The Soldier and The Orphan

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!

Editor Weekly (US)

The Soldier and The Orphan is a lovable, sweet story outlining the separation and reconciliation of two brothers (twins) separated at birth. It explores different timelines relevant to the three main characters (Billy, Tommy and Mary), the brothers and their mother respectively. We follow each of their lives in emotional detail, from the war, to being an orphan, to being a mother out of wedlock at a time when such a thing was not acceptable.

Henry has done a tremendous job of juxtaposing different bursts of time (in years, at times) as well as entirely different periods into a cohesive narrative. It is evident that a great deal of careful editing would have been necessary to pace it in a manner that would not keep the audience waiting, but at the same time, flesh out the feeling of the different settings, from France during the war, to Canada, and England in the early part of the previous century.

The underlying plot takes time to reveal itself, but this is well balanced with a quick moving narrative that does not lag in between scenes or events. Nevertheless, one must love the setting and characters as much as the author evidently does in order to fully appreciate and enjoy the novel. And in doing so, climactic moments of victory, such as when the brothers finally do meet, are joyously experienced just as the author would have likely intended.

FriesenPress Editor

The biggest strength of your novel is your writing ability. I was very impressed the way you created the story and weaved all of the parts together by linking them thematically and through the family connections. Your use of dialogue is really fantastic. There are many wonderful moments of narrative writing and I wanted to highlight one of my favourites.
…A little grin appeared on Billy’s cheeks when he saw the cheese sandwich, the large, floured bun, and the glass of milk. His mouth watered, and his stomach rumbled. He sat up in bed a little straighter, took a big bite of the sandwich and closed his eyes. He chewed it slowly, savouring every morsel. His grin spread across his face from ear to ear, like the rays of the early morning sun spreading across the fields to greet the day. He was famished…
It may seem like a small and insignificant moment, but the way you describe his smile as a rising sun eating a simple sandwich is so very lovely. I can picture it clearly in my mind and that is exactly how I want writing to make me feel. I appreciated the time you took to craft great sentences and paragraphs such as this one.

Dr. Anthony Heyes

Conflict seems to have been built into life on earth since it began. From the microbial and viral level to the ghastly, mechanized slaughter of warfare struggle seems to characterize our very existence. At various times we can all feel conspired against by forces beyond our control. Such a one is the subject of Alastair Henry’s book, The Soldier and the Orphan.

In twentieth-century England, many working-class people were victims of values and circumstances not of their own making. They were people to whom things were done, not for. Billy and Tommy Jones were such a people. They were born out of wedlock at a time when such a thing was regarded as a disgrace. Neither boy knows they have a brother. They embark on quests to find their family and in doing so, suffer consequences of circumstances beyond their control which they must confront and resolve.
These are the bare bones of the story, but the merits of the book lie in what Henry James would call the ‘treatment’ of the plot. The author has written this book from within, knowing intimately the nature of the society of which he writes. Billy and Tommy move from being victims to becoming their own persons. As they grow in knowledge and confidence, they take control of their destiny and arrive at peace. The author examines his growing awareness and places it in the context of a world in which kindness is all too often a rare commodity. The merit of the book lies in its truth, and its account of lives well-lived which, as the Jewish proverb says, is the best revenge. It can be highly recommended as a rich and heartfelt account of the complexity of life as experienced by one dispossessed family

Pearl Lee (Canada)

The Soldier and the Orphan is a compellingly told story of twin boys separated at birth. While Billy grows up to suffer the trauma of war, Tommy struggles to leave behind his life as an indentured laborer in the British Home Children program. Readers who have grown up during or closely following the Second World War will no doubt shudder at the enormous influence both church and state could wield in the day-to-day lives of ordinary citizens. Those who enjoy a good read will avidly follow the adventures of the two brothers while those interested in Canadian history will find much to ponder about.

Brenda Martin (Canada)

The Soldier and the Orphan takes us on the journey of twin boys who, thanks to the stringent morals of the day, were separated at birth. We travel with them as they navigate life, facing obstacles and misfortunes, in search of purpose… and more. It’s a treat to find a story that can at once reach back to a time known for extreme hardship yet leave us feeling full of hope. The author is not touting a ‘stiff upper lip’, or a ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude, not at all. With this tale, Mr. Henry, in his eloquent and understated way, encourages us to learn, listen and be mindful of ourselves and others. Reading between the lines, there is a whispered, almost subliminal message, “Never give up.” There are dark moments, particularly when the author shines a light on the painful and tragic truths of the horrible treatment of the Home Children; yet another abysmal example of abuse to our society’s most vulnerable. The only way for us to prevent these horrors from recurring is to face them head on. And in this book, we do. But that is just one small corner of a very large story that spans decades and crosses oceans. As we travel here and there, we are given glimpses of pre- and post-World War II England, the Channel Islands and Quebec; the changing settings almost become characters themselves. Mr. Henry has written this book in an easy, approachable style, that makes it a quick read for the ‘hungry’ voracious reader, but one that will also appeal to the casual reader who wants to enjoy small bites at their own pace. Regardless of what type of reader you are, if you’re in need of an armchair journey, The Soldier and the Orphan is just the ticket.

Andrew Smith (UK)

This novel contains many strands of truth, accurately giving a flavour of life for unfortunate yet resilient children of the inter -war generation and more than a hint of the horrors of war both for those who fought and those who suffered occupation by enemy forces. Nevertheless, it retains an optimism and now senses the strength of character within the main protagonists. As a Channel Islander myself, I could recognise situations and sympathise with characters. Well worth a read.

Jane

I loved learning the history in this book. It felt like time travel. I went to Google and looked up more about the British Home Children, so I really learned something. I think the story has lots of anticipation as the secrets came out. I thought there were good life lessons to be put into my own life that I learned from Billy and Tommy. Billy’s outlook to strive to be better even if life is trying to keep you down and Tommy’s attitude to life. I will strive to be as carefree as him in my life.