Brought Home   By: Hesba Stretton (1832-1911)

Brought Home by Hesba Stretton is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking novel that delves into the deep complexities of family, love, and redemption. Set in the mid-19th century, the narrative takes readers on a compelling journey through the hardships faced by the underprivileged in London's impoverished streets.

The book revolves around the intertwined lives of the White family, who find themselves battling poverty and despair. Led by a single mother, Mary White, the family's struggles intensify as she fights to provide for her three young children. Stretton skillfully portrays the cruel realities of the time, as the Whites face hunger, illness, and the constant threat of homelessness.

However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges when the family encounters a compassionate young doctor named Doctor Harold. The doctor's benevolent nature and dedication to helping others inject a ray of optimism into the narrative. He becomes a guiding light for the Whites, offering them much-needed assistance and ultimately revealing to them the power of love, compassion, and forgiveness.

The character development in Brought Home is masterfully executed, leaving readers with a strong emotional connection to each member of the White family. Mary's unwavering determination and selflessness drive the plot forward, while the innocence and resilience of her children stir both empathy and admiration.

Stretton's storytelling is deeply moving, capturing the essence of the time period and highlighting the stark divisions between the privileged and the marginalized. Her vivid descriptions beautifully depict the squalid slums and the stark contrast of affluent neighborhoods, creating a stark backdrop that further emphasizes the characters' struggles and challenges.

Despite being set in a specific historical era, this novel remains highly relevant to contemporary society. It sheds light on pressing social issues, such as poverty and inequality, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing these problems.

Brought Home is a captivating read that will leave a lasting impact on readers. Through the characters' journey from destitution to hope, Hesba Stretton explores the resilience of the human spirit while challenging us to reflect on our own roles in making society a better place. This thought-provoking novel beautifully combines elements of social commentary with a heartfelt story of love, redemption, and the power of compassion.

First Page:

So quiet is the small market town of Upton, that it is difficult to believe in the stir and din of London, which is little more than an hour's journey from it. It is the terminus of the single line of rails branching off from the main line eight miles away, and along it three trains only travel each way daily. The sleepy streets have old fashioned houses straggling along each side, with trees growing amongst them; and here and there, down the roads leading into the the country, which are half street, half lane, green plots of daisied grass are still to be found, where there were once open fields that have left a little legacy to the birds and children of coming generations... Continue reading book >>