Stories within our History

As time passes, more and more of our Canadian story is coming to light. A significant part of our nation’s story encompasses the unique yet not so uncommon stories of individuals.  The historical account of British Home Children is one such little known part of Canada’s history.

You may ask, “Who are the British Home Children?” The Government of Canada’s website answers the preceding  question in the following manner. “Between 1869 and 1939, over 100,000 children were sent from Britain to Canada through assisted juvenile emigration. These migrants are called “home children” because most went from an emigration agency's home for children in Britain to its Canadian receiving home. The children were mostly placed with families in rural Canada.”

Children of all ages, both boys and girls were sent across Canada from England to spend their early life respectively as farm workers and domestics. Although Canadians believed them to be orphans only two percent actually were parentless. Because there was no social system to help parents or sole parents who had fallen on hard times through difficult circumstances these youngsters were often surrendered into the care of organizations. Dr. Barnardo’s Homes was one of the largest of these organization.

Inspired by true events, The Forgotten Home Child is a moving and heartbreaking novel about place, belonging, and family—the one we make for ourselves and its enduring power to draw us home.

Some of these children were blessed to ended up in loving families. Unfortunately, this was often not the fate they experienced.

I learned more about this aspect of Canadian history and the experiences of these children through reading The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham.  An inspired story based on a composite of true events touching the heart and highlighting the phenomenon of finding one’s family identity beyond blood ties.

An enlightening read that I would very much recommend.

- Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Be a Book Nut!

“Be awesome! Be a book nut!” — Dr. Seuss

As an avid bookworm, I once again find myself engaged in beginning a new series of novels set in England during the World War II period.

I just finished reading A Peculiar Combination on my Kindle while taking a few days to visit my friends in Cincinnati. A Peculiar Combination begins Ashley Weaver’s Electra McDonnell four book series, with number four, Locked in Pursuit, yet to be released until May 2024. It follows up on A Peculiar Combination (2021), the Key to Deceit (2022) and Playing it Safe (2023).

In A Peculiar Combination, Ashley introduces us to Electra and her Uncle Nick. Not wanting to be a spoiler, I’ll just say Electra and her Uncle Nick find themselves working with the initially hard to read Major Ramsey to avoid facing imprisonment. Employed by the British government Electra and Uncle Nick find themselves eager to do their bit for king and country. Thus begins their close calls and the novels twist and turns.

You might want to check out your local library’s catalogue. I found A Peculiar Combination is available at the London Public Library.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Worth Losing Sleep Over

I just finished reading “The Circus Train “ by Canadian novelist, Amita Parikh. Her debut novel earned her instant recognition as Toronto Star’s pick as best historical fiction of 2022. “The Circus Train” is a captivating read that kept me up until midnight intent on finishing the last seventy-eight pages.

Not wanting to be a spoiler, I offer the following general comments hoping to spark your reading curiosity. “The Circus Train” introduces us to the daily workings of the travelling circus, World of Wonders, and the daily life of a circus troupe travelling through Europe in the 1930s and 40s on a specially converted steam train. As a sideline, the tale reveals polio therapy in its infancy.

The plot revolves around three main characters, Lena, Theo, and Alexandre. Lena Papadopoulos, the central character, is a young polio survivor. Theo, a renowned illusionist in the circus is the overprotective father of Lena. Alexandre is a young orphan runaway. Alexandre’s Jewish identity within the circus milieu is protected. With Theo’s encouragement, Alexandre becomes Lena’s best friend and supporter.

The story skillfully intertwines the threads of circus life, father-daughter relationships, war time dilemmas, bonds of friendship, secrets, and true forgiveness born of understanding.

I present to you a delightful reading experience!

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Sourcing a Good Read

One of my friends, who jokingly has labelled me a reading addict, passed me a link to join the U of T Alumni Virtual Book Club. Knowing her advice to be sound, I clicked on the link she provided to check it out.

I learned how it works on the website. It is a private forum powered by PBC Guru where registered participants vote on which of two recommended books the group will read and discuss over the upcoming several months.

To get started you sign up by creating an account by filling in a few fields such as name, email, a password, and graduation year/ affiliation. When I saw graduation year, I thought I had hit a snag, but fortunately the choice of affiliation was the loophole I needed to find. I was given several options such as faculty, staff, current student, or friend of the university. I didn’t see any reason why I couldn’t be a friend of the university!  I clicked the box beside the line, friend of the university, to complete my sign up. Almost immediately I received an email in response. I now was a member of the virtual Book Club!

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Though I must admit I haven’t taken part in the online virtual chat feature yet, I have read three very good books. I also have had the opportunity to better understand the personal backdrop for the Violin Conspiracy, by listening to a talk by its author, Brendan Solcumb. Author talks are regularly offered to registered members with the option to join live or to access the link for the recording of it at your leisure.

You might want to pursue U of T virtual Book Club yourself. Don’t let summer days pass by without enjoying a few good summer reads.

https://alumni.utoronto.ca/events-and-programs/upcoming-events)

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Header Image: Unsplash/Tom Hermans

With a book in hand...

"Said the river:  imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going...."

This quote by the poet Mary Oliver bookends this story which takes place in England during the years 1939 to 1962.  The central date is March 1960.

In 1939 a mum sends her two daughters to the country for protection from the anticipated German bombers. The elder, Hazel (14) often cares for Flora (5). She weaves elaborate stories about an imaginary world that only the two share. One day Flora falls asleep on a blanket by the river; Hazel goes to a nearby tree to visit a friend.  When she returns, Flora is gone.  Despite a massive search, Flora is never found.  For Hazel, how long can she hope?  Now comes March, 1960...

An intriguing story with many unexpected twists and a satisfying ending. 

- Jackie Potters, csj Associate

Header Image: Unsplash/Dan Dumitriu