A Mother's Shame

by Rosie Goodwin

A Mother's Shame [Paperback] Rosie Goodwin

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Before becoming a writer, I was a Placement Support Worker and foster carer, and worked in the social services department after completing a teacher training course. Many children have joined my family over the years. I still live in Nuneaton, where many of my books are set, with my husband, Trevor, and our beloved dogs.

I was thrilled to discover that I'd become one of the top 250 most-borrowed library authors in the UK, and would like to thank all of you who have taken out my books over the last few years! I love meeting my readers and am always pleased to hear from you. I hope you will all continue to get in touch and please do sign up for my newsletter!

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story,two young girls in the family way one is posh other poor,they become friends.its a love story, couldn't put this book down highly recommend this book.great author.great read.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first one I have read by Rosie Goodwin. I read most of it and then somehow it got pushed further down the book list I have been reading. I put this right today and I'm pleased to say it was well worth the wait. It is a great story and an interesting read. with various twists and surprises throughout. There are two main characters, both young girls but from very different backgrounds. The author does an excellent job of contrasting the differences in these young women so well. In spite of the huge differences in their backgrounds they become close friends. The book shines a light on how single pregnant women were treated in those times. I will certainly read more of Rosie's books and indeed have another waiting there for me. Recommended.

[V.E. Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maria Mundy and Isabelle Montgomery come from very different backgrounds but they find themselves stuck in the same predicament - pregnant and unmarried in 1850s England. Isabelle is shipped off to Tasmania, accompanied by her brother Joshua and Maria who is to act as her maid. But tragedy befalls Maria on the ship and, once ashore in Australia, life gets no easier for the two outcasts. "A Mother's Shame" is a steady read from an author who knows how to write a good family saga. I liked 99% of the book but the ending, wherein one of the main characters is revealed not to be a 'commoner' but in fact a gentleman's daughter after all, did annoy me a little.

[Kittykorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Rosie Goodwin and I doubt it will be the last. I highly enjoyed this book and flew through it, you end up falling love with the characters loved every minute of it.

[Anne Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfying read from the pen of the talented Rosie Goodwin. This one is set in the mid 1800s when Maria goes to work at the local asylum. But not everyone is mad, her charge is the headstrong Isabelle Montgomery who has been incarcerated there because she is expecting a child. With the help of Isabelle's brother, Joshua, the two girls escape and feel to Tasmania where Isabelle's uncle lives. Someone from Maria's past decides to manipulate events to his own ends and follows Maria and Joshua back to England before everything is resolved with a highly satisfactory ending.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was very much up my street.
The main character is Maria Mundy, who at the start of the story lives with her mother, her bullying preacher father and her brother and sister in a village near to Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. The year is 1858 and Maria has a problem, she is expecting a child, the father is Lenny, a local lad who she thinks she is in love with. After she tells him, he agrees to face her father, but that same night he runs away and leaves Maria to cope alone. After losing her job her father hears of another at the dreaded Hatters Hall, the local asylum. There she becomes a maid to a rich young lady called Isabel, who is there against her will because she is in the same predicament as Maria.
The story is full of drama, secrets and romance, it is fast paced and has no boring bits. The adventure of travelling a distance added something different to this story, I felt for Maria and found it easy to relate to her I also loved the character of Kitty.
Well done and thank you Rosie Goodwin

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

After trying lots of books i just couldnt get into, this one by Rosie Goodwin was brilliant. It had class differences, shameful pregnancies, poverty, holding ppl against their will,murder, sailing to unknown land, everything to hold a readers attention. Definitely one to be passed on to my mum to read. I wouldnt hesitate to pick up more of this genre, i love them.

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book,great writing.great story.

[Angela Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maria Mundy is a pastor's daughter, sent to work at a local asylum with a sideline in taking in girls that are in the family way. She is to be a maid to the spoiled girl Isabelle. Maria is in the same situation as her mistress. Isabelle is kept under lock and key but receives help to flee the country from her mother and brother. Maria and the kitchen maid Kitty and Isabelle's brother sail for Tasmania.

Love and tragedy and secrets unfold. I would have given this 4 stars if it wasn't for the ridiculous frequency that women seemed to get pregnant if they so much as looked at a man.

[Gwen Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this look into the lives of poor women in the mid-1800s. The story is set in England, but moves to Australia for awhile. The cultural differences in the two countries is interesting, but it's also moving to think of how few choices women had and how people were practically chained to the class they were born to.

