Welcome to Litsy!

Reading about these institutions always makes me so sad and angry. I had to reread the ending…didn‘t even realize what was happening as I read it! Overall, a good read, but obviously not an enjoyable subject matter.

I hate to keep giving books a “meh” review, but I found the plot of this novel derivative, and quite frankly not very well written. The protagonist, Mary Engle, has just taken a secretarial job with the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age, which applies horrible eugenic principles, virtually imprisoning the women, many of whom have no impairments. An interesting topic, I just wish it had been handled better.

Mary has found a coveted job working as a secretary at the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age. It‘s 1927 and some of the women aren‘t feebleminded at all - their husbands have put them in an asylum. Mary has to decide whether she will help these women or keep her job.

“Better a coward for a minute than dead for the rest of your life.” Chapter 27, page 304

So I figured out that what Littens really want to see are my animals so I‘ll keep on posting pics of them! This book was a bit didactic but definitely a page turner. Held my attention throughout with plenty of twists along the way. Others have mentioned the many social issues raised in the story. I especially appreciated the fact that nearly all the MCs, heroes & villains alike, are women. Action-packed! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This historical fiction set in a women‘s mental institution is positively horrifying but completely gripping as it tackles important subjects like eugenics, racism, anti-Semitism, and women‘s bodily autonomy. Full review at http://booknaround.blogspot.com/2022/12/review-foundling-by-ann-leary.html?m=0

This was a good book but totally disturbing based on the fact the authors grandmother worked at a similar institution. Please mind the author notes at the beginning of the book. It‘s a wee bit slow to start but worth reading.

I quite enjoyed this bit of historical fiction despite the fact that it dealt with eugenic asylums. The author was inspired to write this after discovering her grandmother worked in one. Sadly it doesn‘t seem as if attitudes have changed much since the 1920s. 😞

I like this well enough so far but it is taking a rather long time to get to what‘s mentioned on the cover and that makes me a little nuts.

Set in Pennsylvania in the 1920s, this novel is told in the voice of Mary Engel, who lands a coveted position at an institution for young women who are thought to be a danger to themselves and others. But, are they? Leary writes a novel based on historical knowledge of these types of institutions and the eugenics movement. Be warned - parts are unsettling, but I was enthralled with the story. #192025 #2022 #Xander #Zeke #CatsOfLitsy

Just learned about this book on the NPR podcast Book of the Day. Adding to TBR pile.

4¼⭐
Historical is not my go-to genre…so it has to really work hard at holding my interest. With that being said this struggled to do that for at least the first half. Once the story took off though it was very intriguing and yet appalling to think that this sort of heinous activity went on in the past. A lesson in how history got it wrong and how having power over another can turn into something corrupt for some.

I had a NetGalley of this book, but as is too often the case, ended up waiting for audio to read it. This time, I probably should have read the galley because the narration is… not great.

Very interesting premise, based on real, horrible eugenics practices in the 20th century. The subject has clearly been well researched by the author, but the main character she employs to tell the story is insufferable for 95% of the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Inspired by a true story this book sheds light on the practice of locking women up during child bearing years if they were 'feeble-minded' so that they could not bear children. While some readers have found the character of Mary (18) to be selfish, I read her as naïve and easily impressed by money etc. given her background as an orphan. She matures throughout the story and like the best of historical fiction, I was also educated reading it. 4/5!

The Foundling does seem to be a well-researched exploration of some disgusting practices and beliefs. If you can get past Mary‘s horridness, you‘re sure to benefit from its accuracy.

My full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4344903445