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My Sanctuary
HUSH, LITTLE BABY, DON'T SAY A WORD
After spending years in a Catholic-run orphanage in 1950s small-town Canada, Rebecca Dolores Kingsley, better known as Dot, has grown into a lonely but spirited young girl with a lot to say and a huge heart full of love to give. All she’s ever wanted is a family to call her own, and when a sullen, freckled-faced boy named Kenny arrives on the orphanage’s doorstep, she immediately takes him under her wing, lavishing her new little friend with all of the sweetly maternal affection that was never shown to her.
But the happiness and sense of purpose that Dot’s found while caring for Kenny are soon threatened. Her blossoming womanhood has unfortunately attracted unwanted attention from her guardians and fellow orphans alike, and despite her best efforts to protect him from some of the harsher realities of institutional life, Kenny accidentally gets caught up in the crossfire.
Now, in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to save the boy she’s come to think of as her own child, Dot will have to resort to playing what she calls “the secret game.” But the stakes of this game are impossibly high, and when the unthinkable happens, she finds herself faced with a heart-wrenching decision that no mother, either real or imagined, should ever have to make.
After spending years in a Catholic-run orphanage in 1950s small-town Canada, Rebecca Dolores Kingsley, better known as Dot, has grown into a lonely but spirited young girl with a lot to say and a huge heart full of love to give. All she’s ever wanted is a family to call her own, and when a sullen, freckled-faced boy named Kenny arrives on the orphanage’s doorstep, she immediately takes him under her wing, lavishing her new little friend with all of the sweetly maternal affection that was never shown to her.
But the happiness and sense of purpose that Dot’s found while caring for Kenny are soon threatened. Her blossoming womanhood has unfortunately attracted unwanted attention from her guardians and fellow orphans alike, and despite her best efforts to protect him from some of the harsher realities of institutional life, Kenny accidentally gets caught up in the crossfire.
Now, in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to save the boy she’s come to think of as her own child, Dot will have to resort to playing what she calls “the secret game.” But the stakes of this game are impossibly high, and when the unthinkable happens, she finds herself faced with a heart-wrenching decision that no mother, either real or imagined, should ever have to make.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
12 people want to read
About the author
Sarah-Jane Lehoux
11 books30 followersSarah-Jane Lehoux is a Canadian writer of speculative fiction. She avoids the real world as much as possible and spends her time cluttering her brain with beautiful nonsense. Find her online at www.sarah-janelehoux.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 15, 2012
A child can’t choose its mother, but maybe a mother can choose her child.
My Sanctuary is the story of Dot, a young teen growing up in a Catholic orphanage in the fifties. It isn’t a nice place to be, but there are bright spots in her life, from her crush on her school teacher Mr. Martin to taking care a fellow orphan named Kenny who she has dubbed her “baby.” Beyond that, though, Dot finds what we all need sometimes: a sanctuary, somewhere to go where a stained-glass angel smiles down on her and she can escape the everyday brutality she faces from other kids and the adults responsible for them.
Dot’s voice is distinct, authentic, and engaging; she draws the reader in with her first words. Among Ms. Lehoux’s great skills as a storyteller is her ability to peel back the layers of Dot’s world and shine a light on the horrors occurring while never leaving the perspective of a young girl. Without spoiling the story by giving details, I can say all it takes is one phrase to answer the question of why Dot is there or what happened to Kenny’s real mother, making the reader’s stomach bottom out and realize what has occurred. Though the themes the novella touches on are decidedly adult, My Sanctuary never feels like an adult is telling a child’s tale. No, Dot could be any fourteen-year-old, so real that as I listened to her tell her story, I wanted to wrap my arms around her and assure her everything would be okay.
Of course, the sad thing is that’s rarely true. Though set over fifty years ago, My Sanctuary is very much relevant today. Children suffer abuse and grow up too soon. Women have their bodily autonomy stripped away. People hide behind religion while committing horrible acts.
