Vivian French

The Runaways of Haddington Hall

Moray Lyle McIntosh

Sometimes children's books speak to you just as strongly as an adult as when you were a child, and and sometimes they don't.

The Runaways of Haddington Hall is a brisk, lively story about young Minnie O'Sullivan, the daughter of a hard-working but poor washerwoman. Minnie helps her mother or bread in the table but often has to contend with her own temper. After an accidental with a mangle Minnie comes to the notice of Obadiah Marpike, a shifty priest and his associate Miss Haddington who runs an institution to "improve" young girls. Minnie is caught up in a Dickensian world of corruption and Victorian sensibilities with her loyal friend Enry and Edith, a well-to-do young woman, keen to do good in the world.

It's a great-paced story that young readers will enjoy, full of dastardly adults and plucky youngsters who band together to help their families and improve their lot. There was something a little flimsy about the writing which meant I didn't fully engage with the story but it addresses important issues of class and charity and is an enjoyable MG romp.

The Runaways of Haddington Hall

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