The gritty London cesspit comes alive in this historic family drama. Young woman Bess must give her new baby to a charity, providing a home and job for baby Clara. A well written engaging read informs us of the poverty back then, Dickensian.
The previous Halls book was not a favourite of mine, but it looks like this book has addressed the flaws and brought vast improvements.
Halls benefitted from her own London experience, but also researched to bring a believable old London town to life. The crabby clawed fish sellers, the historic male attitudes to women, casually committing sex crimes which would see them behind bars these days. Having a special bedside urination pot, sharing rooms and drinking ale for breakfast, meat pies, its all there, well done Halls.
Excellent characterisation. The frictional family unit of the quiet Dad, drunken ginger brother and protagonist Bess bumping together, arguing, criticising but also supporting each other.
The language is great, cockney guttersniping, authentic use of swearing and lilting fish seller lingo all bring a splendid experience.
The harsh times come across really well, the important topic of social care comes to the fore, focussing on issues which are relevant in modern society, which should bring a contrast and emphasise that we live in a better world, which we should preserve, protect and improve upon. Hopefully the next Halls book will not reflect upon the prosperity of the good old 1990s.
The previous Halls book was not a favourite of mine, but it looks like this book has addressed the flaws and brought vast improvements.
Halls benefitted from her own London experience, but also researched to bring a believable old London town to life. The crabby clawed fish sellers, the historic male attitudes to women, casually committing sex crimes which would see them behind bars these days. Having a special bedside urination pot, sharing rooms and drinking ale for breakfast, meat pies, its all there, well done Halls.
Excellent characterisation. The frictional family unit of the quiet Dad, drunken ginger brother and protagonist Bess bumping together, arguing, criticising but also supporting each other.
The language is great, cockney guttersniping, authentic use of swearing and lilting fish seller lingo all bring a splendid experience.
The harsh times come across really well, the important topic of social care comes to the fore, focussing on issues which are relevant in modern society, which should bring a contrast and emphasise that we live in a better world, which we should preserve, protect and improve upon. Hopefully the next Halls book will not reflect upon the prosperity of the good old 1990s.