At the tender age of 13 Kate mourns the sudden and unexpected loss of her mother and in turn loses her education as she has to fulfil her family duty by taking care of her father and siblings.
In 1910 life is hard for young Kate. Coming from a poor mining family leaves her no option but to graft hard and take responsibility for being the woman of the house.
She cares for her family fiercely but her heart hardens in her outward affections as her life gradually chips away any softness in her.
Shortly after the First World War, Kate finds herself married and has children. Again she grafts hard for her family and whilst she dotes on her firstborn son, her daughter and youngest son are more a chore to her than a joy.
She finds her joy in building her baking empire and building a strong foundation for her family.
I did become frustrated with Kate. Whilst she had compassion in her, the fact that she didn't break the foundation of her own emotionally stunted childhood bothered me. She yearned for recognition and affection herself but gave none to those she holds dear. And she paid the price for it over time and generations.
She didn't learn from her mistakes that were made over and over again. Until the very end when she finally had a break through.
Then I realised that I have no conception of what it must have been like to live through 2 world wars, lose so many people and still have to work in a back breaking environment.
Ultimately Kate's story is one of hardship and loss. And it's told well.
I would most definitely read more instalments by Ramsay.
I would like to thank Readers First for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
In 1910 life is hard for young Kate. Coming from a poor mining family leaves her no option but to graft hard and take responsibility for being the woman of the house.
She cares for her family fiercely but her heart hardens in her outward affections as her life gradually chips away any softness in her.
Shortly after the First World War, Kate finds herself married and has children. Again she grafts hard for her family and whilst she dotes on her firstborn son, her daughter and youngest son are more a chore to her than a joy.
She finds her joy in building her baking empire and building a strong foundation for her family.
I did become frustrated with Kate. Whilst she had compassion in her, the fact that she didn't break the foundation of her own emotionally stunted childhood bothered me. She yearned for recognition and affection herself but gave none to those she holds dear. And she paid the price for it over time and generations.
She didn't learn from her mistakes that were made over and over again. Until the very end when she finally had a break through.
Then I realised that I have no conception of what it must have been like to live through 2 world wars, lose so many people and still have to work in a back breaking environment.
Ultimately Kate's story is one of hardship and loss. And it's told well.
I would most definitely read more instalments by Ramsay.
I would like to thank Readers First for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.