Among the Fallen by Virginia Frances Schwartz
Published by Holiday House on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 0823441024
Pages: 304
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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Orpha, sixteen years old, lives in Victorian England. She ends up in Tothill Prison in unspeakable conditions for a crime she didn’t commit involving the death of an infant. Eventually, she is offered an opportunity to move to Urania Cottage, an experimental home for girls. Urania Cottage actually did exist from 1847-1862. Charles Dickens visited Urania Cottage on a regular basis. Orpha is fictional, although the author used actual names of girls who lived at Urania Cottage. The chapters alternate between Orpha’s voice and Dicken’s notes. The descriptions of the poverty, abuse, and squalid conditions are vivid. This historical fiction novel is a powerful story of the lower classes in Victorian England. There is an extensive author’s note and a glossary of Victorian slang. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish