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Children -- Hospitals -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Hesba Stretton
Alone in London
"Alone in London" by Hesba Stretton is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around an elderly news agent named James Oliver and his unexpected charge, a young girl named Dolly, who is left in his care by her mother, Susan. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, compassion, and the bonds forged in unexpected circumstances, as Oliver's life intertwines with the plight of the child and the boy named Tony. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to old James Oliver living a solitary life in his small shop in London. His life takes a dramatic turn when he meets a little girl named Dolly, who is abandoned by her mother while she goes out to run errands. Oliver takes her in, and we see their gentle relationship begin to form as he comforts her and provides her with a safe haven amid the challenges of life in the city. As the narrative unfolds, a young boy named Tony becomes involved, seeking to care for Dolly. Their interactions lay the groundwork for themes of care, survival, and the importance of human connection in the face of hardship.
Hesba Stretton
Alone in London
"Alone in London" by Hesba Stretton is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the heart of London, focusing on the life of an old man named James Oliver, who runs a small newsagent shop, and his unexpected connection with a little girl named Dolly, who wanders into his life after being left behind by her mother. The book explores themes of loneliness, kindness, and the struggle for survival in a sprawling urban landscape. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to James Oliver and his modest shop situated in a narrow alley. Despite his old age and frailty, Oliver has a warm demeanor and a deep sense of nostalgia. The day is stiflingly hot, setting a vivid stage for the encounter that follows. As he prepares for the evening, a small voice interrupts him—it's Dolly, a forlorn child who has been left waiting for her mother, who has not returned. Oliver comforts her, offering food and solace as they await the child's parent. This chance meeting marks the beginning of a deep bond between Oliver and Dolly, setting the tone for the unfolding narrative. The opening portion establishes an atmosphere of compassion in the face of hardship, suggesting a poignant journey ahead for both characters.
Hesba Stretton
Yksin Lontoossa
Yksin Lontoossa by Hesba Stretton is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set amid the streets around Holborn and the Strand, it follows gentle old newsvendor James Oliver, who unexpectedly becomes guardian to a deserted little girl, Dolly, and bonds with a street boy, Tony. The story promises a tender, faith-infused portrait of poverty, loneliness, and small acts of kindness in the great city. The opening of the novel shows a sweltering London evening, Oliver’s cramped shop-home, and his wistful talk with his sister about their past and his estranged daughter, Susanna. After Charlotta leaves, a woman abandons Dolly in the shop; Oliver keeps the child despite Tony’s offer to take her. A note reveals Dolly is Susanna’s daughter, sent to mend the rift, but another letter soon explains Susanna has chosen to follow her soldier husband to India, leaving Dolly in Oliver’s care. Oliver’s joy mixes with worry over age, poverty, and failing memory, while Tony becomes a nightly lodger, absorbs Oliver’s simple Christian comfort, prays for honest work, and—helped by Dolly buying him a broom—finally starts sweeping a busy crossing and earns his first coins.
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