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The Clippie Girls
Sisters in love. A family at war. A city in peril.
Rose and Myrtle Sylvester look up to their older sister, Peggy. She is the sensible, reliable one in the household of women headed by their grandmother, Grace Booth, and their mother, Mary Sylvester. When war is declared in 1939 they must face the hardships together and huge changes in their lives are inevitable. For Rose, there is the chance to fulfil her dream of becoming a clippie on Sheffield’s trams like Peggy. But for Myrtle, the studious, clever one in the family, war may shatter her ambitions.
When the tram on which Peggy is a conductress is caught in a bomb blast, she bravely helps to rescue her passengers. One of them is a young soldier, Terry Price, and he and Peggy begin courting. They meet every time he can get leave, but eventually Terry is posted abroad and she hears nothing from him. Worse still, Peggy must break the devastating news to her family that she is pregnant.
The shock waves that ripple through the family will affect each and every one of them and life will never be the same again.
Rose and Myrtle Sylvester look up to their older sister, Peggy. She is the sensible, reliable one in the household of women headed by their grandmother, Grace Booth, and their mother, Mary Sylvester. When war is declared in 1939 they must face the hardships together and huge changes in their lives are inevitable. For Rose, there is the chance to fulfil her dream of becoming a clippie on Sheffield’s trams like Peggy. But for Myrtle, the studious, clever one in the family, war may shatter her ambitions.
When the tram on which Peggy is a conductress is caught in a bomb blast, she bravely helps to rescue her passengers. One of them is a young soldier, Terry Price, and he and Peggy begin courting. They meet every time he can get leave, but eventually Terry is posted abroad and she hears nothing from him. Worse still, Peggy must break the devastating news to her family that she is pregnant.
The shock waves that ripple through the family will affect each and every one of them and life will never be the same again.
436 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
63 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Dickinson
95 books178 followersBorn in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Margaret Dickinson moved to the coast at the age of seven and so began her love for the sea and the Lincolnshire landscape. Her ambition to be a writer began early and she had her first novel published at the age of twenty-five. This was followed by many further titles including Plough the Furrow, Sow the Seed and Reap the Harvest, which make up her Lincolnshire Fleethaven Trilogy. She is also the author of Fairfield Hall, Jenny's War and The Clippie Girls. Margaret is a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 6, 2022
A "Clippie Girl" is a woman who works as a conductor on a tram.
This really is not working for me. I have listened to about half. It is not keeping my attention. It is super drippy, a typical and ordinary romance plastered on top of historical fiction about the bombing of Sheffield, England, during the Second World War. The plot is so very predictable.
Should I dump this? Well yes, I think I should.
Maggie Mash narrates the audiobook. Her narration doesn't fit me either. She overdramatizes.
I am rating and writing this review to warn others.
******************
*The Fisher Lass 3 stars
*The Clippie Girls 1 star
This really is not working for me. I have listened to about half. It is not keeping my attention. It is super drippy, a typical and ordinary romance plastered on top of historical fiction about the bombing of Sheffield, England, during the Second World War. The plot is so very predictable.
Should I dump this? Well yes, I think I should.
Maggie Mash narrates the audiobook. Her narration doesn't fit me either. She overdramatizes.
I am rating and writing this review to warn others.
******************
*The Fisher Lass 3 stars
*The Clippie Girls 1 star
July 30, 2013
I loved this and have found a new top author in margaret dickinson!
This would have been my type of book anyway as I love romances set in war times, but I feel this book really gave me something new. As well as one of the most historicly accurate war books I have read.
I dont want to spoil anything, but this book delievered it all gasps, tears, laughter and genuine happyness for the charaters.
Its takes a very very good author to make you feel like the charaters are your friends and margaret really delievers on that.
This is the type of book that you wont want to read when you near to the end because you just dont want it to end!
This would have been my type of book anyway as I love romances set in war times, but I feel this book really gave me something new. As well as one of the most historicly accurate war books I have read.
I dont want to spoil anything, but this book delievered it all gasps, tears, laughter and genuine happyness for the charaters.
