The Orphans (2022) by English born Australian writer Fiona McIntosh follows the lives of 2 orphans in early 20th century South Australia.

In April 1914, Fleur – who was adopted as a newborn – is learning to become an undertaker. Her father, Henry Appleby, is teaching her.

Fleur meets 10-year-old Tom Catchlove when Henry Applby is summoned to a house in Adelaide to collect Tom’s mother’s body. Fleur has accompanied her father and keeps Tom company as the adults discuss burial arrangements.

After his mother’s death, Tom’s father effectively abandoned him.

Fleur & Tom meet again 21 years later. They are decent, resilient characters who look after themselves and others.

Unfortunately, however, Fiona McIntosh also includes Irma, Fleur’s stepmother who was raped as an 13-year-old, had her children removed and becomes a murderer.