And everyone still needs a sanctuary.
Ms. Lehoux doesn’t merely depict darkness in this story but confronts it, unflinching and unwavering. At all times she remains true to her characters and the tale she set out to tell. Much like the angel in the sanctuary, the storyteller’s steadfast gaze never leaves Dot in her time of need when a weaker person would look away in fear. Through Ms Lehoux, the reader remains with Dot as well—even long after the story has ended.
Gut-wrenching, timely, brave, and nothing short of brilliant, My Sanctuary is a powerful read about the bonds of found family and the struggle to find refuge when we’re at our most vulnerable. I absolutely urge everyone to read it. Well done, Ms. Lehoux. Well done.
---------------
Read my Q&A with Sarah-Jane Lehoux right here.
My Sanctuary is the story of Dot, a young teen growing up in a Catholic orphanage in the fifties. It isn’t a nice place to be, but there are bright spots in her life, from her crush on her school teacher Mr. Martin to taking care a fellow orphan named Kenny who she has dubbed her “baby.” Beyond that, though, Dot finds what we all need sometimes: a sanctuary, somewhere to go where a stained-glass angel smiles down on her and she can escape the everyday brutality she faces from other kids and the adults responsible for them.
Dot’s voice is distinct, authentic, and engaging; she draws the reader in with her first words. Among Ms. Lehoux’s great skills as a storyteller is her ability to peel back the layers of Dot’s world and shine a light on the horrors occurring while never leaving the perspective of a young girl. Without spoiling the story by giving details, I can say all it takes is one phrase to answer the question of why Dot is there or what happened to Kenny’s real mother, making the reader’s stomach bottom out and realize what has occurred. Though the themes the novella touches on are decidedly adult, My Sanctuary never feels like an adult is telling a child’s tale. No, Dot could be any fourteen-year-old, so real that as I listened to her tell her story, I wanted to wrap my arms around her and assure her everything would be okay.
Of course, the sad thing is that’s rarely true. Though set over fifty years ago, My Sanctuary is very much relevant today. Children suffer abuse and grow up too soon. Women have their bodily autonomy stripped away. People hide behind religion while committing horrible acts.
And everyone still needs a sanctuary.
Ms. Lehoux doesn’t merely depict darkness in this story but confronts it, unflinching and unwavering. At all times she remains true to her characters and the tale she set out to tell. Much like the angel in the sanctuary, the storyteller’s steadfast gaze never leaves Dot in her time of need when a weaker person would look away in fear. Through Ms Lehoux, the reader remains with Dot as well—even long after the story has ended.
Gut-wrenching, timely, brave, and nothing short of brilliant, My Sanctuary is a powerful read about the bonds of found family and the struggle to find refuge when we’re at our most vulnerable. I absolutely urge everyone to read it. Well done, Ms. Lehoux. Well done.
---------------
Read my Q&A with Sarah-Jane Lehoux right here.
August 7, 2024
I received an advanced copy of Sarah-Jane Lehoux's book. This is the story of Rebecca Dolores Kingsley in the time of 1958. She's fourteen years old, living in an orphanage run by the catholic church. Her parents dropped her off one day when she was eight years old and she's been living there since.
In her book, Lehoux perfectly captures the voice of the 1950s through a teenager's experience of love, loss, defilement, and betrayal. I was captivated from the very beginning, and even though I only had a glimpse of the story, I wanted to know more. This book had me going through an array of emotions, it was that compelling. It's a riveting tale that will definitely leave an impression. You've never read a book like this before. So what are you waiting for?
In her book, Lehoux perfectly captures the voice of the 1950s through a teenager's experience of love, loss, defilement, and betrayal. I was captivated from the very beginning, and even though I only had a glimpse of the story, I wanted to know more. This book had me going through an array of emotions, it was that compelling. It's a riveting tale that will definitely leave an impression. You've never read a book like this before. So what are you waiting for?