[Shirley Revill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book some time ago and I was really impressed by the story written by Rosie Goodwin.
Storytelling at it's best. Recommended.

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s actually an alright book, but infuriating in all it’s “the poor, beautiful girl” trope crap. And everyone’s obsession with their station. All this opportunity and all this diddling about, oh I can’t, oh I must not. Maria is an idiot, more stuck in the “traditional” ways than anyone else, rejecting Josh and then crying about it. Also, dumb title. Let’s not romanticize the time when women had no rights in this day and age.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria

Like all Rosies books this as good as the others there is always mystery in Rosies books which draws the reader in loved the story of Maria and isobelle and baby faith can't say same about lennie a proper bad lad you couldn't help but love kitty and Robbie so 5STARS well deserved .

[Christina Rochester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, although it was fairly distressing in a few places.

The characters are all extremely well written, and whilst I couldn't bring myself to like Isabelle, I found Maria to be an extremely principled character who was always doing the right thing no matter what hand was dealt to her.

[Ruth Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good story

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 1st Rosie Goodwin book but it won’t be my last. Loved this book. Enjoyed every single page. Great story with an ending I didn’t see coming at all!

[Simone McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Warning: Possible spoilers ahead).

I did rather enjoy this book overall, but found that it also dragged a bit, and would spend too much time/too many pages going over every damn sight they saw, going into all trivial details, as well as through every detail of the errands and journeys the characters would make and the food they'd taste. It could have been cut down quite a bit had it excluded all this unnecessary stuff, and I often found myself having to skip and skim through pages, finding it could be a bit of a chore to get through.

I also found the scenes with Lennie got too repetitive, the way he kept attempting to rape Maria, and tends to be a very reused and recycled trope in Goodwin's books, with the male villain seeing the female protagonist and trying to rape her straight away, forcing her onto the floor with her being described as "completely helpless", and proceeds to show a detailed rape/attempted rape scene. It just gets really reused and stale, and I don't know why all these horrible guys always have to try to rape the girl straight away, as if no other form of attack or antagonism is ever possible for them. Also how on earth did Lennie manage to follow Maria all the way from the ship to Tasmania, AND get into their cabin so easily and try raping her straight away. These scenes between the female protagonist and main male antagonist are always the same and very much recycled, with the omniscient mention that it seemed like someone was following them and lurking in the shadows, then of course appears the vile male antagonist, who of course tries raping her straight away. I found it ridiculous as well that he would try raping her while she was still pregnant-I'm just glad that he never succeeded, not just because it would have been most horrific but because I dread to imagine Goodwin managing to make her pregnant again while she is still pregnant, or after having the miscarriage, not sure how that would have worked! I find it weird that he would have pursued her so desperately and been so vile as to rape her when he had previously deserted her and had no real reason to pursue her in such a way. But god I hated Lennie so much that while he did get his comeuppance in the end, I wish it had been confirmed that he'd hanged. What really made me mad though was after he tries to rape Maria for a third time after having already followed her and Robbie insists on sending him back to the ship so he can get flogged, she actually asks if he can be let free, despite what he just did to her and surely knowing full well that he could easily try doing it again if he were just let to continue freely on the loose. I really don't get why she'd have had any sympathy for him at all after all he did to her, and it really annoys me when Goodwin has her protagonists actually wanting to spare their tormentors. Also, I don't get why Maria's mum would think about believing Lennie over Josh, despite knowing already that Lennie was really bad news and that Josh reliable when she heard their stories about what happened to Maria.

I wasn't quite as gripped with this as I was Goodwin's other books, as like I say it did drag on a bit and could get a bit monotonous at times, especially during their long journey to Tasmania, which takes up about three chapters at least, which I found really unnecessary. Like I say the book could have been cut down a great deal had it excluded all these unnecessary details.

However I did still find it a rather enjoyable and interesting story. I liked the characters and seeing the complex family situations and dynamics, and how Josh wasn't as one-dimensional and saintly as some of Goodwin's other wealthy male love interests that our poor protagonists develop a romance with (like Louis from Our Fairy Lily and Oliver from The Blessed Child). It was nice as well seeing their adventures in Tasmania, and particularly uplifting seeing Kitty's big change in life, having suffered all her life in Hatters Hall and ends up getting her happy ending in a whole new place. It was just a pity she did not appear in the story anymore after Maria and Josh leave Tasmania to return to England, as it would have been nice perhaps seeing them visit again, especially if a wedding between Maria and Josh was going to take place. I feel that should have been included in the epilogue and was a missed opportunity.

