Among the Fallen

By: Jamie Steinberg

According to Criss Jami, “The harder you fall, the heavier your heart; the heavier your heart, the stronger you climb; the stronger you climb, the higher your pedestal.” Such is true for Orpha, who is locked away at Tothill (a jail) after a series of misfortunate events. It is here though that she is given the opportunity to “change her stars” and become an upstanding member of the community again. However, putting her past behind her proves difficult as she cannot seem to shake the trauma of what led her there. Among the Fallen is the Victorian tale of a downtrodden girl who still manages to have hope for a brighter future.

Orpha was a child when her mother passed away. In pain from losing his wife, her father began to drink and couldn’t pay his debts, so she was taken and put to work in order to do so. When he died she was sent to live with her aunt and uncle, who cast her out on the street upon learning, at age thirteen, she was pregnant. She finds her way to the cemetery where she hides and sleeps, but when winter rears it’s frosty head she must turn to a local brothel to seek warmth and work. Her misfortune finds her again when a customer accuses her of stealing his wallet, leading her to run out in the street where she tumbles and ends up losing the baby. The police take her into custody, and she is then declared guilty of stealing and infanticide, sending her straight to Tothill where you sleep in a cell, are given disgusting food to eat and no one speaks a word. Orpha’s only friend is a girl named Ivy who has faith in the innocence of her pal. It is after quite some time of sorting oakum that word comes to the women of a benefactor who is willing to bring her to a place dubbed “Urania,” where she will be given a fresh start at life – being trained as a governess or maid – and sent off to Australia with the promise of the possibility for marriage and more. At first, Orpha is hesitant since nothing has gone her way so far in life. But knowing she could erase who she once was, the events of the recent years and the crimes they claim she committed, Orpha takes a chance.

Upon her arrival at Urania, Orpha meets with the man that runs the home – Charles Dickens! He shows the girls kindness but is firm with them when they act out. Orpha takes a shine to him, and he to her, as they bond over her impressive ability to read and write, her history in the theater and much more. In fact, Dickens becomes like a mentor to her and constantly encourages her to open up about the trauma of her past, which continues to deeply haunt the dear girl.

Among the Fallen is a riveting tale of redemption courtesy of the talents of Virginia Frances Schwartz. A lover of Dickens, this story truly weaves in her knowledge of the fame author while making the story truly her own. Page by page you are gripped by Orpha’s plight and sincerely wish only the best for her. Do yourself a favor, whether you are a Dickens lover or just a fan of redemption arcs, read this one.