The Foundling by Ann Leary

The Foundling by Ann Leary

In 1927 Pennsylvania, eighteen-year-old Mary Engle yearns for independence and finds work at the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age. She quickly becomes disillusioned when her childhood friend, Lillian Faust, is wrongly committed. The asylum's disturbing practices, rooted in the eugenics movement, force Mary to confront a terrible dilemma: stay loyal to the imposing Dr. Agnes Vogel or risk everything to fight for what's right. Historical fiction readers and fans of suspense will find this exploration of women's rights and institutional corruption impossible to put down. This novel is a haunting reminder of the forgotten women of the American eugenics movement.

Why You’ll Love This Book

Ann Leary’s meticulous research unveils a dark chapter in American history with chilling accuracy. The novel’s tension builds as Mary uncovers the asylum’s unsettling secrets, culminating in an emotional and ethical crossroads. The Foundling is a powerful testament to female friendship and courage in the face of injustice.