I read this book after having heard a brief description of it on a radio programme. I felt that I could relate to it as I was also brought up to this style of life - minus the Cruelty Man ofcourse - namely Elgin in the North of Scotland. I know 'The Close' and the 'Lido' so well. I was a young girl at this time, innocent and eager to explore what the 'City' had to offer. I felt that I knew the inhabitants of the Close and Jessie Kesson told this story as I would like to have done. However, even though I personally had a close affinity with the story, I felt that anyone could pick up this book and be immediately transported back to that era of poverty, yet happiness. I could not lay the book down and as it is a very small but exciting read you can easily finish it in a short time. I shall read it again.