Ann Leary's The Foundling offers a captivating historical narrative with well-drawn characters and rich period detail. Reviewers commend its exploration of social issues and emotional resonance. However, some critics note a few predictable plot twists and perceived pacing issues. Overall, it remains an engaging and heartfelt read.

Leary, Ann. The Foundling. 2022.

Fans of historical fiction set in the 1920s with a focus on women's emancipation will enjoy Ann Leary's The Foundling. Similar in tone to Lisa Wingate's Before We Were Yours and Kate Alcott's The Dressmaker, this novel appeals to readers who appreciate intricate character development and rich historical settings.

In The Foundling, Ann Leary's protagonist, Mary, an orphan with a traumatic past, is hired as a secretary at Nettleton State Village, a Pennsylvania institution for "feebleminded" women in the late 1920s. Adjusting to her new role, she uncovers dark truths about the institution and becomes entangled in efforts to expose and rectify systemic abuses, ultimately finding solidarity and redemption. The novel discusses eugenics, forced institutionalization, racism, and child sexual abuse.

Mysterious / Gritty / Contemplative / Emotional / Unnerving

Ann Leary

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Foundling reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Foundling | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Foundling and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Foundling Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Foundling Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 The Foundling Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 The Foundling Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 The Foundling Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 The Foundling Part 4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Foundling Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Foundling Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Foundling Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Foundling Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Foundling Essay Topics

The Foundling

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Foundling?

Reading Age

Book Details