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Georgia
When nine-year-old orphan Georgia James is unexpectedly fostered by the kindly Celia and her bank manager husband she can hardly believe her luck. But then - on her fifteenth birthday - she suffers the cruellest betrayal of all at the hands of her foster father and is forced to run away, leaving everything she loves behind her.
Penniless, sleeping rough, Georgia is soon introduced to the sleazy Soho world of brassy strippers, sweat shops, camaraderie and hardship. Fired by a fierce ambition, blessed with an extraordinary voice, her long struggle for fame and fortune begins. But even when she reaches the top she finds that the scars of the past can open up to ruin her...
Steeped in atmosphere and raw emotion, Georgia is the story of a determination to succeed against all the odds and of a burning first love.
Penniless, sleeping rough, Georgia is soon introduced to the sleazy Soho world of brassy strippers, sweat shops, camaraderie and hardship. Fired by a fierce ambition, blessed with an extraordinary voice, her long struggle for fame and fortune begins. But even when she reaches the top she finds that the scars of the past can open up to ruin her...
Steeped in atmosphere and raw emotion, Georgia is the story of a determination to succeed against all the odds and of a burning first love.
624 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
122 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Pearse
71 books2,212 followersLesley Pearse is one of the UK's best-loved novelists with fans across the globe and sales of over 2 million copies of her books to date. A true storyteller and a master of gripping storylines that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end, Pearse introduces you to characters that it is impossible not to care about or forget. There is no formula to her books or easily defined genre. Whether crime as in 'Till We Meet Again', historical adventure like 'Never Look Back', or the passionately emotive 'Trust Me', based on the true-life scandal of British child migrants sent to Australia in the post war period, she engages the reader completely.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 5, 2020
I enjoyed the story telling in this rags to riches family drama.
Some of the plot devices used are a bit lame and predictable and the characters are more chariacature then real life but I still enjoyed it.
Overall it's a good, heart warming story.
Some of the plot devices used are a bit lame and predictable and the characters are more chariacature then real life but I still enjoyed it.
Overall it's a good, heart warming story.
Read
March 18, 2024Voltar a casa.
Vejam no canal
https://youtu.be/Ovg2Np7rLl0
Vejam no canal
https://youtu.be/Ovg2Np7rLl0
June 28, 2012
Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I felt like I was actually part of the story and I went on the journey of Georgia's life. A well written truly beautiful story
March 23, 2011
Okay, I finally finished it - it took me a while because I kept putting it down. It seemed to drag on in some places with story bits that weren't intense enough to hold my interest. There was also a violent scene that left a nasty taste in my mouth. Yes, it happens - happens too often, but I didn't want to read THAT type of violent incident. So I was back and forth on whether I wanted to finish it or not. But I couldn't move on to another book until I did. As it turned out, after I settled myself mentally over THAT SCENE and accepted it - I continued to push myself to read on. There were ups and downs and irritating events that at times made me wish to chuck it again. Basically, this book will either be great to you, or it will suck based on what YOU WANT to read. It did turn out okay in the end - I did get to that point where I couldn't put it down, and that was at the 75% to 80% point. In the end, I finished it, and yeah... I liked it - but I can't really rave about it, because some I don't think, will like it. I won't give instances because it will give scenes away. I would say, 3-1/2 stars, even though I can only give 3 stars up top. If you're looking for sugary sweet, wonderful toe curling romance that makes you smile and sigh... NOT reading this one you won't. But the ending does bring happy tears to your eyes.
November 21, 2018
My first ever Lesley Pearse book. And i love it. Dcetailed. so emotional. Maybe she drags a little too much when introducing Sam and on Celia come back. Yet the story keeps running. throws lights on all sorts of people you come across and also reads both sides of the story. Twisted yet realistic. Great story!
I want more than being your hostess and house keeper. I want to sit in the sun with a man who needs me, grow old with a man who desires me...
Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself
But if you love and must have desires, let these be your desires.
To melt and be like running brook that sings it's melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness
To be wounded by your own understanding of love, and to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.
To rest at the noon hour and meditate loves ecstasy.
To return home at eventide with gratitude.
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
I want more than being your hostess and house keeper. I want to sit in the sun with a man who needs me, grow old with a man who desires me...
Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself
But if you love and must have desires, let these be your desires.
To melt and be like running brook that sings it's melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness
To be wounded by your own understanding of love, and to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.
To rest at the noon hour and meditate loves ecstasy.
To return home at eventide with gratitude.
