The Forlorn Hope: A Tale of Old Chelsea

"The Forlorn Hope: A Tale of Old Chelsea" by S. C. Hall is a touching historical novel, casting a light on the lives of elderly veterans residing in Chelsea Hospital during the Victorian era. The story's heart lies with Sergeant-Major Joyce, a widower burdened by worry for his ailing daughter, Lucy, who suffers from consumption. Lucy's frail health is contrasted by her enduring hope for recovery, fueled by the steadfast care of her nurse, Mary. Through their struggles, the book illustrates themes of love, loss, and the difficulties endured by those who have served their nation, and highlights the societal shortcomings in healthcare during this period, especially in the treatment of consumption, raising questions of how society treats its most vulnerable.