What do you think?
Rate this book
The Solace of Sin
From the first moment she saw the house on the moors north of Hexham, Conie Stapleton knew she could live there, despite its isolation, despite its lack of basic facilities, and despite her fear of loneliness. Her marriage, on the brink of disintegration, she had already decided to sell the large flat she and her husband Jim shared and she saw the move as a means of initiating the separation she knew was necessary; and now that their son Peter would soon be off to university, there was, she decided, no reason to delay the inevitable. Even if the winters at Shekinah, as the house was called, were as severe as her family had warned, she told herself she could always buy a flat in nearby Hexham. To buy the house, Connie was told that she must negotiate with the nearby O'Connors, one of whom, Vincent appeared to be their spokesman. However, she was somewhat surprised by his abruptness and by his insistence that the deal be closed forthwith; and further taken aback when he asked her if she would be able to sign the papers on the following day. Afterwards, when the house was hers and she had moved in, Connie was to discover that mystery was a way of life with Vincent O'Connor. Despite this, however, he was to have an increasing influence on her life as she settled into the new routine of days and nights at Shekinah. But then, as a result of circumstances over which she had no control, the shocking truth about the man with whom she had shared a life for many years came to light...
Set in the 1970s, The Solace of Sin is the story of a strong and independent woman whose life is transformed by new surroundings and new acquaintances. It is a richly satisfying novel, as powerful as any that Britain's premier author has written in her long and distinguished career.
Set in the 1970s, The Solace of Sin is the story of a strong and independent woman whose life is transformed by new surroundings and new acquaintances. It is a richly satisfying novel, as powerful as any that Britain's premier author has written in her long and distinguished career.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
26 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cookson
501 books684 followersCatherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, who Catherine believed was her older sister. Catherine began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 12, 2019
I love any book set in an old house to begin with and I have been curious about Cookson for a long time. I thought her books might be similar to Norah Lofts, so I bought this one on sale. The book was ok but Cookson is no Norah Lofts I'm sad to say.
I found the heroine to be extremely irritating, although saintly to put up with this abusive and downright horrifying husband. Instead of the heroine overcoming all obstacles in the few books I've read by Cookson, she subjects the poor heroine to never-ending physical, mental and emotional degradation, which is really taking things too far imho.
Her male protagonists that are guilty of tormenting the heroine are real rotters too, which made me wonder if Cookson had ever known this type of man personally. Otherwise I don't know how she could have invented such one-dimensional villains that stretch the boundaries of being even halfway believable.
So I gave this one 3 stars but I don't think I'll be reading anymore of her books.
I found the heroine to be extremely irritating, although saintly to put up with this abusive and downright horrifying husband. Instead of the heroine overcoming all obstacles in the few books I've read by Cookson, she subjects the poor heroine to never-ending physical, mental and emotional degradation, which is really taking things too far imho.
Her male protagonists that are guilty of tormenting the heroine are real rotters too, which made me wonder if Cookson had ever known this type of man personally. Otherwise I don't know how she could have invented such one-dimensional villains that stretch the boundaries of being even halfway believable.
So I gave this one 3 stars but I don't think I'll be reading anymore of her books.
June 14, 2018
I read this book some time ago but absolutely loved the story. Think I am long overdue another read of this book. Really enjoyed.
August 14, 2024
Solid 3.5
Shocked how much I enjoyed this. About as good as you could expect from A) not fantasy and B) a recommendation from my grandmother.
Shocked how much I enjoyed this. About as good as you could expect from A) not fantasy and B) a recommendation from my grandmother.
April 17, 2018
This beautifully written and deeply touching novel lives up to the standard of books I have come to expect from Catherine Cookson over the years. Featuring a woman in her thirties whose marriage has long been on the rocks and who follows an impulse to buy a cottage in the country, it delves into the complexities of love and loyalty versus truth and honesty. Cookson has no time for people who treat others carelessly and won't face their own flaws; however, she has great authorial compassion on those characters who recognise their dependency on the family and view themselves with wry humour or realism. In this sense, her stories have a strong moral flavour, yet they are not at all preachy or idealistic.
Many of Cookson's novels are set in historical settings, depicting dire poverty and suffering. This one is about a sophisticated woman with good taste and lots of money, but her money has not corrupted her character. She is able to fit in with the large, unconventional country family on her doorstep and appreciate the pleasures of simple living. The drama in the book is strong and compelling, with a satisfying resolution at the end.
I read the audio version which is especially enjoyable because of the narrator's excellent portrayal of the country dialect. All in all, a thoroughly feel-good read.
