Alastair Henry

The Solider and The Orphan

Reviewed by OnlineBookClub

Alastair Henry’s The Soldier and the Orphan: Separated by Church and War is an intriguing story of two brothers, who suffer the dire consequences of fanaticism and the aftermath of a war they know nothing about. While William Jones enjoys motherly love and care, Thomas Jones is transferred from one orphanage to another, before being shipped to Canada as a Home Child. The church and the governing system don’t help. They help sever the tiny cord that holds Billy and Tommy together, thus pushing them further apart. The brothers are not aware of each other until thirty-two years later.

This beautiful story is open to those who like intriguing stories, but it’s particularly for ardent lovers of historical novels with war and romance undertones. It hits on love, religious fanaticism, war, intrigues, and human nature. The story begins from the middle (pre-climax of events) back to the beginning (apt exposition), where it all started, and finally to the tale’s end (outcome), where conflicts are resolved. It was a suitable ending that matched the order of events.

I particularly admired the character of Tommy, the Home Child, and his hilarious Quebecois accent that cracked up little Louise, Patricia, Frank Therin, and Albert Mathers. His ability to adapt easily to circumstances is stunning. I would love to know if Charlie ever got to have a family, as Tommy did. I’m describing this book this way because I want the reader to know how blissful it was reading through it. I would love to see this story play out in motion pictures someday. It’s a masterpiece!

Budget Backpacking for Boomers

Independent Reader

Most backpackers seem to be youthful, but sometimes it’s youthful by attitude. Retirees Alastair and Candas spend four months at a time traveling through Central America and South East Asia. I was worried that this was just going to be “stay here/pay $X”, but this is so much more. I loved reading about their adventures on the road, their positive attitude to the situations they found themselves in, and their interactions with the people they met. Definitely a useful read if you’re thinking of going on your travels, but also an enjoyable read if you’re just an armchair traveler like me.

Go For It

Independent Reader

What a wonderful read! A great mix of insight into humanity and funny anecdotes. This book has inspired me to take the ‘road less traveled. It has also made me absolutely excited for retirement and the adventures those years will bring.

Awakening in the Northwest Territories

Independent Reader

Too often biographies make depressing reading. The young firebrand becomes the old reactionary and the brightest young thing dims into the dullest of embers. It is refreshing, therefore, to read a life that does not follow this dispiriting trajectory. Writing with great frankness and understanding, the author puts no gloss on anything and is painfully honest about his origins and mistakes. The memoir is a fascinating read that carries the reader along, wanting to know what happens next: the interest never flags.