April 13, 2012
A good story.It takes What Used To Be, adds some might have been. The characters are consistent and well-developed with idiosyncrasies and believable flaws. It handles problems that we like to think belong in the used-to-be, But the new emphasis on bullying leaves the reader wondering:Is it really better now?
August 10, 2024
I grew up with Sarah-Jane, I went to school with her brother and witnessed her writing career blossom. I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of her latest work and found it captivating from the very first digital page. The cover artwork is striking, offering a contrasting representation of the story within. I felt deeply moved by Dot's experiences, as she endured abuse from both men and boys in her life. Her complex bond with Kevin was particularly poignant, as their feelings for each other were unbalanced. Raised by nuns, Dot and her peers were frequently subjected to corporal punishment, which I can personally attest to as being a form of torture. The use of a closet as a disciplinary tool added an additional layer of emotional distress. I found myself empathizing with Dot from the outset, and my emotions only intensified as the narrative progressed. This novel left me with a lingering sense of sorrow and reminded me of the powerful coming-of-age themes present in J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye', a personal favorite of mine.
The emotional ending left me in tears. While it was predictable, I'm eager to know what happens next. I'm disappointed it was so short!
The emotional ending left me in tears. While it was predictable, I'm eager to know what happens next. I'm disappointed it was so short!
August 2, 2024
Dot has lived a life full of abuse and pain. She is orphaned with no explanation. She is left to only assume her mother dropped her off at St. Jerome’s Church to save her from her father’s “secret games”. Dot became very protective over a young boy, Kenny, who was placed in the orphanage by the state due to his mother being taken away for performing illegal acts. She knows how horrible things are there and wants to keep Kenny safe from the abuse the adults dish out. Dot learns quickly that her “baby” Kenny will be her guardian angel and help her escape the problem Billy, a bully who makes Dot play the same secret games her dad made her play, has left in her tummy. When Dot needs peace she finds herself hiding away in her “sanctuary “. A small clearing hidden behind brush. Kenny is the only person she shares her space with.
This was a touching story. It is realistic and keeps you asking yourself questions and reevaluating life. Dot was brought to life by all her emotions being expressed throughout the story. I would have loved to know what happened to Dot after she drank the potion Kenny put together that he learned from his mama. I feel like so much more could be written.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by Ms. Lehoux!
This was a touching story. It is realistic and keeps you asking yourself questions and reevaluating life. Dot was brought to life by all her emotions being expressed throughout the story. I would have loved to know what happened to Dot after she drank the potion Kenny put together that he learned from his mama. I feel like so much more could be written.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by Ms. Lehoux!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2024
Set in 1952 at an orphanage in small-town Canada. Thoughts while reading Chapter 1:
- took me a minute to get into Dot's POV (the 14 year old narrator) but once I did the flow and pacing were great and I got invested quickly.
- Kenny sounds adorable and I'd want to squeeze him too. Love the name Kenneth Booker
- at the end of ch. 1 my thoughts were "oh no.." and a very foreboding feeling came over me
I love a book that makes me feel! This one made me feel sad and heartbroken for Dot. It's well written and for something outside of my comfort zone, the story held me captive.
- took me a minute to get into Dot's POV (the 14 year old narrator) but once I did the flow and pacing were great and I got invested quickly.
- Kenny sounds adorable and I'd want to squeeze him too. Love the name Kenneth Booker
- at the end of ch. 1 my thoughts were "oh no.." and a very foreboding feeling came over me
I love a book that makes me feel! This one made me feel sad and heartbroken for Dot. It's well written and for something outside of my comfort zone, the story held me captive.
August 4, 2024
My Sanctuary is a short story that dives deep into some pretty dark childhood trauma. It's written from a child's perspective, and the language really captures that innocence. I found it super interesting, but I wished it was longer to get to know the character better. Still, it's a unique and touching read.
