The heart-breaking and compelling new book set in a Victorian workhouse from the author of the The Orphans of Halfpenny Street When Lucy and her brother, Joshua, are orphaned, it falls to Joshua to provide for them both, but he is barely into his teens and in his naivety, falls prey to bad influences and drink. Lucy is desperate to avoid the workhouse, but when Joshua loses their meagre savings they are thrown out onto the street and, in dire poverty, it isn’t long before Lucy finds herself at its gates – almost a fate worse than death.Inside the workhouse, Lucy meets with unkindness and cruelty and she knows she must dig deep within herself if she is to survive, let alone thrive. What Lucy needs is a friend and she is surprised to find one in the most unlikely place…Cathy Sharp's The Barefoot Child is a top historical fiction that beautifully captures the trials and tribulations of life in a Victorian workhouse. The story of Lucy and Joshua is a compelling coming of age tale that explores themes of family, friendship, and survival against all odds.For fans of Rosie Goodwin (The Winter Promise), Emma Hornby (The Maid’s Disgrace), Annemarie Brear (A Distant Horizon), Katie Flynn (First Love, Last Love), and Sheila Newberry (The Canal Boat Girl).