Its takes a very very good author to make you feel like the charaters are your friends and margaret really delievers on that.
This is the type of book that you wont want to read when you near to the end because you just dont want it to end!
February 16, 2013
This was a family saga about 3 sisters, their mother and grandmother, in the time of WWII.
The war starts and sisters Peggy and Rose becomes clippies (conductresses). Peggy is the oldest, pretty levelheaded and careful. I liked her and understood why she was not over the heals in love with the man she was going out with. While Rose is the hellion (well almost) and who is in love with her sister's boyfriend. As you can see tension from the start.
Then we have a grandmother who says what she wants and has very firm opinions about things. A mother who stands in her own mother's shadow and the youngest sister who loves to study.
But it's mostly about Peggy and Rose. Their lives during the war as it changes everything. It's a book about friendship, love, family and heartache.
When the book reached a certain point I did not want to put it down. I needed to know what would happen to certain characters and I feared my heart would break.
A good family saga
The war starts and sisters Peggy and Rose becomes clippies (conductresses). Peggy is the oldest, pretty levelheaded and careful. I liked her and understood why she was not over the heals in love with the man she was going out with. While Rose is the hellion (well almost) and who is in love with her sister's boyfriend. As you can see tension from the start.
Then we have a grandmother who says what she wants and has very firm opinions about things. A mother who stands in her own mother's shadow and the youngest sister who loves to study.
But it's mostly about Peggy and Rose. Their lives during the war as it changes everything. It's a book about friendship, love, family and heartache.
When the book reached a certain point I did not want to put it down. I needed to know what would happen to certain characters and I feared my heart would break.
A good family saga
August 2, 2013
My mum gave me this book because it's about wartime and Sheffield. Two of my favourite things. I thought it'd be the perfect book for me. But it wasn't. Not quite. I'm giving this a generous four stars because it didn't really do what it said on the tin.
The title led me to believe there'd be more about the actual Blitz and the conditions the girls were working in--more blood and guts, if you like. However, apart from a few brief sections, the story was mainly focussed on the 'house of women', their concerns, love-lives and jealousies. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it, but I did feel a bit cheated when I reached 'The End'. The epilogue was a whole list of telling, as if the author had reached her word limit so left us with a potted summary of the future instead.
Although it was a good read, I think it could have been better.
The title led me to believe there'd be more about the actual Blitz and the conditions the girls were working in--more blood and guts, if you like. However, apart from a few brief sections, the story was mainly focussed on the 'house of women', their concerns, love-lives and jealousies. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it, but I did feel a bit cheated when I reached 'The End'. The epilogue was a whole list of telling, as if the author had reached her word limit so left us with a potted summary of the future instead.
Although it was a good read, I think it could have been better.
February 10, 2017
100% LOVED this book! loved the characters, the story lines, everything!! Another favouite going onto the list!
August 17, 2015
This book was surprisingly enjoyable. I don't usually read books like this one but once I started it, well I couldn't stop! The plot was excellent and it was very believable. The romance, quarrels and everyday lives of the women who were starred in this novel as well as the amount of detail, I felt like is was right there living the moment with them. The characters were all very unique and you could easily see that they were thoroughly thought through. Reading this book was a great experience, I learned a lot about the way lives were impacted in the Second World War, the amount of sacrifices that needed to be made as well as the amount of sorrow it brought with it. But I did also see the way neighbors and strangers were brought together in friendship and experiences that will most certainly last a life time. In the end, I am very happy that I picked this book up and read it because it really would have been a big lose! Margaret Dickinson thanks for writing this book, I loved it!!
November 7, 2016
Set during World War II in Sheffield. This book is about three sisters, Peggy, Rose and Myrtle. Peggy, the oldest is seen as the dependable one and starts working as a Clippie on the trams. During a bomb blast she is helped by a soldier called Terry and it's love at first sight.
But it's not plain sailing as Peggy already has a boyfriend, a boyfriend that Rose is secretly in love with. Rose is furious at Peggy for dumping Bob and even more so when it turns out that Peggy is pregnant. Terry has gone back to fight and Peggy is left with the shame of being an unmarried mother.