August 3, 2024
Oh my gosh what an amazing story. It had everything so well written and im stunned at the ending. It's left me speechless. Definitely recommend for a quick and easy read.
August 16, 2024
It is a powerful, heartbreaking, and captivating story about an orphan who has been through some rough stuff , definitely a good read, but not a happy read
Definitely recommend it, but check trigger warnings
Definitely recommend it, but check trigger warnings
August 18, 2024
I’m screeming of so many thoughts about this book, but it left me speechless.
June 3, 2012
Powerful read, in the life of young Dot.
***Full review***
We meet a lonely young girl, Rebecca Dolores Kingsley, whom everyone calls Dot. She was left, by her mother, at the orphanage the day after she turned eight, in 1952. We see a year in her eyes at the orphanage shortly after turning fourteen when Kenny first shows up, and learns things the hard way at this church orphanage. Dot decides to take him under her wings and nurture him in this rough place and world. Dot cares for Kenny like 'her baby' when others are not so nice. But, in the end, who helps take care of who more? Maybe they both care for each other.
Oh my! All I can say is POWERFUL!
This book is not my normal genre of reading, but seeing Sarah-Jane Lehoux was the author, I had to read it. Sarah is powerful in her words and creations, and this book surpasses that thought.
Dot is a lonely girl in a church orphanage. Things are not so kind there, and with developing into a young woman Dot is scared she will be kicked out and she has no idea what's out in the world for her, or what she would do. This story is told by Dot, during a very trying, and pivot point in her life, and of Kenny's. When they need it, which seems to become more and more some days, they use a little alcove Dot found that is behind trees and looked down upon by a stained glass angel, Dot's angel and her sanctuary.
The bond between Dot and Kenny is so strong. He loves her and she thinks him her little boy. This relationship is warming and heart aching at the same time. But they need each other, and comfort each other more and more as time goes; with the other boys and girls in the orphanage.
I felt for these kids. They are growing up in a time that is very strict in many thoughts and believes. They have to deal with things and feelings no child should have to. I worried for these kids. Things got bad, then things would ease, and then it got worse. Such a powerful tale to think on, and talk about.
***Full review***
We meet a lonely young girl, Rebecca Dolores Kingsley, whom everyone calls Dot. She was left, by her mother, at the orphanage the day after she turned eight, in 1952. We see a year in her eyes at the orphanage shortly after turning fourteen when Kenny first shows up, and learns things the hard way at this church orphanage. Dot decides to take him under her wings and nurture him in this rough place and world. Dot cares for Kenny like 'her baby' when others are not so nice. But, in the end, who helps take care of who more? Maybe they both care for each other.
Oh my! All I can say is POWERFUL!
This book is not my normal genre of reading, but seeing Sarah-Jane Lehoux was the author, I had to read it. Sarah is powerful in her words and creations, and this book surpasses that thought.
Dot is a lonely girl in a church orphanage. Things are not so kind there, and with developing into a young woman Dot is scared she will be kicked out and she has no idea what's out in the world for her, or what she would do. This story is told by Dot, during a very trying, and pivot point in her life, and of Kenny's. When they need it, which seems to become more and more some days, they use a little alcove Dot found that is behind trees and looked down upon by a stained glass angel, Dot's angel and her sanctuary.
The bond between Dot and Kenny is so strong. He loves her and she thinks him her little boy. This relationship is warming and heart aching at the same time. But they need each other, and comfort each other more and more as time goes; with the other boys and girls in the orphanage.
I felt for these kids. They are growing up in a time that is very strict in many thoughts and believes. They have to deal with things and feelings no child should have to. I worried for these kids. Things got bad, then things would ease, and then it got worse. Such a powerful tale to think on, and talk about.
