Down Stepney Way

East End Trilogy #1

by Sally Worboyes

In the turbulent East End of London in the 30s, Jessie Warner is growing up. Emotions are running high in Stepney, with Blackshirts marching through the streets and the Jewish community under threat of violence. Jessie finds it alarming, particularly as her boyfriend Max is Jewish, but there is more to worry her. Discovering a family secret, Jessie turns to her mother for answers, but Rose is reluctant to reveal the past - for there is something that Jessie must never know.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Sally Worboyes was born and grew up in Stepney with four brothers and a sister, and she brings some of the raw history of her own family background to her East End sagas. She now lives in Norfolk with her husband, with whom she has three grown-up children. She has written several plays which have been broadcast on Anglia Television and Radio Four. She also adapted her own play and novel, WILD HOPS, as a musical, The Hop Pickers.

Reviews

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly felt very familiar when describing life in the east end however the storyline was a little weak

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down Stepney Way is a well-written story taking place in England in the years prior to the start of World War II. It is a story of family and family secrets, focusing on a young girl Jessie, her family, and her interactions with friends, neighbors, the community, and developing romance. It shows the lives of people living in the shadow of war, and how people coped with rising tensions in the community from groups stirring up strife and dissent. But more than that, we are exposed to the inner workings of families, the ups and downs, the bitterness, and the kindnesses. The story is good. We see family exposed, and the effects and consequences of decisions made years previously.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the story. It is not always a happy story, but neither is life in general. My only negative comment was that for me it got confusing at times with all the various family and non-family members and their relationships with one another. I recommend this book to readers.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, but it really needs proof reading.
Spelling mistakes and words that don't mean anything to the context of the story.
It's a shame because if you can get past that really good story.
The author's do an amazing job only to be let down by editors.
Thank you Sally for a enjoyable read

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Liked the story of Jessie and Dolly, her younger sister, as well as Hannah who is connected to them. I liked the difference in values that ran throughout the story. It was interesting and entertaining, with characters who rang true to that era.

[Corrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

[Isabel Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed reading this book. I will assume that the next part is during the war because of the mention of German spies.

[karen b billing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting to read

[valerie hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Loved this book , was good from beginning to end, and set before world war 2 .lovely cockney london story

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the story, interesting history. would have like more fleshing out of the story. Feels a bit rushed especially at the end.

[Susan Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great family saga

Reading this story took me back into East London. A story with twists and turns. A lovely end for all.

[Ruby Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, loved the characters, and an easy book to read to. Cant wait for their next chapter and read how they all survive the war ahead.

[Christine Probyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and will

look out for more of her books . I have been reading it at bed time to get myself off to sleep.

[Maureen Farrugia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Published 1999 | Set 1936

Down Stepney Way | First book of war trilogy
Over Bethnal Green | Second book of war trilogy
At the Mile End Gate | Third book of war trilogy

Took me well into the book to begin to enjoy this story, then, started to appreciate the family of characters and the story line.

From these three books, Over Bethnal Green was the more informative/interesting read for me.

Fashion:) Chiffon Neckerchief.
Oyster Satin coat with tiny coloured glass buttons with matching skirt.

[Asmaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took longer to get hooked into it tgan furst books but still a good read