I always love home front war stories and this was no exception. Great characters, even if it was weird that Rose went for Bob after Peggy. Dating your sisters ex's is a big no no! I would read Dickinson again.
But it's not plain sailing as Peggy already has a boyfriend, a boyfriend that Rose is secretly in love with. Rose is furious at Peggy for dumping Bob and even more so when it turns out that Peggy is pregnant. Terry has gone back to fight and Peggy is left with the shame of being an unmarried mother.
I always love home front war stories and this was no exception. Great characters, even if it was weird that Rose went for Bob after Peggy. Dating your sisters ex's is a big no no! I would read Dickinson again.
March 23, 2013
Absolutely Loved it, Not read a War Saga for a while and are my Favourite type of Book .. really enjoyed the storyline pleased that all characters got their happy ending, the epilogue was brill helped round up the characters lives ;)
December 13, 2023
Another good story based in WWII England. They’re a favourite of mine in between more weightier books.
August 10, 2016
Complete review available: The Clippie Girls
With an original twist on the traditional world war tale, Dickinson presents a quaint and enjoyable read. The novel is well-paced, and the epilogue used effectively to realistically tie up loose ends. A strong, albeit largely predictable romance/historical-fiction novel.
With an original twist on the traditional world war tale, Dickinson presents a quaint and enjoyable read. The novel is well-paced, and the epilogue used effectively to realistically tie up loose ends. A strong, albeit largely predictable romance/historical-fiction novel.
June 25, 2013
Another brilliant war time story from Margaret Dickinson. If you're looking for a trip back in time you must read this author. Full of fun, a family story throughout the war.
February 22, 2022
This book is simply written compared to anything I've read recently. It is mostly dialogue and quick third person commentary of a linear story involving lots of characters.
The main focus of this book is the narrative, at the expense of true connection with the characters. The core family are explained in such a surface manner that it's hard to dig in and enjoy them. The audience get sweeping stereotypes - the elder sister who is a placating woman who makes one bad decision; the middle sister who is brash and speaks her mind; and the youngest who is studious and meek while yearning to fit in with the rest of the family. The other characters like Mam and Gran are important to driving the story along, but again are described so simply that it's hard to empathise with them.
In the first chapter, the reader meets a whole fleet of characters who come in such a barrage it's hard to untangle them all. Even through the course of the book did I misplace the names of the husbands and the sons and the brothers and neighbours. There are often little flag markers to help "so-and-so from next-door", and thank goodness for that.
One of the major themes is the solidarity of women in a family, especially as their men are killed or missing in action. However, this solidarity and bond is so viciously thrown aside when the eldest daughter is pregnant yet unmarried. It is one of the major moments of tension in the book, and I could not understand why is was so. The characters made poor decisions at most turns, and as we only had sweeping brushstrokes of their personality and history it was hard to understand their motives.
Even though the story is a reflection of the time it was set, there was an undercurrent of anti-abortion / anti-adoption commentary. It felt like the author was lightly trying to push their opinions about pregnancy. There is a lot of insensitivity towards the expectant mother, basically shunning her in the home. Nor to mention when she experiences postpartum depression. I understand that these family pressures are included in the story to keep the baby in the family for the father to return from war at the end.
I have certainly read better 1940s historical fiction books. I found this to be rather surface, broad, sweeping, and generalised. But of course, that is what a library is for!
The main focus of this book is the narrative, at the expense of true connection with the characters. The core family are explained in such a surface manner that it's hard to dig in and enjoy them. The audience get sweeping stereotypes - the elder sister who is a placating woman who makes one bad decision; the middle sister who is brash and speaks her mind; and the youngest who is studious and meek while yearning to fit in with the rest of the family. The other characters like Mam and Gran are important to driving the story along, but again are described so simply that it's hard to empathise with them.
In the first chapter, the reader meets a whole fleet of characters who come in such a barrage it's hard to untangle them all. Even through the course of the book did I misplace the names of the husbands and the sons and the brothers and neighbours. There are often little flag markers to help "so-and-so from next-door", and thank goodness for that.
One of the major themes is the solidarity of women in a family, especially as their men are killed or missing in action. However, this solidarity and bond is so viciously thrown aside when the eldest daughter is pregnant yet unmarried. It is one of the major moments of tension in the book, and I could not understand why is was so. The characters made poor decisions at most turns, and as we only had sweeping brushstrokes of their personality and history it was hard to understand their motives.
Even though the story is a reflection of the time it was set, there was an undercurrent of anti-abortion / anti-adoption commentary. It felt like the author was lightly trying to push their opinions about pregnancy. There is a lot of insensitivity towards the expectant mother, basically shunning her in the home. Nor to mention when she experiences postpartum depression. I understand that these family pressures are included in the story to keep the baby in the family for the father to return from war at the end.
I have certainly read better 1940s historical fiction books. I found this to be rather surface, broad, sweeping, and generalised. But of course, that is what a library is for!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2016
This book is about a family of girls during World War II and how the war shapes their lives. The connection between the characters is brilliantly written and it made me care individually about each member of the family. When two of the sisters fall out, it is genuinely upsetting.
I found when Peggy was having her baby the most heartbreaking bit of the book, especially when Rose would not help and then Peggy struggling to bond afterwards. It was so obvious that Alice had taken the baby and it was irritating that that part of the story was drawn out.
The book kept me gripped throughout although it seemed in places that the book felt that it had to explain relationships that were obvious and that was unnecessary.
Obviously, a book set during WWII is going to be emotive but it was nice to read about the home life rather than a soldier's life and the contribution that women made. It must have been absolutely awful to live through the Blitz but the book does not focus on the bombings as the story is character driven and it is more about the relationships between the characters.
It is too much of a rounded ending but I was pleased that everyone got a happy one. A good read and I would be interested in reading more by the author.
I found when Peggy was having her baby the most heartbreaking bit of the book, especially when Rose would not help and then Peggy struggling to bond afterwards. It was so obvious that Alice had taken the baby and it was irritating that that part of the story was drawn out.
The book kept me gripped throughout although it seemed in places that the book felt that it had to explain relationships that were obvious and that was unnecessary.
Obviously, a book set during WWII is going to be emotive but it was nice to read about the home life rather than a soldier's life and the contribution that women made. It must have been absolutely awful to live through the Blitz but the book does not focus on the bombings as the story is character driven and it is more about the relationships between the characters.
It is too much of a rounded ending but I was pleased that everyone got a happy one. A good read and I would be interested in reading more by the author.
February 12, 2019
I haven’t read a book like this in a long time, but this one gave me what I needed. The setting and characters are what you’d expect from such a book, but the plot was surprisingly gripping and drew me right in.
I found the interaction between the characters believable and refreshingly unrose-tinted of that makes sense! It wasn’t all happiness and perfect endings which really satisfied my inner cynic!
Overall a solid and very engaging historical family drama.
I found the interaction between the characters believable and refreshingly unrose-tinted of that makes sense! It wasn’t all happiness and perfect endings which really satisfied my inner cynic!
Overall a solid and very engaging historical family drama.
August 10, 2020
4.5 stars! A very enjoyable read even those I despised many of the characters. Miserable, old, bitter, manipulative matriarch of the family, Grace. Rose, a sister who was so callous that she wouldn't even contact help for her sister in labour?!!! to name a few.
I did like Peggy, Mary and Lawrence. I wondered why the besotted Terry wouldn't check in on Peggy? He just took his sister's word for it?
I did like Peggy, Mary and Lawrence. I wondered why the besotted Terry wouldn't check in on Peggy? He just took his sister's word for it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
Perfect for enthusiasts of romance, warring siblings, strong matriarchs, working class families and unrequited love, set in World War 2 Sheffield. The one thing I wanted more of was a tint bit more historical detail; perhaps a reference to the food rationing and the recipes, the need to make do and mend so and shopping with coupons for example. It's written in a very accessible style and the plot moves along at a good pace.
July 20, 2019
Bought this some time ago for my daughter but decided to read it myself. When I bought a new Kindle. Really enjoyed it. well written, good storyline.
Have bought her novel Sons and Daughters to read next.
Have bought her novel Sons and Daughters to read next.
July 28, 2019
Set in Ww2 in Sheffield. The book is about 3 sisters whose lives are turned upside down by the war. It explores their relationships with each other and their family in a way that makes you feel genuinely as though you’re part of it all not just a reader. Well done to the author for that.
November 18, 2022
Great writing from Margaret Dickinson - an expert storyteller. You cannot but invest in all her genuine, believable characters. Can you still get a job as a clippie girl? Love the uniform, want to travel and it beats dating apps … Just the ticket 🎟️ 😂
December 14, 2017
Brilliant story from beginning til end totally hooked can’t wait to read more from this author
April 22, 2018
Enjoyed
June 18, 2018
another great book.
June 25, 2018
a very enjoyable book loved reading it
July 14, 2018
Good read.
March 12, 2019
Being from Sheffield of course I would love this historical saga set in my home city. This is a story of a “family of women”; three generations coping with Sheffield at war, their work on the city tramcars as conductresses, or “clippies” and their love lives. Of the younger generation it is Peggy, the eldest of three sisters, who is the sensible one and so when she does something that seems totally out of character, it causes a huge family rift with sister Rose, grandmother Grace with their mother Mary caught in the middle. But it is wartime, and the strangest things can happen. The characters were all well drawn, with the three sisters Peggy, Rose and Myrtle all individuals having distinct voices of their own. There are love triangles, secrets, lies and jealousy as well as commentary on women’s work lives to get your teeth into.
It was fascinating to learn more about the history of my city, life on the trams which disappeared years before I was born and how women came into their own during this time. It’s impossible to live in Sheffield and not know about the Blitz even though it was nearly 40 years before I was born, but this inspired me to find out more genuine information about it and it’s clear that the author has really done her research. Even down to the goalless Christmas Day draw between Wednesday and United (Up the Owls!)
I guessed Terry’s secret much earlier than Myrtle and Rose did and I thought the outcomes for everyone were very well done. Full marks for entertainment; am easy read but well researched and well written. But I almost deducted a star for making Bob and Terry supporters of the wrong football team in Sheffield!
It was fascinating to learn more about the history of my city, life on the trams which disappeared years before I was born and how women came into their own during this time. It’s impossible to live in Sheffield and not know about the Blitz even though it was nearly 40 years before I was born, but this inspired me to find out more genuine information about it and it’s clear that the author has really done her research. Even down to the goalless Christmas Day draw between Wednesday and United (Up the Owls!)
I guessed Terry’s secret much earlier than Myrtle and Rose did and I thought the outcomes for everyone were very well done. Full marks for entertainment; am easy read but well researched and well written. But I almost deducted a star for making Bob and Terry supporters of the wrong football team in Sheffield!
January 26, 2020
1939 a family of women & war
This story tells of the women & what they do
Rose & Peggy work on the trams ‘Clippie girls’
Great story of their lives and how they cope
This story tells of the women & what they do
Rose & Peggy work on the trams ‘Clippie girls’
Great story of their lives and how they cope
January 29, 2021
I enjoyed the social history aspect, it was entertaining & as the story unfolded we saw the characters grow - but it was a little predictable - somewhat in the vein of Catherine Cookson.
February 5, 2021
This was a brilliant story by Margaret Dickinson.
From start to finish it was really something amazing.
The characters were all very surprising.
From start to finish it was really something amazing.
The characters were all very surprising.
May 13, 2021
Brilliant
I loved this book from the first page to the last. A brilliant story with lots of ups and downs
I loved this book from the first page to the last. A brilliant story with lots of ups and downs
May 24, 2021
Brilliant!!!!!
What more can I say . I became really involved with the families
Following all their ups and downs.
Great book from a great Author
What more can I say . I became really involved with the families
Following all their ups and downs.
Great book from a great Author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews