It's 1909 and orphanages have yet to benefit by the 'progressive movement' credited to Teddy Roosevelt. Plain, trouble-making, 11-year-old Maud lives in an orphanage of that era - tasteless lumpy food, ill-fitting clothes, unfair punishments, but far worse - no love or warmth or even kindness. Maud imagines spending the rest of her time there - for as the head mistress constantly reminds her 'no one would ever want to adopt such a homely, unruly and ungrateful child as she.' So when the genteel Hawthorne sisters come and want Maud, and only Maud, the head mistress is amazed and Maud is delighted. She knows it is the happiest day of her life and the start of a wonderful future. Beautiful dresses and books without pages missing are purchased for her, and she finally knows what it is to have a full stomach. The 'love' part may be a little harder to earn. Hyacinth Hawthorne seems to realize she can make Maud do anything for the sake of being loved. When Maud finds out 'the family business' - seances - and conning grieving families out of their money is part of their plan, she knows she must face a horrible choice.
Date read: 4/28/2009
ISBN-10: 0763638129
ISBN-13: 9780763638122