At midnight, Evelyn Dalton became an Angel. Her four boys became orphans. A tragic, but true story of a mother's struggle to survive, burdened by destitution and deteriorating health. Misdiagnosed symptoms leaves her hospitalized in a coma. Following the misdiagnosis of her symptoms, she is placed on a life support machine but days later, internal haemorrhaging continues unabated. The outflow of blood after the operation cannot be stemmed and she is unable to regain consciousness and subsides into a coma.
Evelyn drifts towards a slow but peaceful death. In that instance, her four boys become orphans. The future of her for boys turns to a battle for their own survival. It appears their only salvation is to be cared for by foster parents, in a foster home or a dubious future in a Children;'s Home.
In a heartless act of selfishness, their father abandons them to be with his long-time mistress. An excerpt from the book epitomizes the cataclysmic event.
"It seemed dad didn't actually care where we lived, or how we lived, or even if we lived. We seemed to be an inconvenience. His life and love was pre-occupied elsewhere. Our lives had changed. Even orphans had some kind of love from someone. We had no-one to love us. Only the distant memories of love remained.
Homeless, motherless, fatherless and destitute, they were all split up once more. Fate seemed to be against them, since 1962. Seven years of bad luck began."
GOODREADS Review USA
JWalch
5.0 out of 5 stars This memoir is pure dynamite!
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2020
When I offered to read and review Orphans of An Angel by Jay Aston, I had never heard of Jay Aston. I've read many personal memoirs, some are really well written and make for interesting reading, while others are... well, let's just say boring. Jay's blurb hooked me and reeled me in and I'm glad because Orphans of An Angel is one of the well written, interesting ones. I found Jay's memoir to be very well writte. This story, the way Jay tells it, does great honor to his mom, Doris.
Although I had no idea who Jay Aston was when I began reading this heart wrenching memoir, I now feel as if I have known him and his brothers all my life. The love that Doris had for her boys and the pain bestowed on them by their father who abandoned them for another woman leaps off the pages. Any reader of these words who has even a modicum of empathy will experience that love and pain right along with them.
The way Jay brings this memoir to a close will... well, read it to find out.
GOODREADS BOOK REVIEW (UK)
There is always something compelling when you read a true story and this one hooks you in. The content and flow will keep you reading the tragic circumstances until the bitter end. This is the kind of sad tale which will grip you and bring out your mothering instincts or protective shield. You just want to make it all better if you are a mum yourself. I do recommend this book, there was something about it which drew me in from start to finish.
GOODREADS BOOK REVIEW
Aug 11, 2020
Vicky Peplow rated it 5* An amazing read
Wow! What a book. I have had a couple of late nights reading this book but it was so worth it. This poor family back in the 60's went through every hardship that any family could ever handle plus more. This book takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions throughout this book. I highly recommend it as it's well worth a read.
FEEDBACK (from emails)
FAB READ Get the tissues ready. I was gripped. Could not put down this book. Recommended.
RIVETING - Difficult to put down. A very moving storyline.
WHAT A STORY! Heart rendering story buy the book and box of tissues you will need them.
SUNDAY LUNCH! Couldn't put the book down. Had to cancel Sunday lunch!