January 29, 2020
This is one of the most heartbreaking short stories I've ever read. The combination of naivety and stoic world-weariess conveyed by Dot, the teenage narrator, means we don't have to see everything directly to understand her circumstances. The characters may be young, but this is very much a grown up story (trigger warnings under the tag: )
Set in a 1950s orphanage run by the church of St Jerome, Dot is a mouthy young lady who has a habit of talking herself into trouble. She recounts the story of how she took to a fellow orphan who needed someone to look out for him. Someone to be a mother figure. Sure, even with Kenny being 9 and she 14 he kinda sees things a bit different, but he's too young to really know what the older girls and boys talk about. He's just a kid. Bully-boy Billy Richmond ain't no kid though. He doesn't like the newbie getting jealous over "his" girl. It stirs up a whole world of trouble.
The revelations about Dot's life and how powerfully strong her innocent bond with Kenny feels to her blew me away. It should be a horrible, tragic story, and with the in-character narration full of "ain't" and other colloquialisms there was a chance it could be even harder to read. But that stylistic choice combined with the subject matter gives our character such a realistic voice. Her hopes, her dreams, her fatalism all collide in the perfect mish-mash teenage train of thought. I could believe Dot was real such was the authenticity of her voice.
Subtle, beautiful, terrible and powerful in equal measure.
Set in a 1950s orphanage run by the church of St Jerome, Dot is a mouthy young lady who has a habit of talking herself into trouble. She recounts the story of how she took to a fellow orphan who needed someone to look out for him. Someone to be a mother figure. Sure, even with Kenny being 9 and she 14 he kinda sees things a bit different, but he's too young to really know what the older girls and boys talk about. He's just a kid. Bully-boy Billy Richmond ain't no kid though. He doesn't like the newbie getting jealous over "his" girl. It stirs up a whole world of trouble.
The revelations about Dot's life and how powerfully strong her innocent bond with Kenny feels to her blew me away. It should be a horrible, tragic story, and with the in-character narration full of "ain't" and other colloquialisms there was a chance it could be even harder to read. But that stylistic choice combined with the subject matter gives our character such a realistic voice. Her hopes, her dreams, her fatalism all collide in the perfect mish-mash teenage train of thought. I could believe Dot was real such was the authenticity of her voice.
Subtle, beautiful, terrible and powerful in equal measure.
October 4, 2014
Dot was a young girl who grew up in a Catholic orphanage. her parents put her in it after discovering that her father sexually abused her. she grew up with plenty to say but no one to say it to. one day, a new orphan joined the orphanage. Kenny was a smart kid. Dot decided to take him under her wings, calling him her baby. she often brought him to her sanctuary, a secret place where she kept to herself and now shared with Kenny. the duo bonded and became family against the cruelty of the orphanage.
I received a free e-book from the author in exchange for a review. the book was a short and very fast read. Dot was a character so adorable that it was impossible not to root for her. her relationship with Kenny was pure and heartwarming; while Billy on the other hand, took advantage of her, just like her father did. for such a short story, I was surprised to find it painful to see how she turned out in the end. as captivating as her character was, I certainly didn’t expect to fall so deeply for her. such abuses were so often kept a secret from the adults, making it impossible for anyone but the children themselves to know the truth while trying to figure out how to handle such serious issues. Dot was definitely one of those sad cases, making me appreciate the security and warmth that bathed me since birth.
my review: here
I received a free e-book from the author in exchange for a review. the book was a short and very fast read. Dot was a character so adorable that it was impossible not to root for her. her relationship with Kenny was pure and heartwarming; while Billy on the other hand, took advantage of her, just like her father did. for such a short story, I was surprised to find it painful to see how she turned out in the end. as captivating as her character was, I certainly didn’t expect to fall so deeply for her. such abuses were so often kept a secret from the adults, making it impossible for anyone but the children themselves to know the truth while trying to figure out how to handle such serious issues. Dot was definitely one of those sad cases, making me appreciate the security and warmth that bathed me since birth.
my review: here
April 12, 2012
This story from the beginning had an appealing type of monologue that had me hooked. I could picture the characters in my mind vividly and their voices with accents. An emotional story that shows the human heart and spirit how it holds out for love and hope under difficult circumstances. Excellent short story!
