Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Blind Miller by Catherine Cookson, 289 pp.

A fascinating glimpse into socio-economic goings on of Northeast England of early to mid last century. The setting is the Fifteen Streets of East Jarrow; most of the characters work, have worked, or otherwise owe their livelihood to the shipping docks thereof. At the “top” of the Fifteen Streets live those who are managers, office workers, and others well-to-do. At the “bottom” are those more apt to be out of work or those at the bottom rung of employment. Sarah, the novel’s main character is from the bottom, but captures the attention and heart of a young man from the top, David Heatherington. When Sarah’s sister Phyllis escapes their lowly life and abusive stepfather by marrying an Arab (scandal!!!), David and Sarah quickly and secretly marry before David’s overbearing mother finds out and forbids their marriage altogether. From that point on, it’s a struggle. Of course the mother-in-law can never forgive and forget, and beyond that, the abusive stepfather we’d hoped Sarah had escaped, resurfaces and remains a constant threat to Sarah’s happiness and peace of mind. Even his death ruins Sarah’s life beyond belief.
One of my resolutions for 2012: more Catherine Cookson!

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