The Orphan of Farthing Street

Sep 21, 2024 8:24 AM

Author:Beryl Matthews

Discover the heartwarming and uplifting story of a young orphan's survival in wartime London

London, 1934.

Growing up in poverty on Farthing Street, fourteen-year-old Amy Carter is no stranger to hardship.

But when her father is hanged for murder and her mother dies suddenly soon after, orphaned Amy is in danger of being left homeless and unloved.

Until one day, Amy's luck changes and she is taken in by Ben, an artist, and his kindly landlady, Mrs Dalton.

Welcomed into the hearts of the residents of Mrs Dalton's home, Amy flourishes under their care and devotion. So when, five years later, she catches the eye of handsome doctor John Sterling, she almost believes she has left her past - and its troubles - behind her.

Yet a gathering storm is threatening England. The prospect of war can shatter even the most charmed life. And for Amy, the bombs are still to fall . . .

**Previously published as One Step at a Time**

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Praise for Beryl Matthews:

'A heartwarming and uplifting tale' Daily Express

'Catherine Cookson fans will love this' Woman's Own

Reviews

A heartwarming and uplifting tale

—— Daily Express

Catherine Cookson fans will love this

—— Woman's Own

A brilliant read

—— Take a Break

Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages

—— Woman

A moving exploration of love and the sacrifices we're willing to make in its name

—— Joanne Finney , Good Housekeeping

Over a distinguished literary career, Rose Tremain has traversed genres with her customary flair... in her portrayal of the ways in which individual longing and frustration unfold against the constraints of forces beyond our control, Tremain has long been one of our most accomplished novelists, and here is further confirmation

—— Stephanie Merritt , The Observer

An exhilarating exploration of love, life, loss and death... A thrilling and seductive story... Vivid and beguiling

—— Rowan Mantell , Eastern Daily Press

Rose Tremain gives Hilary Mantel a run for her money for the title of Britain's greatest living historical novelist... there are still few writers who can conjure up a version of the past that is so startlingly unfamiliar yet so convincing

—— Charlotte Heathcote , Sunday Express

An enjoyable page-turner

—— Robert Douglas-Fairhurst , The Times

A new book from Rose Tremain is always a cause for celebration. Her exceptionally well-crafted and deeply humane historical novels are invariably a joy and Islands of Mercy is no exception... A rich, rewarding and highly satisfying novel from one of our finest novelists.

—— Daunt Books

Vivid, transgressive, explicit and kaleidoscopic

—— Rose Shepherd , Saga Magazine

O'Callaghan's prose is mesmerising in its beauty . . . Profound, moving, sometimes shocking, [Life Sentences is] from the pen of a writer at the top of his game.

—— Anne Cunningham , Meath Chronicle

One of the most beautiful books of the year.

—— Sam Blake, #1 Irish Times bestselling author of the Cat Connolly trilogy

The novel I most look forward to is Billy O'Callaghan's Life Sentences.

—— Maggie Fergusson , Tablet *Highlights of 2021*

The accomplished writer . . . O'Callaghan has proved an empathic and expert diviner of the extraordinary in ordinary lives.

—— Marjorie Brennan , Irish Examiner

An absolutely stunning book . . . A truly beautiful read.

—— Sinéad Moriarty

A gifted storyteller.

—— Donal O'Donoghue , RTÉ Guide

A terrific family saga.

—— Village Bookshelf

A lyrical prose reminiscent of William Trevor, and a haunting family drama.

—— Times Literary Supplement

One of the most exciting literary talents to emerge in the last decade.

—— Irish Examiner

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