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Maggie
Born in the rough heart of London's East End, like a resilient city flower struggling toward the meager sun, Maggie kept on...
...through the death of her beloved father, her cherished marriage to a wayward husband of great tenderness and sudden brutality, the solitary fight to raise her four sons and the birth of her "coffee-colored baby," Maggie kept on...
...through poverty, the Depression, the Blackshirt Marches, the onslaught of World War II and its lonely aftermath, Maggie kept on...
...through four teeming decades touched by passion and tragedy, warmed by the sound of her own brave laughter, Maggie kept on, until -- like a golden promise bought with tears and trouble -- life gave her the happiness she earned.
...through the death of her beloved father, her cherished marriage to a wayward husband of great tenderness and sudden brutality, the solitary fight to raise her four sons and the birth of her "coffee-colored baby," Maggie kept on...
...through poverty, the Depression, the Blackshirt Marches, the onslaught of World War II and its lonely aftermath, Maggie kept on...
...through four teeming decades touched by passion and tragedy, warmed by the sound of her own brave laughter, Maggie kept on, until -- like a golden promise bought with tears and trouble -- life gave her the happiness she earned.
424 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
70 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Lena Kennedy
27 books25 followersLena Kennedy (June 15, 1914 - August 1 1986), was an English author. Her books were mostly historic romantic fiction set in and around the East End of London where she lived for all her life. Some of her books, including her autobiography, were published posthumously.
She appeared, as a subject, on the television programme This Is Your Life shortly before her death in 1986.
She appeared, as a subject, on the television programme This Is Your Life shortly before her death in 1986.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 6, 2022
One of the best books I've read this year. a saga of a wonderful cockney woman and her family from her childhood in the 1920s, her marriage and her four sons. Covers the marches of the Blackshirts , the Second World War, and the 50s and 60s. A realisitc portrait of the East End London and characters that come alive. Amazing read.
July 14, 2022
One of the best books I've read this year. a saga of a wonderful cockney woman and her family from her childhood in the 1920s, her marriage and her four sons. Covers the marches of the Blackshirts , the Second World War, and the 50s and 60s. A realisitc portrait of the East End London and characters that come alive. Amazing read
October 14, 2011
I love Lena Kennedy novels! Normally I don't read books, but as one reviewer said "it's the kind of book that when you're done, you eant to start over again". I read her books a number of years ago, but kept every one of them for that reason....to read them all again some day.
September 12, 2012
Hard to put down. I want to keep reading!
January 12, 2019
Filled with unlikeable characters, especially the main protagonist, this book has few redeeming qualities. Characters are introduced quickly with little development and often behave unexpectedly. The author writes with poor sentence structure and grammar as well. I should have followed my gut and stopped reading.
July 10, 2012
Lovely period story set in London
May 25, 2019
Maggie - is a woman who has lots of children. She treats them like dirt and is constantly described as wishing they weren't around. She beats them and shouts and screams at them. When the children are evacuated during World War 2 and live with a couple who show them love and affection Maggie resents this and seems puzzled that the children prefer that life to living in squalor with her.
Maggie, allegedly is hard-working and industrious. Yet, none of her many jobs last for more than a few paragraphs before she is fired, due to her not bothering to turn up.
Maggie, has a man who must have some serious issues. He believes Maggie is the love of his life. Maggie is too proud to move into council accommodation when her house is demolished - but in a heartbeat, accepts this man's cottage, wealth, clothes, jewellery. For reasons that remain vague, she continues to treat this man like dirt.
Maggie, revels in being un-intelligent. Reading, having an awareness of anything beyond her own selfish needs, is unnecessary. Maggie enjoys spending other people's money
There's a decent story here, but the author seems incapable of expressing any of the emotions of the characters so that they feel at least, relatable or believable. This is a novel, where it is all telling and no showing.
Maggie, allegedly is hard-working and industrious. Yet, none of her many jobs last for more than a few paragraphs before she is fired, due to her not bothering to turn up.
Maggie, has a man who must have some serious issues. He believes Maggie is the love of his life. Maggie is too proud to move into council accommodation when her house is demolished - but in a heartbeat, accepts this man's cottage, wealth, clothes, jewellery. For reasons that remain vague, she continues to treat this man like dirt.
Maggie, revels in being un-intelligent. Reading, having an awareness of anything beyond her own selfish needs, is unnecessary. Maggie enjoys spending other people's money
There's a decent story here, but the author seems incapable of expressing any of the emotions of the characters so that they feel at least, relatable or believable. This is a novel, where it is all telling and no showing.
December 9, 2015
This book was written by Lena Kennedy, who I had never heard of, but have since found she is an excellent writer.I'm not one to read romance novels, but for some reason I checked this book out in 1981, and read it. It turned out to be one of my favorite books of all time.
The story is about a young woman,the daughter of an Irish widower back in London before WW2.It is the story about her life, including getting pregnant at age 15 by the boy who she felt was THE one, to later losing her children during the war, and all her trials and tribulations in life until she is much older. The book has a happy ending and is the type of story that grips one emotionally and puts you there.
Something about this book, has gotten me though some tough times too, and from what I have read on other reviews, it tends to affect others the same way.It's the type of book you read over and over again.
I think this is a good book to read if you aren't into sappy love stories but enjoy somewhat of a romantic novel with a happy ending.
The story is about a young woman,the daughter of an Irish widower back in London before WW2.It is the story about her life, including getting pregnant at age 15 by the boy who she felt was THE one, to later losing her children during the war, and all her trials and tribulations in life until she is much older. The book has a happy ending and is the type of story that grips one emotionally and puts you there.