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
August 14, 2009
If you have read one of Leslie Pearse's books you have read them all. They are all about some young beautiful girl who has been assaulted by someone close to her and has to run away and then rises above all of her struggles. They are all a fast read and good books to take on a holiday. Georgia is no different.
March 29, 2014
I absolutely loved the book although I have to admit at times it was a bit predictable but that didn't detract from the story.
I really enjoy Lesley Pearce books. I think she captures the characters very well. Apparently this is her first book.
I really enjoy Lesley Pearce books. I think she captures the characters very well. Apparently this is her first book.
July 29, 2019
Even LP's first book (this one) was as phenomenal as the latest one she's written.
It's like an annual treat, as she only releases one a year- I'm about two thirds of the way through them all and trying hard to not run out!
Brilliantly narrated too.
It's like an annual treat, as she only releases one a year- I'm about two thirds of the way through them all and trying hard to not run out!
Brilliantly narrated too.
September 7, 2008
I read this book because the premise sounded remarkably similiar to my own Mad About the Boy. There were a few similarities but fortunately not enough for Ms Pearse to sue me!
This is clearly a first novel, the writing style is clunky, she has thrown in a few rubbish sex scenes based on ones she's read in other people's novels and has overly described everything. She had yet to find her voice and this does spoil the story somewhat.
On saying that 'Georgia' is an engaging and emotional book that had me crying by the end. If you're not a perfectionist and can overlook bad grammar and poor sentence construction, then I say go for it.
This is clearly a first novel, the writing style is clunky, she has thrown in a few rubbish sex scenes based on ones she's read in other people's novels and has overly described everything. She had yet to find her voice and this does spoil the story somewhat.
On saying that 'Georgia' is an engaging and emotional book that had me crying by the end. If you're not a perfectionist and can overlook bad grammar and poor sentence construction, then I say go for it.
June 12, 2014
I did enjoy this book but I still prefer remember me. At times I found it predictable and almost felt like it was dragging but I couldn't leave t because I was invested in Georgia and wanted to know what would happen to her. This is the first book Lesley wrote and her writing has only improved so I'd still say give it a go and ten o find all her others books too!
August 12, 2016
Georgia was the first Lesley Pearse book I read back in 1993 and I have read every book she has written since. As with all of Lesley's books Georgia was an engrossing emotional story which captures you from the beginning. A fabulous read, highly recommended.
December 31, 2013
Amazingly brilliant story. I just had to keep on at it until the end. It's a good job I live on my own as there was definitely no chores done lol.
This is my first book by this author and will certainly be looking through her other books.
This is my first book by this author and will certainly be looking through her other books.
October 26, 2014
Really enjoyed this book. Sadly due to illness I wasn't able to spend as much time reading it as I wanted to.
Full of real characters. Ones that I came to like as well as hate. Ones that I would like to know in real life.
Looking forward to reading more from this author
Full of real characters. Ones that I came to like as well as hate. Ones that I would like to know in real life.
Looking forward to reading more from this author
September 5, 2014
Captivating, enjoying, inspiring... I just love the character and the plot...
January 24, 2015
I loved this book
January 13, 2022
I haven't read a family saga book for quite some time, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. Set in the 1950's - 1970's it tells the tale of bi-racial and orphaned Georgia as she rises from poverty to stardom. It sounds cliche, but I was wrapped up in her journey. There is romance along the way, and it centres around enduring love that doesn't necessarily stem from blood relations. If you enjoy rags to riches tales, with plenty of injustice met along the way, this is a good yarn.
November 13, 2024
Gostei da história, contudo achei apenas que teve um fim muito repentino, somos apanhados de surpresa !!
September 12, 2015
Well it’s a very long time I read Lesley as I had preferred the books by Indian authors like Durjoy datta and Nikita Singh, the GEORGIA, as her earlier novels this book is also came with same theme a girl rises out the triumph over adversity. I had intrigued about this book because it is her debut Novel.
Georgia was an orphan when war showed cruelty towards lakhs of people. She was joined in a Convent with the help of some social worker where she grew up till nine years old with Sister Agnes brutality and care and kindness of Sister Mary. In the school, she learns how to stick up for something she felt it is right. Despite her problems, she loves her music class of Mistress Powell, where was adored for her beautiful singing which has been gifted with.
A day comes and Celia Anderson, who was a social worker, adopts her. She enjoys parental care of Celia and brain Anderson until she was fifteen when her foster father forces on her. She goes to Soho, leaving a note Celia that she appreciated her care all these years. Soho is world of sleazy strippers. She did not think her world became suddenly torn apart when she lost her handbag with all the money she had. Helen, who was an inhabitant of Soho, gives her shelter for one day. But with help of Georgia and cooking and some household chores she accepts her to stay with her and eventually they become good friends under one roof with adjusting whatever the limited money they have and she joins in a workshop of textiles.
