THE FOUNDLING

by Francis Spellman ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 21, 1951

The power of the name of New York's famous Cardinal -- and the impetus of Literary Guild selection, insures a substantial start. The book is a sure winner for the Catholic market, while skilful avoidance of any stigma of propaganda will disarm Protestants who might feel on guard against what is definitely a Catholic story. The power of the Church in molding character is the underlying theme in the tale of a foundling, discovered by a lonely, frightened veteran who in 1918, had gone to St. Patrick's in Christmas week, seeking strength to face his mother and sweetheart with an empty sleeve. It is the tale of that foundling, raised by the good sisters, nurtured in the faith that blocked Paul, the veteran, from adopting him, but that gave him much in the way of a larger family. Peter grew in grace; he won the devotion of the Sister who taught music -- and who left him an unfinished symphony as a legacy to complete; he fell in love- but could not get past his lack of background and achievements, with the girl he loved. Then came the war- and the story swings full circle, when Peter, blinded in New Guinea, finds faith and strength enough in that faith, to come back to Barbara and Paul and his new-found friends, the Bishop and the Jewish merchant who was giving him the chance in memory of the son he had lost... The characterizations, the conflicts, seem superficial, the situations too pat, but the story moves along with enough of emotional content to satisfy the undemanding reader.

Pub Date: May 21, 1951

ISBN: 1104854163

Page Count: -

Publisher: Scribner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1951

Categories: FICTION