Book Review: The Ragged Orphan by Lindsey Hutchinson

I am pleased to be welcoming Lindsey Hutchinson to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her novel, The Ragged Orphan

When 12 year-old Jared Johnson’s little sister dies, just hours after his mother breathes her last after wasting away so her children could eat, he knows he is on own.

Desperate to avoid the workhouse, he does everything he can to survive the inhospitable streets of Birmingham. Jared is blessed with the gift of the gab and soon attracts the attention of the King of the Tatters, Toby McGuire. Recognising a kindred spirit, Toby soon has Jared out on a cart hustling for rags.

Jared loves driving his horse Bess, shouting ‘any old rags’ as loud as he can, and it’s not long before he’s thriving. But being successful can bring you enemies as well as friends. Toby knows that Jared is destined for bigger things – provided his big mouth doesn’t get him hurt first…

*****

When Jared loses his mother and sister, he is alone and has nowhere to go. However, Jared soon finds his will to survive and it puts him in the path of some unexpected people.

From page one, I became as protective of a fictional character than it’s possible to be. I wanted to know he was going to be ok. So much happens to him but he shows strength and resourcefulness and a head for business that is beyond his age.

Maguire is an interesting character and he added a lot to the story as he wasn’t what I imagined him to be. As other characters began to be introduced, I liked getting to know everyone. Seth, oh Seth.

The story developed well and was a good pace. I fell into the story really easily and read this in pretty much one sitting. There’s something about historical sagas that just catch my interest and this book was no exception.

There were some heartwarming yet life affirming moments. Scenes where I wanted to cry and others where I wanted to shout at the characters. I am hoping this is not the last we see of these characters. I feel that their story is not done yet.

This is a story that tells us to hold on and keep faith, that first impressions are not always correct and that you can find friends in unexpected places and circumstances. Everyone has a story.

If you’re looking for a new genre or love historical fiction, this is a lovely book to cosy up with whilst the weather decides what it’s doing or if you just want to escape with a good book for a while.

About Lindsey Hutchinson – 

Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson.

Say hello to Lindsey via Facebook, Twitter and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to Lindsey’s newsletter. 

The Ragged Orphan was released by Boldwood Books on 24th February 2023. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.