Something about this book, has gotten me though some tough times too, and from what I have read on other reviews, it tends to affect others the same way.It's the type of book you read over and over again.
I think this is a good book to read if you aren't into sappy love stories but enjoy somewhat of a romantic novel with a happy ending.
March 19, 2014
I loved this book. I read it ions ago (like about 30 years ago) It was one I had kept all these years but never re-read (I seldom re-read). Lately I have had trouble finding a satisfying read and I picked this up.
Romantic and inspiring. I thought of it as an "epic" and was shocked to see it is a contemporary romance. Sure it's romantic but basically it is the story of one young very impoverished girl who grows up in the east end of London. The book takes us from pre-WW1 all the way past WWII and we share in Maggie's victories and tragedies. The best part? It ends on a HAPPY note. So good. I plan on reading Kitty (which I have in my library from back when) very soon!
Romantic and inspiring. I thought of it as an "epic" and was shocked to see it is a contemporary romance. Sure it's romantic but basically it is the story of one young very impoverished girl who grows up in the east end of London. The book takes us from pre-WW1 all the way past WWII and we share in Maggie's victories and tragedies. The best part? It ends on a HAPPY note. So good. I plan on reading Kitty (which I have in my library from back when) very soon!
July 24, 2013
This is the first Lena Kennedy book I had read and also my favourite book of all time. An absolutely fantastic story based during the war in the east end of London. I love all the characters and I highly recommend this book!
December 30, 2019
In an effort to read some of the books that have been on my physical TBR shelf for years I picked this 1979 reread up. I enjoyed revisiting a book from years ago, my reading preferences have changed. I am happy I ended the decade with an old friend.
August 13, 2023
While I got through the book, I did not really enjoy it. I felt it a bit like a roller coaster with her choices bringing pain and difficulty and others always rescuing her criminally or honestly. Last part of book seemed as if the author didn't know how she wanted to end it.
November 27, 2020
Entertaining and rather grueling account of a "selfless" mother living in poverty in England from the 1920s through the 1960s. Very much of the late-1970s epic novel variety.
September 13, 2023
Lately I had lost my interest in novels and these fiction books but coming across this one left a totally different impact on my understanding of characters depicted in fiction books. The story of Maggie was also an addition to the evidences that I have gathered about life that it is made up of ups and downs, like a cycle process. You are happy at one time and sad at another. But moving on and carrying on is the only best option available. Moreover, the character of Maggie helped me learn to do what you delight regardless of others' opinion because, in the end, you will find out that it has always been you who is at the center of your life.
January 30, 2016
Great read!
Why was I in such a rush to finish this book?
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all about Maggie and her brood and just wish the story could have gone on longer - I am now suffering from "the post-book blues" !!!
Why was I in such a rush to finish this book?
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all about Maggie and her brood and just wish the story could have gone on longer - I am now suffering from "the post-book blues" !!!
June 14, 2016
Captivating.
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely read.Maggie was so endearing,and her diverse family kept the me interested to the point that I couldn't put this book down,this is the second time I've read this book and it was as good the second time around as it was the first.
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely read.Maggie was so endearing,and her diverse family kept the me interested to the point that I couldn't put this book down,this is the second time I've read this book and it was as good the second time around as it was the first.
September 12, 2016
this is a wonderful book set during the London blitz and the years following. tell the story of Maggie, her early years as a girl and young wife living in the east end, through her older years. a hidden gem
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January 7, 2015I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11943820
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11943820
July 16, 2015
my Mum used to read Lena Kennedy books years ago and after reading this I can see why. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit.
January 29, 2016
Enjoyed
Enjoyed reading about this family and hardship and love am glad she found true love and that her family were eventually happy for her
Enjoyed reading about this family and hardship and love am glad she found true love and that her family were eventually happy for her
February 7, 2016
Good saga long winded but good
A good read can't put down story need to know the ending. Around the world in 200 plus pages. Reccomend
A good read can't put down story need to know the ending. Around the world in 200 plus pages. Reccomend
March 1, 2016
PB-B @ 1980, 7/81. Fiction. The heroine struggles to raise her children in London thru poverty, the depression, World War II and evacuation. Very good.
April 5, 2016
A women's tale
An enjoyable read ,couldn't put it down. takes the reader into the life and times. Follows her through underage pregnancy and her husband's death.
An enjoyable read ,couldn't put it down. takes the reader into the life and times. Follows her through underage pregnancy and her husband's death.
August 2, 2016
Again
A great read could not put it down a good read a good feeling of the the ups and laughter and tears
A great read could not put it down a good read a good feeling of the the ups and laughter and tears
July 23, 2019
Amé este libro
July 16, 2021
A heart warming story of life during and after the second world war
April 9, 2017
I can't remember the exact date that I read this book but it was some time during the summer of 1986 during my school vacation at the river with my grandparents. I remember the story of Maggie was interesting and certain parts stuck with me years later. Since I read it as a 12-year-old I would love to re-read it as an adult to find out anything I might have missed reading from a child's perspective.
January 5, 2018
Brilliant
Just been introduced to this author. I would recommend her to anyone - such a fantastic read of a family saga beginning in the tough blitz of the east end - ending superbly away from London
Just been introduced to this author. I would recommend her to anyone - such a fantastic read of a family saga beginning in the tough blitz of the east end - ending superbly away from London
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews