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"Folly" by Marthe Jocelyn

Author:

Marthe Jocelyn

Publisher:

Wendy Lamb Books

Jocelyn, Marthe. Folly Wendy Lamb Books, New York, 2010.

Inspired by a bit of family and English history, Marthe Jocelyn’s newest novel embraces haunting characters and ageless themes.  Told from the perspectives of two central characters, chapters alternate in both voice and time.   Mary Finn could have been any poor young girl in 19^th century London, born in the country; forced, by circumstance, into service for a wealthy family.  Somewhat naively, Mary becomes intimately involved with a handsome young man, Caden Tucker.  The pair sneaks off to be together whenever possible; not surprisingly Mary becomes pregnant.  Not accepting responsibility, Tucker leaves the country, and Mary is turned out of her service position for immorality.  Finding a temporary position in an elderly woman’s home, Mary is welcomed until the woman’s death. Then she is once again turned out on her own, with her baby boy, and no place to call home.

James, only six years old when he is torn from his foster mother, is placed into a home for foundlings.  Here he finds little comfort, aside from the comradery of the other boys and the respect of his history teacher.  When his foster sister is returned to the institution and James catches a glimpse of his mother, he escapes, experiencing the outside world for the very first time, searching for his mother.  James and Mary’s lives and times come together at the end, in a way which is sometimes predictable, but also surprising, leaving the reader yearning to know more.

The novel’s cover visually affects  the reader; a beautiful bare-shouldered girl, scarred and melancholy.  Each relatively short chapter begins with that chapter’s voice, year and a short title foretelling the next events.  Jocelyn’s narrative uses some colloquial verbiage, particularly in the dialog, which takes a little getting used to, but nonetheless adds a historical touch. Both Mary and James are sympathetic characters, admirable for their strength amidst adversity.  Folly is not a happily ever after story. Rather, based on a historically accurate institution, London’s Foundling Hospital, it is a commentary on human relationships, social stigma as well as personal experiences of jealousy, love and betrayal.  It should be noted that the author’ grandfather was raised in the institution and she has written a book on the hospital, A Home for Foundlings (Tundra Books, 2005).  Recommended for readers in grades 9-12.

Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI