Wonderfully Touching Story

I can hardly begin to say how this story has touched me. The strength of the main character, Julia, to get through all the hard trials life throws up for her, and to get everybody else through, with such a strength and cheerfulness of spirit, is touching and inspiring.
Her narration is simple but filled with a strong sense of the time and place. Also it is nuanced with so much that is unsaid - her selflessness, her determination to do the right thing, how she spends most of her time doing things for other people - especially her sister. They all rely on her, yet fail to see this. Her thoughts about people are generally accurate, but she rarely lets on.
It would be a mistake to think it a gritty tale of hardship. It's a clever and well written book full of historical detail that rings true, also full of the hope of the human spirit. At times I cried, but thankfully there was a happy ending.
It reminds me of the stories my grandparents told me of their childhoods in Lancashire and Manchester. It fills me with regret for their passing - all long dead now. I wish I could sit in front of the fire and listen to them again.
I have listened to and enjoyed all of the Kate Shackleton books, and wasn't sure about Frances Brody's other three stories on Audible. I found I loved this book even more and can't recommend it enough. I enjoyed the voice the narrator gave to Julia - tender but also strong. It was well performed and I had to keep listening to find out what happens. Buy it and listen to it - you won't regret it!

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