The Holy City: A Tale of Clydebank

by Meg Henderson

This novel tells the story of the people of Clydebank during the Blitz and in the postwar years, depicting their camaraderie and resilience in the face of adversity.

Genres: Fiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

*note - Born in 1948 however the date/month on my part is unknown and unable to find*

Journalist and author Meg Henderson was born in Townhead, Glasgow. The youngest of three children (2 brothers). Her parents an Irish Catholic father and her mother an Irish/Scottish Protestant.

Meg Henderson lived in several parts of the city including Blackhill, Drumchapel, and Maryhill. After the death of her beloved aunt Peggy; Meg Henderson left her convent secondary school at the age of sixteen to care for her family, an alcoholic father and a mother who was unable to cope with the loss of her sister. On which her first novel 'Finding Peggy' was born out of research into her family history.

First working within the NHS and then travelling to India with the Voluntary Service Overseas. On her return to Scotland she married and went to live on a Scottish island and became an adoptive and foster parent while writing the occasional newspaper article. When Meg Henderson gave up fostering she decided to write full-time.

Henderson now lives with her husband on the East Coast of Scotland works as both a journalist and an author, writting for newspapers, magazines, and television documentaries for the BBC and C4.

Henderson's novels are generally set in pre-war and wartime Glasgow.

Reviews

[Anne Philpott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like I was back there, but in my Mum's and Dad's time in the 40s and 50s. Definitely a good read if you know the area and people.

[Aliya Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving novel which depicts a vivid snapshot of a community devastated by war, and the struggle, hope and connections which remain throughout. Characters you care about.

[Julieanne Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

being a New Zealander I tried to read the accents out loud in my voice but could not. yet strangely Meg Henderson made the voices alive in my head. I was moved by the tenacity Marion had, the inane details of her life resonated. the book superbly explained a woman's lot during the Blitz, and post war years. historical fiction at its best. I felt the dreariness and struggle of the shipyards, the singer sewing machine factory and the inevitable asbestosis. written from a socialist feminist point of view, a unique book.

[Lorraine Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good combination of human interest and the impact of the blitz on the ordinary people of Glasgow. Loved the dialect and the humour.

[Be Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 🌝🌝🌝🌜
A terrific strong female lead character, in a beautiful story, in a devasting time.
Set in Northern England of the 1940s-1950s
If your parents or grandparents lived in this time ... and especially if they lived in England, this book will move you closer to them.
However, even without a personal connection, 'The Holy City' is a mighty fine read.
I've read this book twice in 20-years and I think I could easily read it again ... soon.
It's a good read.

[Robert Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meg captures Clydebank character and attitudes so well, it helped me understand more if my Clydebank family background.
I was totally enraptured and surprisingly emotional reading it.
But the parallels with war and deprivation elsewhere make it relevant to so many areas of today’s global troubles.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most detailed novel about the Clydebank Blitz which honours the memory of those affected. Well worth seeking out.

[Douglas Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really good insight into working class life in Clydebank. well written and a compelling read

[Deb Hudon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely rivetting book by Meg Henderson. The people and life in Clydebank during the blitz is completely brought to life in these pages. I could hear and see my own family in the characters. Singers, John Brown's, Rivetters, French polishers and machinist all.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming from Glasgow I really enjoyed this.