Bibliograph

The secret life of Dorothy Soames, a memoir, Justine Cowan

Type

Label

The secret life of Dorothy Soames, a memoir, Justine Cowan

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 299-304)

resource.biographical

autobiography

Illustrations

illustrationsplates

Index

no index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The secret life of Dorothy Soames

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

1228823883

Responsibility statement

Justine Cowan

Sub title

a memoir

Summary

Documents the author's investigation into her late mother's tragic experiences as an illegitimate orphan who endured an early life of discrimination, physical abuse and harsh labor serving England's ruling class at London's infamous Foundling HospitalCowan had always been told that her mother came from royal blood. After her mother's death, she opened an envelope filled with secrets of her mother's past-- secrets that led into the dark corridors of the Hospital for the Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children. Dorothy Soames' experiences there-- years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of a sadistic headmistress-- created a resilient child who dreamed of escape. Here Cowan makes a startling discovery that her family's fate had been sealed centuries before. -- adapted from jacket

Table Of Contents

Dorothy Soames -- Ghosts -- Secrets -- Scrutiny -- Bastards -- Running -- Admission day -- Hope -- Fear -- Longing -- Healing -- War and isolation -- Sustenance -- Escape -- Mothers -- Belonging -- Reunions and reckonings -- Love

Target audience

adult

Classification

Creator