Many of Cookson's novels are set in historical settings, depicting dire poverty and suffering. This one is about a sophisticated woman with good taste and lots of money, but her money has not corrupted her character. She is able to fit in with the large, unconventional country family on her doorstep and appreciate the pleasures of simple living. The drama in the book is strong and compelling, with a satisfying resolution at the end.
I read the audio version which is especially enjoyable because of the narrator's excellent portrayal of the country dialect. All in all, a thoroughly feel-good read.
June 7, 2018
Ohhh I really loved this book! Couldn't put it down!
Cookson brings us the story of Constance Stapleton, wife of Jim and mother of Peter. She is in a loveless marriage and Jim has his secrets he hopes never to be found out. When Jim's brother Harry along with his wife Millie tell Constance of a beautiful home they stumbled upon out in the country, Peter convinces her to go see it with him for an outing. Neither expected to fall in love with the house - and the family who lived down the hill from it. Constance buys the house immediately and takes refuge there from her marriage, from the troubles her niece Ada brings about, and from her own sense of self worth. The house becomes her joy and the neighboring family feels like her own.
Away from her husband, her marriage becomes volatile and uncertain - and finally coming to head when Constance discovers the secret Jim has kept, and finally puts her own needs ahead of his own.
With lovable characters and a steady storyline, this book is a fantastic read.
Cookson brings us the story of Constance Stapleton, wife of Jim and mother of Peter. She is in a loveless marriage and Jim has his secrets he hopes never to be found out. When Jim's brother Harry along with his wife Millie tell Constance of a beautiful home they stumbled upon out in the country, Peter convinces her to go see it with him for an outing. Neither expected to fall in love with the house - and the family who lived down the hill from it. Constance buys the house immediately and takes refuge there from her marriage, from the troubles her niece Ada brings about, and from her own sense of self worth. The house becomes her joy and the neighboring family feels like her own.
Away from her husband, her marriage becomes volatile and uncertain - and finally coming to head when Constance discovers the secret Jim has kept, and finally puts her own needs ahead of his own.
With lovable characters and a steady storyline, this book is a fantastic read.
October 19, 2018
The plot is good, but I can’t help feeling that the story could have developed better.
Ada and Jim did not have to be this terrible, they could have been a bit more softer characters, but the story still would have worked.
Ada and Jim did not have to be this terrible, they could have been a bit more softer characters, but the story still would have worked.
August 4, 2016
An easy read. but not her best.
April 17, 2019
Always wanted to read some of Cookson's books, however this one just wasn't for me. I got this one because it was £1 from a charity shop and thought "why not?" but the story line just didn't interest me at all. I certainly will give Cookson's other books a go of course (with a storyline that I'm interested in) but I was smiling throughout the whole book because it's so aesthetically pleasing for me since I am originally from the north-east of England. 2/5 Stars.
July 28, 2019
3.5. I'll hold onto this book for a reread one day, as I think I've been too saturated with Cookson books to judge too harshly. Not her best, very formulaic of her other ones, bit weirded out by the double mother scenario at the house below... not sure how to interpret that sort of rural charm.
August 20, 2021
Good read to pass the time.
September 20, 2022
Cookson en Konsalik beide auteurs voor mijn e-reader on the road. Zoals steeds een leuk verhaal met weinig moeite om het te volgen. Leuk boek dus.
January 5, 2023
A great read that I would read over and over again. Catch the full review on my blog. https://mysmalllib.wordpress.com/2022...
February 3, 2025
It was boring in my opinion
August 2, 2025
It was an okay read, but very predictable.
May 12, 2024
People are exquisitely messy.
‘...Let him say what he likes, my sin has brought them solace.’ p199
‘...Let him say what he likes, my sin has brought them solace.’ p199
March 1, 2017
This was a very exiting book.I would share it to my class
November 8, 2021
Set in the 1970s, The Solace of Sin is the story of a strong and independent woman whose life is transformed by new surroundings and new acquaintances. It is a compelling and richly satisfying novel. I really enjoyed this and it became a favourite of mine.
From the first moment she saw the house on the moors north of Hexham, Constance Stapleton knew she could live there, despite its isolation, its lack of basic facilities and despite her fear of loneliness. With her marriage on the brink of disintegration, she had already decided to sell the large flat she and her husband Jim shared and she saw the move as a means of initiating the separation she knew was necessary. Their son, Peter, would soon be off to university and there was, she decided, no reason to delay the inevitable. Even if the winters at Shekinah, as the house was called, were as severe as her family had warned, she told herself she could always buy a flat in nearby Hexham.
To buy the house, Connie was told that she must negotiate with the nearby O’Connors, one of whom, Vincent, appeared to be their spokesman. However, she was somewhat surprised by his abruptness and by his insistence that the deal be closed forthwith; and further taken aback when he asked her if she would be able to sign the papers on the following day.
