BOOK REVIEW BY JANET COLLINSON
From the immediacy of the first descriptive paragraph,
the reader is instantly connected with the main character – Gertie – in fact
right there beside her; understanding the emotional as well as the practical
needs of the poor child.
The novel is rich in characterization, dialogue,
narration and language of the time –early mid-C19th – south London.
The characters draw the reader in one by one – some
likeable, some predictable, others surprising in their tone and use of words –
some even detestable, yet very much true to the historical period in which
these characters live and move. Yet over time – these characters present
and develop their own unique identity – by the use of the brilliant depth yet
ease of language. Julie Roxburgh is able to convey upon the reader the
full emotive response to any given situation. Full of sentiment, yet not
sentimentality. As each character ebbs and flows throughout this stirring
novel, they captivate the reader with their wisdom and insight- drawing pm
their own experiences of life- poignancy, regret, rejoicing and emotional
identity.
It is unquestionably a very vivid visual exposure of
life and times – interjected with many true life events – perceive in every
sentence and situation.
Even when the reader leaves the unfolding drama – the
main characters Gertie and Amos stay living on in one’s mind – an understanding
of a retrospective of happiness and of sadness flashing accross the reader’s
memory recall. This occurs because of the creativeness and brilliance of
the dialogue and narration until once more the reader is compelled to re-appear
(invisibly) in the scene adept masterfully set before them.
As the reader reads the final beloved words – you could
still wish to continue – yet also having been drawn to watch the final curtain
as it closes over the stage and every personalized contributor.
Three words to take away from this accomplished and
gifted book’s author:-
Listen, Learn and Love.
Janet Collinson.
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