The Orphan At age fifteen, Harald, privately educated, of middle class conservative parents, becomes an orphan. He has to deal with life in an orphanage, a brief stay with bad foster parents and a return to the orphanage. A conscientious caseworker places him with an aristocratic, childless couple. He adapts quickly to the life style of high society, due to the love from his foster mother, which at times seems to be more than just motherly. His foster father, who rarely smiles, develops respect and love for him and an interest in his future. As the boy enjoys the rich life, he struggles with his feelings for some girls of the upper class, a staff member, and his feelings for his mother. He realizes how privileged he had become and does not forget the little ones at the orphanage. He helps them as much as he can. One of them, little Frankie, ten years younger, grows very close to his heart. Harald is a sensitive fellow, but shows strength and character when no one expects it. A tragic accident at a ski resort proofs it. This story is heartwarming, void of horror, vulgarity and bloodletting, so rarely found on today's literary market. But it has its tense period's, interspersed with funny moments. You can't help but fall in love with Harald as he grows into a young man.