April 15, 2012
"My Sanctuary," is Sarah-Jane Lehoux's compelling story of life in a 50's orphanage. Written in the first person, it reveals a disturbing and unfair world where cruelties were often hidden under a veneer of innocence and benevolence. The protagonist, "Dot," is both believable and memorable. Readers will find themselves rooting for her and wanting more.
May 31, 2012
This very short book is full of emotion and a view of a darker stage in our society. It is an awakening look at the orphanages of the 1950’s. It is definitely worth an hour or two of your time to read this book.
September 27, 2017
Involving short story with a interesting narrating character- reminds me of Matilda by Roald Dahl, but for grown ups!
August 13, 2024
In reading this story, a brief yet poignant snapshot of the life of a young vulnerable girl placed into the care of a church run orphanage, one is drawn inexorably in from the very first page. The emotional investment is high and while there is a foreboding that happy endings are for fairy tales only, one cannot help but retain a rather wistful optimism in the face of the main characters powerful endurance. What does it cost to maintain your identity, your resilience and your fundamental goodness when all you have known is the grief of being let down by those supposed to protect you? These are questions survivors ask themselves lifelong.
Lehoux has a knack for accurately capturing the grim realities of abuse and the varied coping mechanisms individuals employ in self-preservation. The stark and gritty landscape of “My Sanctuary” is unrelenting, the characters alternately endearing and repulsive, yet both evoke deep emotional responses. The themes are timeless and relevant to survivors of abuse in bringing to light uncomfortable truths that everyone should be aware of in our society.
I would suggest that this story is an important read for everyone, to understand the dynamics of abuse and the ways in which survivors cope. Life isn’t always happy endings and satisfying outcomes, sometimes the most profound life lessons stem from putting ourselves through the wringer via stories such as this. I wholeheartedly encourage one to walk a mile in the shoes of Rebecca Dolores Kingsley, even a short journey can challenge your worldview in unexpected ways.
Lehoux has a knack for accurately capturing the grim realities of abuse and the varied coping mechanisms individuals employ in self-preservation. The stark and gritty landscape of “My Sanctuary” is unrelenting, the characters alternately endearing and repulsive, yet both evoke deep emotional responses. The themes are timeless and relevant to survivors of abuse in bringing to light uncomfortable truths that everyone should be aware of in our society.
I would suggest that this story is an important read for everyone, to understand the dynamics of abuse and the ways in which survivors cope. Life isn’t always happy endings and satisfying outcomes, sometimes the most profound life lessons stem from putting ourselves through the wringer via stories such as this. I wholeheartedly encourage one to walk a mile in the shoes of Rebecca Dolores Kingsley, even a short journey can challenge your worldview in unexpected ways.
August 4, 2024
"Dedicated to all the little girls who've had to grow up too fast."
I was in my feelings right from the start with this dedication. This was clearly a labor of love by Sarah-Jane Lehoux. I loved all the small details from Dot's diction to her anecdotes. More than once, I wanted to jump straight into the pages and fight Mother McDonald myself, giving her a taste of her own medicine. This story was a beautifully painful representation of how mental health and religion can play such a large role in a child's life. Both positively and negatively. Dot shows both wisdom and naivety in this moving narrative.
"I suppose every saint in Heaven and sinner on earth's got reason enough for the things they do."
"Maybe I've just been keeping my head down for so long that my spine never saw the use in growing."
"And it's funny, ain't it? How a smile can look so happy but feel so awfully sad all at the same time."
The only reason I gave this four stars is simply because I wish it was longer!
I would definitely recommend this read!
I was in my feelings right from the start with this dedication. This was clearly a labor of love by Sarah-Jane Lehoux. I loved all the small details from Dot's diction to her anecdotes. More than once, I wanted to jump straight into the pages and fight Mother McDonald myself, giving her a taste of her own medicine. This story was a beautifully painful representation of how mental health and religion can play such a large role in a child's life. Both positively and negatively. Dot shows both wisdom and naivety in this moving narrative.
"I suppose every saint in Heaven and sinner on earth's got reason enough for the things they do."
"Maybe I've just been keeping my head down for so long that my spine never saw the use in growing."
"And it's funny, ain't it? How a smile can look so happy but feel so awfully sad all at the same time."
The only reason I gave this four stars is simply because I wish it was longer!
I would definitely recommend this read!
August 14, 2024
Heartbreakingly beautiful, this book was so incredibly well-written I immediately purchased another book by the author that I cannot wait to read.
While the subject matter of Sanctuary was difficult to stomach at times, the characters were so dynamic, I really fell in love with them. Rebecca/Dot is what I would consider an "unreliable" narrator, just in that she is a child who does not fully understand the injustices that have happened and are happening to her. It is too much for such a young girl, and there is no one really to help her.
Except for little Kenny. His own story is heartbreaking as well, but the fact that these two have each other...well, that changes everything.
You can easily read this book in one sitting. Studies have shown that books are important because they help readers understand and feel empathy...this one will make your heart bleed. It's worth it.
Trigger warnings for child abuse and SA.
While the subject matter of Sanctuary was difficult to stomach at times, the characters were so dynamic, I really fell in love with them. Rebecca/Dot is what I would consider an "unreliable" narrator, just in that she is a child who does not fully understand the injustices that have happened and are happening to her. It is too much for such a young girl, and there is no one really to help her.
Except for little Kenny. His own story is heartbreaking as well, but the fact that these two have each other...well, that changes everything.
You can easily read this book in one sitting. Studies have shown that books are important because they help readers understand and feel empathy...this one will make your heart bleed. It's worth it.
Trigger warnings for child abuse and SA.
August 7, 2024
4.5 stars
"And it’s funny, ain’t it? How a smile can look so happy but feel so awfully sad all at the same time."
I think this summarizes my feelings about this short story. I enjoyed it, but it was so sad.
Dot is a young teenager, with a powerful voice, growing up in the 50s, who was dropped off at St. Jerome's on her 8th birthday. St. Jerome's isn't a nice place for the kids who are forced to live there - the adults abuse the children, and the children abuse each other. But there is some light to her life: She takes a little boy under her wing she dubs "her baby", she has a crush on her teacher and finds herself her own little shelter she calls her Sanctuary.
If you know me, you know I love a good short story, and this one did not let me down. Historical fiction isn't my usual genre of choice, but Dot's voice captivated me from the start, and I could not put it down.
"And it’s funny, ain’t it? How a smile can look so happy but feel so awfully sad all at the same time."
I think this summarizes my feelings about this short story. I enjoyed it, but it was so sad.
Dot is a young teenager, with a powerful voice, growing up in the 50s, who was dropped off at St. Jerome's on her 8th birthday. St. Jerome's isn't a nice place for the kids who are forced to live there - the adults abuse the children, and the children abuse each other. But there is some light to her life: She takes a little boy under her wing she dubs "her baby", she has a crush on her teacher and finds herself her own little shelter she calls her Sanctuary.
If you know me, you know I love a good short story, and this one did not let me down. Historical fiction isn't my usual genre of choice, but Dot's voice captivated me from the start, and I could not put it down.
November 17, 2024
Possibly spoiler, but also possibly not? I'm hiding it behind a spoiler tag just in case.
