Corruption, Compassion, and Hope

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Good House, the story of two friends, raised in the same orphanage, whose loyalty is put to the ultimate test when they meet years later at a controversial institution—one as an employee; the other, an inmate.

It’s 1927 and eighteen-year-old Mary Engle is hired to work as a secretary at a remote but scenic institution for mentally disabled women called the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age. She’s immediately in awe of her employer—brilliant, genteel Dr. Agnes Vogel.

Dr. Vogel had been the only woman in her class in medical school. As a young psychiatrist she was an outspoken crusader for women’s suffrage. Now, at age forty, Dr. Vogel runs one of the largest and most self-sufficient public asylums for women in the country. Mary deeply admires how dedicated the doctor is to the poor and vulnerable women under her care.

Soon after she’s hired, Mary learns that a girl from her childhood orphanage is one of the inmates. Mary remembers Lillian as a beautiful free spirit with a sometimes-tempestuous side. Could she be mentally disabled? When Lillian begs Mary to help her escape, alleging the asylum is not what it seems, Mary is faced with a terrible choice. Should she trust her troubled friend with whom she shares a dark childhood secret? Mary’s decision triggers a hair-raising sequence of events with life-altering consequences for all.

Inspired by a true story about the author’s grandmother, The Foundling offers a rare look at a shocking chapter of American history. This gripping page-turner will have readers on the edge of their seats right up to the stunning last page…asking themselves, “Did this really happen here?”

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribner/Marysue Rucci Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2022
Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
Genre : Historical Fiction

Though things seem a long way from perfect in today’s world, it only takes a book like The Foundling to realize where we were not that long ago. It was a time of . . . well, it was completely unbelievable.

Though much of this story is fictional, it is based on actual asylums where women were sent if they were considered morally unfit, at that time called “morally feebleminded.” In the book, the fictional institution is Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Child Bearing Age.

Women were directed to this type of asylum for various sins, real or imagined, such as adultery, having a child out of wedlock, or not being deemed of sound mind and thus not fit to have a child. While at these places of residence, just about anything might take place, as this story indicates.

It is eye-opening and the writing flows as the story unfolds.

My Concerns

I felt a little like the story was woven around details and facts if that makes sense. And maybe it was more about the fact that the book didn’t catch my interest the way I’d hoped it would, so I was searching for a reason as to why? So take my concerns very lightly.

Final Thoughts

If you are a fan of Historical Fiction, don’t overlook this touching story. You will learn lots from the telling and I would guess that much of it will be eye-opening.

It’s a yes, from me. Definitely read it.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and to have the freedom to post my thoughts.

What’s Being Said About The Foundling

“Leary’s latest is a stunning tale of corruption, compassion, and hope, and includes one of the best endings I’ve read in ages. She’s reached back in history and uncovered a shockingly true story, one that resonates strongly today. Full of jaw-dropping twists and intriguing characters – you won’t be able to put it down.”

— Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace

“Ann Leary’s THE FOUNDLING is a compelling, shocking record of a too-hidden piece of history – when eugenics was commonly applauded as progressive social science…. A stunning reminder that not much time has passed since everyone claimed to know what was best for a woman – everyone except the woman herself.”

-Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

About the Author

Ann Leary is the New York Times bestselling author of a memoir and four novels including The Good House. Her work has been translated into eighteen languages, and she has written for The New York Times, Ploughshares, NPR, Redbook, and Real Simple, among other publications. Her essay, “Rallying to Keep the Game Alive,” was adapted for Prime Video’s television series, Modern Love. She lives with her husband in New York. Visit her online at AnnLeary.com.

If you purchase through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission. This helps support Pick a Good Book and allows us to continue bringing you great content.