I read a recommendation about Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts, by Mary Gibson, on Instagram. I reserved the book from my local library and I'm so pleased I did as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"Britain 1911.
Strikes and riots erupt countrywide as the shadow of the Great War looms over Europe. But in one small corner of London, factory girl Nellie Clark's wages are all that keep her younger brothers and sister from starvation.
And, as the young women of Pearce Duff's custard factory watch their menfolk prepare to march off to war, Nellie is forced to make a difficult choice: between the family who depend upon her, and the man she loves...
Following Nellie and her struggle through the hardship of life in First World War London, Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts is an outstandingly moving novel full of tenderness and drama."
I read this book in October and have since read Jam and Roses, Gunner Girls and Fighter Boys, Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams, Hattie's Home, and A Sister's Struggle, all by the same author. They're all set in Bermondsey during different time periods and some characters are mentioned or feature throughout the books, though they're all standalone stories and don't have to be read in any particular order.
One common theme throughout the books is that Mary Gibson writes about strong women, and I imagine women of that time had to be strong with all that life threw at them, especially in these factory settings where the work was backbreaking.
I'd definitely recommend these books. There's only one more by this author which I've yet to read, The Bermondsey Bookshop. I've asked for it to be reserved at the library but I don't yet know when I'll be able to pick it up as our local library is closed because of lockdown. It was closed right through the last lockdown and didn't reopen again until the end of August so goodness knows how long it will remain closed this time.
It sounds like a good read Jo, I've started listening to ebooks and borrow them from Borrowbox, I'll look and see if there are any of these books available on there.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading novels set in that time period.
ReplyDeleteMy library has been closed since the end of March. xx
What an interesting area for the action to take place in all these books. Glad you enjoyed them and let's hope the libraries are back open soon. I expect you've got your Strictly socks ready to go as it's just about to start!
ReplyDeleteThey sound really good Jo & although I don't read like I used to, I may just see if our library can locate at least one to start me off. Ours is open again & with basically no new cases here in Oz, we can use it again & have so much more freedom, though we still need masks on here in Victoria, which we believe had one of the toughest lockdowns in the world when it all went wrong. Take care, stay safe & huggles.
ReplyDeleteI bought this a few years ago to read after Mark said he thought I might like it, I did get a good way though but I didn't enjoy it as much as i wanted to, I think i may have given up on it begore getting to the end. I haven't had any books from the library for ages, although i do know they are still delivering to mother in law at the moment, they just bring a selection for her, she has just discovered Jeffery Archer and the Clifton Chronicles, I think you would like this series Jo if you haven't already read them. I started reading them when they were first published they are very good.
ReplyDeleteJo, I know someone who would love that book. I was thinking about my mother and as her dementia progressed she read less and less. But when she was anxious earlier in her life and she didnt want to leave her home, she had her books. I Brought as many irish family novels as the library held to her. She read them with gusto. It allowed her to leave. I thank all the writers in the world of this
ReplyDeleteSounds just the kind of book I'd enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kind of book. I am not reading a lot these days but hopefully now the weather has changed I will get back into it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fascinating and interesting series of books Jo. I always love it when I find an author I really like and they have written lots of other books too. Thank you for sharing x
ReplyDeleteSounds a good read.
ReplyDeleteHope you don't have to wait too long before you can get 'The Bermondsey Bookshop'
All the best Jan
What a great name for a book :)
ReplyDeletexx
Those books sound just wonderful. Yes, women had to be strong at that time.xxx
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