– “Ned: Barnardo Boy” – A Review

After reading “Self-Raised” (LORD willing, review coming soon!) I had the pleasure of reading “Ned: Barnardo Boy” by Barbara Coyle, to my sisters. (If any of you are wondering, Joshua still listens to almost everything that I read but he still doesn’t pay any attention…)

Barbara Coyle is a contemporary, American author, living as a missionary in Ireland. She is married and homeschools her children, she previously taught writing, English and literature at the Master’s College and California State University Northridge.

“Ned: Barnardo Boy” was published in 2007. It is 159 pages contained in 20 chapters and a epilogue. The back of the book also includes a list of Historical Notes.

Ned is a London street arab and “nobody’s child”. At the tender age of less than 10, few people care anything about him and he struggles to keep himself. When Ned nearly finds himself in trouble, a gentleman befriends him and takes him to the “Barnardo Boy’s Home”. Once there, Ned finds security and peace as he discovers people who care about him and the forgiveness of Christ. Part of this security is broken when Ned is chosen to be one of many boys, sent to new homes in Canada. Will he be accepted or rejected? Will his new “family” love him? And can he trust in the Lord, even though it seems like every earthly thing that he has come to rely upon, is slowly deserting him?

My sisters and I enjoyed this book immensely! (When my sisters offer to do up the dishes on cooking day, without my help so I can read to them while they do it, you know that they are enjoying the book!) Mrs. Coyle captured the feeling of 19th century lower-class London very well, giving the perfect background for her tale. My favorite character was probably Dick. Though more of a side character, he was always so cheerful and friendly, always ready with a bit of advice for Ned. I enjoyed reading his lines with a rather cockney English accent too. :D

I would highly recommend this book.

To the KING be all the glory!

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