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!
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