But the shocking past never left her. She soon discovers she was impregnated. She is in a state where she can’t afford money and loss of little respect she had. She agrees to abort the fetus with old dangerous convention method. She survives and after some days her owner of the shop offers her to sing a song in his known club. Suddenly luck falls into her lap when her performance in the club enthralled by many audience as well as Max who is a manager several great bands in the country. He offers her a choice is SAMSON band.
That’s where her music life starts with full of discomforts and some kind of solace with the friends she has in the band. Rod, Ian, Speedy, Norman, john and Alan are other performers’ drummer, Singer, Guitarist, organ player and brass section players respectively. She has to put up with their behavior as they journeyed thousand miles for Gigs (a stage performance). Soon she understands every one of them and makes bond with them eventually falls in love with Ian who cared her deeply.
To make the matters worse, Ian and Alan dies in a fire accident. She resorted to tears. With so many comforting hands and support from contemporary music bands and fans she stands herself. In the absence of Ian she immerses in his memories. Thus she writes a song:
There is no time baby, its all slipped away,
I thought we had forever, now there is only a day.
I dream of your kisses, I see only your eyes,
We have no tomorrow, only goodbyes.
There is no time baby, all we have is now
There is no time baby, that’s the last bow.
This attracts millions of fans of Band, she becomes lyricist too. With the money and fame they enjoy luxuries. They spent two, three years of past earnings in one day. Rod fills the role of Ian in her life for the time being. He says her that her relationship with him may not be strong as they both are in music field.
The time passes. They face the fear of losing their image in peoples mind. She continues to write songs in remembrance of Peter who was her sweet heart in her adolescence. This is the time Sham comes into her lies who was a real father supports her when brain Anderson damages her reputation by telling his false pitiable story.
Later she reunites with Celia and lives with peter. That’s the end.
PS: There are many things in which I did not like and do not agree with but to know and remember her writing style was which made me to read to her book
Georgia was an orphan when war showed cruelty towards lakhs of people. She was joined in a Convent with the help of some social worker where she grew up till nine years old with Sister Agnes brutality and care and kindness of Sister Mary. In the school, she learns how to stick up for something she felt it is right. Despite her problems, she loves her music class of Mistress Powell, where was adored for her beautiful singing which has been gifted with.
A day comes and Celia Anderson, who was a social worker, adopts her. She enjoys parental care of Celia and brain Anderson until she was fifteen when her foster father forces on her. She goes to Soho, leaving a note Celia that she appreciated her care all these years. Soho is world of sleazy strippers. She did not think her world became suddenly torn apart when she lost her handbag with all the money she had. Helen, who was an inhabitant of Soho, gives her shelter for one day. But with help of Georgia and cooking and some household chores she accepts her to stay with her and eventually they become good friends under one roof with adjusting whatever the limited money they have and she joins in a workshop of textiles.
But the shocking past never left her. She soon discovers she was impregnated. She is in a state where she can’t afford money and loss of little respect she had. She agrees to abort the fetus with old dangerous convention method. She survives and after some days her owner of the shop offers her to sing a song in his known club. Suddenly luck falls into her lap when her performance in the club enthralled by many audience as well as Max who is a manager several great bands in the country. He offers her a choice is SAMSON band.
That’s where her music life starts with full of discomforts and some kind of solace with the friends she has in the band. Rod, Ian, Speedy, Norman, john and Alan are other performers’ drummer, Singer, Guitarist, organ player and brass section players respectively. She has to put up with their behavior as they journeyed thousand miles for Gigs (a stage performance). Soon she understands every one of them and makes bond with them eventually falls in love with Ian who cared her deeply.
To make the matters worse, Ian and Alan dies in a fire accident. She resorted to tears. With so many comforting hands and support from contemporary music bands and fans she stands herself. In the absence of Ian she immerses in his memories. Thus she writes a song:
There is no time baby, its all slipped away,
I thought we had forever, now there is only a day.
I dream of your kisses, I see only your eyes,
We have no tomorrow, only goodbyes.
There is no time baby, all we have is now
There is no time baby, that’s the last bow.
This attracts millions of fans of Band, she becomes lyricist too. With the money and fame they enjoy luxuries. They spent two, three years of past earnings in one day. Rod fills the role of Ian in her life for the time being. He says her that her relationship with him may not be strong as they both are in music field.
The time passes. They face the fear of losing their image in peoples mind. She continues to write songs in remembrance of Peter who was her sweet heart in her adolescence. This is the time Sham comes into her lies who was a real father supports her when brain Anderson damages her reputation by telling his false pitiable story.
Later she reunites with Celia and lives with peter. That’s the end.
PS: There are many things in which I did not like and do not agree with but to know and remember her writing style was which made me to read to her book
December 18, 2018
The voice
Brilliant book so gripping. What a story . Loved the descriptive writing made you feel you were there in the story.
Brilliant book so gripping. What a story . Loved the descriptive writing made you feel you were there in the story.
December 13, 2009
I love this author's books and this was the first novel she ever wrote. What a great book - can't get enough of her writing.
Back Cover Blurb:
When nine year old orphan Georgia James is unexpectedly fostered by the kindly Celia and her bank manager husband she can hardly believe her luck. But then - on her fifteenth birthday - she suffers the cruellest betrayal of all at the hands of her foster father and is forced to run away, leaving everything she loves behind her.
Penniless, sleeping rough, Georgia is soon introduced to the sleasy Soho world of brassy strippers, sweat shops, camaraderie and hardship. Fired by a fierce ambition, blessed with an extraordinary voice, her long struggle for fame and fortune begins. But even when she reaches the top she finds that the scars of the past can open up to ruin her....
Back Cover Blurb:
When nine year old orphan Georgia James is unexpectedly fostered by the kindly Celia and her bank manager husband she can hardly believe her luck. But then - on her fifteenth birthday - she suffers the cruellest betrayal of all at the hands of her foster father and is forced to run away, leaving everything she loves behind her.
Penniless, sleeping rough, Georgia is soon introduced to the sleasy Soho world of brassy strippers, sweat shops, camaraderie and hardship. Fired by a fierce ambition, blessed with an extraordinary voice, her long struggle for fame and fortune begins. But even when she reaches the top she finds that the scars of the past can open up to ruin her....
August 28, 2018
A 7.5/10 read had I been able to mark it as such. A good story about a black girl who is orphaned in the 1940s, placed with nuns and finally fostered. Sadly this turns sour and she runs away to Soho. I enjoyed this book, an easy read and a good story as are all Lesley Pearse books. Although I felt the loose ends at the end of the book were all tied up rather quickly, I would have liked an epilogue to see what happened to some of the other characters.
September 11, 2015
I listened to the audiobook of this and can honestly say that apart from Stephen King this is the first non fiction audiobook that has engaged me all the way through. It's long, over 23 hours but I loved the story, emotional, exciting and hard to turn off.
Never read anything by this author but I will be delving into her archives now.
Never read anything by this author but I will be delving into her archives now.
April 30, 2012
I love the story very much. I feel the hardships, happiness that Georgia had gone through. The romance makes the story even more wonderful. I recommend this to my friend, she read it and said to me, "I want to be like Georgia, to never see the end of life but believe that there's still hope.".
February 17, 2013
This is the first book I have read by Lesley Pearse and now I can't wait to read the next one!
What a brilliant portrayal of Georgia's character it had me gripped from start to finish!
The story was just brilliant! The tears were flowing at the end! Aw loved it!
What a brilliant portrayal of Georgia's character it had me gripped from start to finish!
The story was just brilliant! The tears were flowing at the end! Aw loved it!
July 27, 2013
This was the book that caused many returns to the bookstores in search of others by the author. Each time a new release hits the shelf, I still get that dizzy stirred up feeling of excitement and anticipation, a favoured author brings.
February 16, 2014
Another winner from the Lesley Pearce camp. Strong main character that gives us hope no matter where you come from and no matter the situations you find yourself in or having to go through aka life. Really enjoyed, if only one flaw it did drag out at times, but the rest totally made up for it.
August 21, 2016
I love Lesley Pearse but halfway through this book i got slightly bored! Which has never happened before!! It did pick back up again, it is a long book and in the end i did really enjoy it. I am glad i did stick it out :)
November 2, 2018
I love Lesley's books!
I read this book many years ago and have since read all of Lesley's books. It's rare for me to read something twice but I thoroughly enjoyed this again. Keep writing your wonderful books Lesley - thank you.
I read this book many years ago and have since read all of Lesley's books. It's rare for me to read something twice but I thoroughly enjoyed this again. Keep writing your wonderful books Lesley - thank you.
March 7, 2010
I loved this one and although my listing shows the paperback I managed to buy a secondhand hardback copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews