Marchwood

From sordid and uncompromising beginnings, Mary Marchwood is the anchor of the story, coping with the trials, false promises, dreams and failures of petty criminality. The union of Mary and Seth, two vivid personalities, produces a force to be reckoned with. As Seth and Mary grind their way upwards, their offspring muddy the clarity of their father’s schemes with their burgeoning independence. Marchwood is a book about truth, about the acceptance of flaws in people and the imperfections of many locations in which they live. Writing cinematically in third -person-present tense, the author puts the reader right inside the frame, witnessing the unavoidable horrors of living on the furthest edge of Victorian life. This is a tight, no-nonsense account of a straight-forward, brusque, rogue, Seth Marchwood, whose path through life is fuelled by want, and faith in himself. Educational and entertaining in its colourful but hard setting, it is a worthy book with engaging though not always pleasant characters. From rough beginnings, redemption seems to be one of the few graces offering reward.

Characters rooted in the harsh realities of their time spanning mid 19th century to mid 20th. Interesting family saga. A study in criminality driven by poverty and desire to avoid the workhouse, at any price. A really enjoyable read.

Looking forward to reading this book.

Sounds very interesting,can't wait to read the book

Amazing reading..transports you to those appalling times of poverty and great hardship..superbly written and described