Afterwards, when the house was hers and she had settled in, Connie was to discover that mystery was a way of life with Vincent O’Connor. Even so, she was beginning to rely on him more and more as she settled into the new routine of days and nights at Shekinah. But then, out of the blue, revelations about the man with whom she had shared a life for many years came to light and put her new life at Shekinah under threat…
From the first moment she saw the house on the moors north of Hexham, Constance Stapleton knew she could live there, despite its isolation, its lack of basic facilities and despite her fear of loneliness. With her marriage on the brink of disintegration, she had already decided to sell the large flat she and her husband Jim shared and she saw the move as a means of initiating the separation she knew was necessary. Their son, Peter, would soon be off to university and there was, she decided, no reason to delay the inevitable. Even if the winters at Shekinah, as the house was called, were as severe as her family had warned, she told herself she could always buy a flat in nearby Hexham.
To buy the house, Connie was told that she must negotiate with the nearby O’Connors, one of whom, Vincent, appeared to be their spokesman. However, she was somewhat surprised by his abruptness and by his insistence that the deal be closed forthwith; and further taken aback when he asked her if she would be able to sign the papers on the following day.
Afterwards, when the house was hers and she had settled in, Connie was to discover that mystery was a way of life with Vincent O’Connor. Even so, she was beginning to rely on him more and more as she settled into the new routine of days and nights at Shekinah. But then, out of the blue, revelations about the man with whom she had shared a life for many years came to light and put her new life at Shekinah under threat…
January 31, 2011
*** "Solace of Sin" is a typical Catherine Cookson story about a big and poor but happy and generous family, the O'Connors, set in the rough British moors country, with vivid enveloping real descriptions of place and Irish-born hospitality. I like Cookson's work: hopeful optimisim and love ("solace") amid ("sin") poverty, abuse, adultery, disappointment; a sense of getting away to her time and place with good and bad; feeling as if I met living people. I like the old-fashioned attitude culminating in a promising melting kiss, without modern explicit sex.
Heroine, Constance, unhappy and unfulfilled at middle-age, buys "up the hill". Her teenager, Peter, is secretive and wants his parents to divorce. We guess flighty husband Jim is still fooling around with a barely grown floozy, and Constance is falling for the O'Connor's stable eldest son, Vincent. Cookson plots fulfill prediction even to the end, a realistic compromise for happily ever after. [Spoiler - I wish Jim froze, or Constance at least sent him to jail, but Cookson knows how real-life villains can seem to thrive.] Cookson heroes and heroines are believable neighbours, not the exaggerated perfection of escapist romances. She uplifts our hopes. We can find happiness in our own world.
Heroine, Constance, unhappy and unfulfilled at middle-age, buys "up the hill". Her teenager, Peter, is secretive and wants his parents to divorce. We guess flighty husband Jim is still fooling around with a barely grown floozy, and Constance is falling for the O'Connor's stable eldest son, Vincent. Cookson plots fulfill prediction even to the end, a realistic compromise for happily ever after. [Spoiler - I wish Jim froze, or Constance at least sent him to jail, but Cookson knows how real-life villains can seem to thrive.] Cookson heroes and heroines are believable neighbours, not the exaggerated perfection of escapist romances. She uplifts our hopes. We can find happiness in our own world.
May 18, 2012
I read all of Catherine Cookson's books some years ago and enjoyed them immensley. I recently re-read all of them and find that on a second look I found them all so very predictable, and was rather disappointed. However I'm sure that it is my tastes that have changed not the calibre of her story telling.
September 10, 2012
I was very confused until about 3/4 of the way through this book that it was set YEARS AND YEARS AGO. Here I was going "wow things are different in England!" when it was actually set (I'm guessing, cause she never actually specifies) in the 1930s. WELL after that was cleared up, I enjoyed it much more, and it was overall an okay read.
March 21, 2010
A gentle love story amidst the tumult of family relationships. Good character development and a good plot for some light reading.
October 31, 2019
Loved this book!
June 6, 2013
Nice feel good romance.
July 28, 2014
Another Catherine Cookson masterpiece. A strong heroine, beautiful background, and wonderful dialog...what more could you ask for?
February 25, 2015
One of my favorite authors. I love the area and Cookson always gets to the point and makes one feel as though they know the characters. I love reading about Wales and Ireland also.
August 6, 2015
Guter Schreibstil, jedoch empfinde ich Jim nicht als so unsympatisch, ich empfinde sogar etwas Mitleid.
December 13, 2015
Another really good read.
January 20, 2016
What's not to like about a Catherine Cookson novel? Great characters, lovely story, great writing. You know what you are going to get from her and she doesn't disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews