The Keepsake

by Sheelagh Kelly

A stunning saga set in the city of York, as a poor boy falls for a rich girl -- a tale of passion, poverty, and ultimately great bravery as they fight to keep together against everyone's expectations. Marty Lanegan is working as a boot boy in York's splendid Station Hotel when he catches sight of the most beautiful girl he's ever seen. Henrietta Ibbetson is the daughter of a prominent landowner, who's far from pleased with his rebellious daughter. When she announces her love for a mere servant, he throws her out. Marty's family is none too delighted with his choice -- Etta can't cook, sew, clean or make herself useful in any way. However, Marty is ambitious, Etta is content and they are wildly in love. But is that enough to sustain them as they raise a family of their own? Sheelagh Kelly is back with a tremendously compelling saga of life below the poverty line in her home town of York, as the rigid conventions of Edwardian England crumble in the onslaught of the Great War -- and her characters face the changes with warmth, humour and determination.

486 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Sheelagh Kelly was born and continues to live in York, where most of her novels are set. The seeds of her first book, A Long Way From Heaven, were sown when she developed an interest in genealogy and decided to trace her ancestors' story.

Reviews

[Melodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable book if you're interested in stories about poverty, hardship and how people coped with desperation in the olden days. It is set in the Edwardian period in York and details the distinction between upper-class and lower-class society. Etta the main character has strong survival instincts and adapts to whatever situation she is faced with, always relying on her own inner strength and fortitude. Interwoven are the unsupportive Neighbours, toxic workplaces, neglectful husband and the opinionated mother-in-law who is also the glue that binds everything together. The author uses quite formal language and i had to revert to a dictionary a few times, but it adds to the historical feel of the story. I will be reading other works by the author Sheelagh Kelly as i found her style of writing wonderful and engaging.

[Jean Rendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

My view of the keepsake

I actually really like this book but only give it a three star as sometimes it became a little bit long winded

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dialog is a little stilted and difficult at the beginning but plough on and it gets better. Crossing the divide between the wealthy and the poor, the unlikely match of little rich girl and hotel boot boy continues through the first world war. Henrietta is a surprising heroine; strong-minded and stubborn she does not deviate from her chosen path and is equally praise-worthy and frustrating in turn.

Good social commentary interweaved into a story full of interesting characters with lots going on.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice easy read. I have enjoyed all her books that I have read.