we are gifted with the traits that make them unique and special. However, it is Clara who is a truly unique character and it is fascinating to watch her evolve into the person she never dreamed she might become.

THE ORPHANGE is a gripping and emotional story with a heavy emphasis on the strengths of family bonds, especially when the family is one that the members aren't born into.  Powerful and meaningful, this book is well worth reading.  I am looking forward to the next book about the Shilling Grange Orphanage.