The Foundling by Ann Leary will not be available until May 2022, but I was lucky enough to get an advance copy from the wonderful Netgalley. First, a quick synopsis.
Back in the 20's a hospital or "home" called the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age exists for women who have been deemed "feebleminded" for whatever reason. Some do need help, but some are classified this way for other reasons that seemed to be "the norm" back then. I won't go into the whole thing, because that's part of the journey with the story. However, suffice to say, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania thought it was doing society a favor by keeping this women from reproducing other humans that would cause havoc later. Hence, they kept them locked away during those childbearing years.
The story really involves Mary who gets a job with the head of the institution, Dr. Vogel. Mary finally feels, after a life of being in an orphanage and then with some unloving relatives, that she has finally made it and on her way to becoming someone important. However, after working for awhile for Dr. Vogel, she recognizes someone from her time in the orphanage and has no idea why she would be in any facility with "feebleminded" in the title. What follows is an investigation into why this girl would be here and what can be done about her circumstances. Can Mary help her? Will Mary's perceptions of the institution, its work and Dr. Vogel shift? What about Mary's future?
My two cents: I really loved this story. I have said before and I'll say it again, I LOVE stories that make me look more into a topic, place or issue. This was based on the author's grandmother's experience in a real institution that really did exist for this reason. It's hard to imagine this now, but it's important to know these things happened. From what happened to Mary to the other girls in the story to imagining that this kind of place really ran and operated for a long time kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I really think this is something that should be known and while it's educational, it was also a wonderful story where I felt very invested in the characters. Pick it up when it comes out May 2022. You won't be disappointed.
