Valerie Wood brings such realism to her writing you feel as though you are experiencing the very things the subjects of her books experience! She brings her characters to life and you feel their every emotion. This book, again, does just that. Set in Victorian England, as all her books are, she takes you through Mikey and Ellies adventures after both leaving Hull for very different reasons. Mikey lives in poverty and Ellie comes from a priviledged background, however they both find themselves struggling when they meet up in London and their experiences bring them together to unite them regardless of their backgrounds. As ever Valerie Wood manages to highlight the appalling poverty that was predominant in Victorian times , but at the same time she highlights how much of a community spirit there was in those terrible times. People trusted each other and no matter how hard up they were they were always willing to help out their neighbour! What a lesson for us all!
As I live in the area that her books refer to, I have an affinity with these characters and places. I have read every book Valerie Wood has written and she has never disappointed me! My only complaint would be that she does not write fast enough!!!! I have to wait too long for the next read!
Well worth a read in my opinion.
Jill Morris