Empty Cradles

I can not believe something so awful could happen to so many children. I could not put the book down, cried from cover to cover. My blood ran cold with the horror stories. I am grateful that Margaret Humphreys found out about this and did all that she did, God Bless her. May her work still go on and be successful.

Margaret Humphreys with her book "Empty Cradles" bravely took on the plight of the Lost Children, those poor souls shipped from the overcrowded orphanages of Britain to all parts of the then British Empire. My own destination was Australia.Margaret, undaunted by possible repercussions from the collusion of the governments involved, tells our story with heartbreaking compassion. Thanks to her tremendous efforts, some of us now will meet family we never knew we had.For all who are concerned with humanity, with simple human dignity, this book should not be omitted from your reading list.

This is a piece of social history which , along with the recording of the experiences of the Aboriginal stolen generation, should be read widely. It is a part of the history of two countries that needs to have the torch shone on it. Margaret Humphreys manages to convey the story with poignance and dignity. That officials REFUSED to acknowledge for so long (and during Humphrey's quest) that any such thing as the forcible 'transportation' of children from the UK to Australia up to the second half of the 20th century, is damning. Should be on history curricula in both countries. politicians should be required to read it before they can represent their constituents. It should be read alongside 'Bringing Them Home' about the Aboriginal stolen children, forecably removed from their families also well in to the 20th century. As a nation we will reach genuine maturity when we acknowledge and take on board some of the more unpleasant aspects of our shared history.

Margaret Humphreys absorbingly relates how thousands of British children were forcibly migrated overseas into institutions where the nightmares took place during the day. Through a chance encounter, she progressively comes into contact with hundreds of these children, now adults, who are desperate to learn of their backgrounds. As each individual story of pain and suffering unfolds, the enormity of the horror is almost unbearable. Many children suffered mental and physical abuse, and all were told their parents were dead. Simply one of many lies. The Australian Government has made some admissions. Other individuals, Christian authorities and the British Government refuse to make any acknowledgements. Even the BBC unaccountably delayed transmission of the programme which so deservedly needed to be shown. This story, lying concealed for so many years, demonstates clearly how a great evil can be perpetrated silently, its victims those who need our protection the most. But the true heroine is Margaret Humphreys, who battled against ignorance, bigotry and even threats against her life. It is due to her this appalling story has been told. Perhaps with this knowledge and a refusal to allow certain authorities to be unaccountable, we can prevent such disasters happening again. If this were depicted in movie form it would be decried as being too unrealistic and far-fetched. If you only read one book in 1999, make it this one.

Children are the most precious gifts to all parents and so were also these english boys and girls. Margaret Humphreys's enormously fighting for giving them their history back after all these years has made this book to a historical document of a crime so awful you couldn't imagine was possible in time of peace. Read this book, take your time and I bet you will give your family many "extra-hugs". (A couple of sentences in a Swedish magazine made me buy this book last year, and I will never forget the story as long as I live).