Author Julia Park Tracey Releases New Historical Novel About the Orphan Train and the Mothers Left Behind
Sibylline Press has announced the publication of "The Bereaved: A Novel" by Julia Park Tracey. Released last month in paperback and ebook formats, the book is available wherever books are sold, including indie bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target and Walmart.
The book is a mesmerizing work of historical fiction illuminating the darkest side of the Orphan Train.
Tracey based the book on her own research into her grandfather's past as an adopted child.
Tracey contacted the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, whose mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and disseminate knowledge about the orphan trains, and the children and agents who rode them.
With the help of the National Orphan Train Complex, Tracey learned about her grandfather's family of origin and how he came to be adopted, and was surprised to discover records for his three unknown siblings.
"The Bereaved: A Novel" is set in 1859 when women have few rights, even to their own children. When her husband dies and her children become wards of a predator, Martha - bereaved and scared - flees their beloved country home taking the children with her to the squalor of New York City. Unable to find work, she and the family are soon destitute. The Home for the Friendless, an aid society, offers free food, clothing, and schooling to New York's street kids and Martha secures a place for her children there until she can get on her feet. When she tries to visit them, she is shocked to discover that they are gone. Martha begs for her children back, but the Society refuses. Rather than succumb - the Civil War erupting around her - Martha sets out to reclaim each of them.
Tracey tells KNCK News the book is a historical novel about the Orphan Train and the mothers left behind.
The National Orphan Train Complex will be adding this novel to their Gift Shop, in rotation with other historical fiction novels.
Tracey has announced plans to hold a book signing event at the National Orphan Train Complex on Friday, October 20th.
Tracey is the author or editor of six books with more historical fiction on the way. She has written for Redbook, HuffPost, The Sun, Salon, and Babble. She is also a partner and the Executive Editor at Sibylline Press.