The Bereaved: A Novel
Literary Historical Fiction
by Julia Park Tracey
Based on her research into her grandfather’s past as an adopted child, Julia Park Tracey has created a mesmerizing work of historical fiction illuminating the darkest side of the Orphan Train.
In 1859, women have few rights, even to their own children. When her husband dies and her children become wards of a predator, Martha – bereaved and scared – flees their beloved country home taking the children with her to the squalor of New York City. But as a naïve woman alone, preyed on by male employers, she soon finds herself nearly destitute. The Home for the Friendless offers free food, clothing, and schooling to New York’s street kids and Martha secures a place temporarily for her children there. When she returns for them, she discovers that the Society has indentured her two eldest out to work via the Orphan Train, and has placed her two youngest for adoption. The Society refusing to help and with the Civil War erupting around her, Martha sets out to reclaim each of them.
REVIEW
5 out of 5
Take a step back in time, with an emotional look into history through a fictional lens, although based on events that happened. Death can take so much from a family, and in the 19th century, there was so much more to lose, especially if the man of the house passed away. The author clearly did a lot of research, and does a great job bringing the setting and tough circumstances to life. Your heart will absolutely break for Martha and her children as you read this. (I found myself tearing up a few times). If you enjoy books that will tug at your heart strings, you’ll want to grab this.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I can’t wait for you to read The Bereaved: Historical fiction from Sibylline Press (8/8/23) — A grieving widow places her children with a relief agency, then finds that they have been sent out on the Orphan Train across three states; against the backdrop of the Civil War, she must find them and get them back.
Background Check: I’m an award-winning writer, blogger, journalist and poet. I’m an award-winning career journalist. I was Poet Laureate of Alameda (2014-2017). I’ve been a newspaper+magazine editor and a freelance writer for 30 years.