Orphan of Angel Street

by Annie Murray

Abandoned at birth, little Mercy Hanley shows a fierce determination few others can match. Her inner fire burns brightly, even in the harsh conditions of turn of the century Birmingham.

For behind Mercy's pale and haunting face, there is a mind of steel, as her harsh foster mother; Mrs Gaskin, soon discovers. Beatings, threats and poverty cannot halt Mercy's efforts to improve herself, or to create a new life for Susan, Mrs Gaskin's crippled daughter.

Even in the worst times, it is as if someone is watching over Mercy. Willing her to succeed...

Through the dark shadow of world war, Mercy continues her fight for survival. She will first earn her freedom and security. Then at long last she can give her love...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical

518 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Annie Murray was a ‘childhood writer.’ Her career was helped a great deal by belonging to Tindal Street Fiction Group in Birmingham and by winning the SHE/Granada TV Short Story Competition in 1991. She has published short stories in a number of anthologies as well as SHE magazine. Her first regional saga, Birmingham Rose appeared in 1995 and reached the Times bestseller list. She has since published more than a dozen others, including the ‘Cadbury books,’ Chocolate Girls and The Bells of Bournville Green, Family of Women and her latest, A Hopscotch Summer. Annie has four children and lives near Reading.

Reviews

[Abbie Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely story!

[DubaiReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for the abridged audiobook.

I thoroughly enjoyed this abridged audiobook and was only sorry that I didn't have the full version.
It was beautifully read by Frances Barber, whose voice suited the story perfectly.

We meet Mercy Hanley as a new-born, abandoned on the steps of a Birmingham orphanage. Her mother waited to see her discovered and then walked away. Mercy is a spirited child, causing problems for her carers. Only Dorothy shows her any compassion.
When a new home is found for Mercy, she becomes the close friend of crippled Susan, but conditions are no better than in the orphanage and it is only her bond with Susan that keeps her with Mrs Gaskin, Susan's mother.
In spite of the poverty in the early 1900s Birmingham, we have a sense that Mercy will make something of herself. Then the war comes and the young men of her area leave to fight. Mercy is a teenager by now and must cope with the changes like everyone else. Will she ever escape from a life of poverty?

I have a couple of Annie Murray books on my shelves, I really should bump them up my tbr pile.

Also read (in abridged audiobook)
Miss Purdy's Class (4 stars)

[Yan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book about ten years ago. Don't remember much of it now but only that I enjoyed it and couldn't put it down.

[Paula Angus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow moving, but definitely worth making it to the end.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book from start to finish. Loved the characters as well they all bonded.

[Michaela Peeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I really enjoyed this book. The tale of Mercy Hanley, set in the first world war period. The story covered class divide, how the war affected families and the associated problems of being poor during these times. The ending was predictable but what reader hoped for the long suffering Mercy. Great read.

[Victoria Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit slow and somewhat depressing, (this girl really does have some bad luck), but I’m not the type of person to give up on a book once I’ve started. I must admit, the storyline does improve about halfway in, but I did struggle to read it in its entirety.

[Samantha Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great story by Annie Murray.
I actually didn't know what to think when reading the story.
It was shock and a surprise.
Mentioning a few road that I have heard of which was great.
The main character had a tough life but it all worked out in the end.

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story about a baby left on the steps of a orphanage. I like how Annie's books are set in Birmingham.

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book should have a trigger warning. Multiple mentioned and descriptions of s*xual a*sault

[Maria Argent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit slow.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened as an audiobook and didn't mind the narrator - was able to convey the different characters clearly. Not a stand out story but enjoyable enough to pass the hours on the commute to work

[Twinkle Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely Loved this story!
A little girl abandoned at birth shows fierce determination to go through hard conditions in her life. Beatings,threats and poverty cannot halt her fight for survival✌

[Te Huinga Tahi Southland Campus Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good quick easy read.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable and light read.