This was such a heartwrenching read, and I enjoyed every moment of it. The way we get to follow the main character while getting to know more and more about her is beautifully done, starting with the question about why her parents would abandon her like they did, to understanding just how hard that decision must have been for her mother. It's not only the main character who has to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the one she loves more than anything else, but it started already with her own mother, and that was such a beautiful way to build this whole story up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was such a heartwrenching read, and I enjoyed every moment of it. The way we get to follow the main character while getting to know more and more about her is beautifully done, starting with the question about why her parents would abandon her like they did, to understanding just how hard that decision must have been for her mother. It's not only the main character who has to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the one she loves more than anything else, but it started already with her own mother, and that was such a beautiful way to build this whole story up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
This book was a very quick yet tough read. It is set in St. Jerome’s Orphanage in the 1950s. It details a brief segment of Rebecca Delores Kingsley’s life (Dot) while at the orphanage.
Sexually abused as a child, Dot was given up by her parents who did not want to take care of her anymore. The story goes into detail about her unhealthy need to be a “mother” to little Kenny who actually wanted Dot to be his girlfriend. It talks about how she was used for sex by Billy at the orphanage.
The end was brutal. I will not go into more detail to spoil it all. Short read that will have your emotions in a knot by the end.
Sexually abused as a child, Dot was given up by her parents who did not want to take care of her anymore. The story goes into detail about her unhealthy need to be a “mother” to little Kenny who actually wanted Dot to be his girlfriend. It talks about how she was used for sex by Billy at the orphanage.
The end was brutal. I will not go into more detail to spoil it all. Short read that will have your emotions in a knot by the end.
August 18, 2024
My Sanctuary by Sarah-Jane Lehoux is a YA novella told through the eyes of a 14 year old girl named Dot, set in a Catholic orphanage in the 1950’s. It confronts the harsh realities of a bygone era, while also honouring the resilience of those who lived through it and survived.
It will challenge you to think about the hidden stories of the past and the ways in which they continue to echo in the present.
Despite the heavy subject matter, there are moments of light in this story—glimpses of kindness, friendship, and unconditional love.
It will challenge you to think about the hidden stories of the past and the ways in which they continue to echo in the present.
Despite the heavy subject matter, there are moments of light in this story—glimpses of kindness, friendship, and unconditional love.
September 30, 2024
This was a very well written quick novel to read! I enjoyed it.
This book is written in the view of a little girl at an orphanage and its almost like she's talking to you in her head or in a diary she writing and the story is very well put together. Rebecca, "Dot", wants a family so she claims Kenny as almost like her child when they're both singled out at the orphanage so she has someone close to her. It does have some triggers but she doesn't go into detail about them. The character stories flow perfectly the whole book.
This book is written in the view of a little girl at an orphanage and its almost like she's talking to you in her head or in a diary she writing and the story is very well put together. Rebecca, "Dot", wants a family so she claims Kenny as almost like her child when they're both singled out at the orphanage so she has someone close to her. It does have some triggers but she doesn't go into detail about them. The character stories flow perfectly the whole book.
September 20, 2024
My Sanctuary is a simple & quick read. This is the first I've read of Sara-Jane Lehoux & I'd be open to reading more from her. The perspective is from an adolescent & the trials she is going through. I wish I could have like this more but there are a LOT of trigger warnings for me & are listed below. I would just preface this read with these warnings
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There's child abuse, rape, & abortion.
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There's child abuse, rape, & abortion.
August 26, 2024
She wanted to be a mother—a mother who would protect her child from dangerous people like her father. From other people who will bully and hurt him. She finds a sanctuary for them to be safe from the chaos and judgement outside. Her misery, her grief, and her determination made her a strong woman. But she was also a child.
November 14, 2024
Powerful, heartbreaking, and beautifully written are just some of the words I would use to describe My Sanctuary. Written from the perspective of a teenage orphan, the author takes you on a journey. While this was a short book, it was impactful. Overall, this has been one of my favorite books I read in 2024.
September 25, 2024
I was invited to read this (Booksirens/ARC). I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters were brought to be cared for or despised. The story was engrossing. Would love to read more on an expanded story.
August 23, 2024
Very very heartbreaking and a roller coaster of emotions. But a great short story!!!
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