I also feel that what Josh's father did to Maria was absolutely despicable, and should not have had the chance to redeem or be forgiven. What he did was unforgivable and while he gets comeuppance, it's not really the most fitting comeuppance.

Also, the thing about class differences gets really repetitive and boring fast. Why would Maria have been so adamant on rejecting Josh when there are clearly no more barriers standing in their way, with his father (who was the only one to strongly oppose to their relationship) being dead, and even before he died seemed to be having a change of heart. If she really loved him she wouldn't refuse to be with him for basically no reason. It also annoys me that every time in these stories when there's a poor girl, rich guy romance, the poor girl and rich guy always only end up getting together when the poor girl actually ends up suddenly becoming rich in her own right. It would be nice for a change to see a poor girl and rich guy get together and marry without the poor girl having to become rich in order to marry him. It seems ridiculous that after all this emphasis on how times are changing and that interclass romances should be allowed, it ends up undermining and going against all that by having the poor girl become rich before marrying the rich guy, with it being all like "Oh it's okay now you're rich we can get married!" basically contradicting the message they have been trying to send out.

[Alicia Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very suprised by this book, the info about it sounded interesting, But I didnt think I would like it too much. It had a suprisingly great story, about love and adventure! Also was great not knowing it was set in Australia for part of it. Nice read

[Zoey Cortese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Rosie Goodwin and I really enjoyed it. It's a lovely historical novel based in the 1850's that's really easy to read. I enjoyed following the lives of all the characters as they travel from England to Australia and have many adventures in between.

[Susan Mcknight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book Ive read by this author and have enjoyed reading both, will be reading more by her!!

[Jill]

really enjoyed this book

[Bronwyn Rykiert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story.

[Annemarie Farthing · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story! This book has everything in it to make it a 'got to read in a day'
I so enjoy Rosie Goodwins books

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this author by a friend after he'd read Mothering Sunday and posted up on Facebook about how good it was, the title interested me so I then went and looked Rosie Goodwin up, I am so glad I did as I have found a new author that I am quickly becoming a fan of. Both Mothering Sunday and the little angel were fantastic and I can't wait for the third book in that collection to come out. As this book is based in the same area I decided to go for this one next. I did not enjoy it as much as the previous two but it was still a fantastic book. very heartwarming and emotional in parts and quite suspenseful as well. the book was based on Maria a young girl who is sent to work at hatters hall a place for the mentally ill, she is employed to take care of Isabel Montgomery who is the daughter of the main benafishary of the establishment. however it's clear that sh's not in sane, a lot of un married mothers are also locked up there to hide the shame of becoming pregnant outside of marriage, the two women quickly realise that if they don't escape they may never leave. Along with Isabel's brother and a young made they befriend who's been brought up in hatters hall they plan an escape.

The story was really good and it's saddened to see how people were treated back in the 18th century. I will read more by this author for sure and if anyone can give me any recommendations on which one to go for next I'll be happy to give it a try.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabelle Montgomery, daughter of a well respected businessman in England in 1857 has become pregnant with a young man she met while going to school in Europe. To avoid disgracing the family, her father has her locked away in a local asylum, Hatter’s Hall. While she is not insane, it was what was often done in that age. She has a beautiful room but will be confined there until she has delivered her baby.
Maria Mundy, a young woman in the local town and daughter to a clergy minister has has become pregnant but by a young scallion who has a poor reputation. When Maria’s father hears there is a position for a maid at Hatter’s Hall, Maria decides to apply knowing it is an opportunity to hide from her father until after she has delivered her baby too. He is a cruel father to his children especially Maria and a poor husband as well.
Isabelle’s mother is beside herself when she learns what her husband has done and decides to help Isabelle escape. She enlists the help of her son, Joshua and pays for a ticket for them to travel to Tasmania where her brother lives. They also take a young woman, Kitty born at Hatter’s Hall to be their general maid on the voyage. Kitty has never set foot outside the doors of the asylum since she was born.
The book tells of their adventure. I enjoyed this book as it gave a bit of an insight of life might have been in that day and age on such a long voyage and a glimpse of what Tasmania is like.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie Clarke always seems to draw her readers into her books from the 1st page and her newest doesn't disappoint!!
She pulls you into this small, dysfunctional family and makes you feel like the fly on the wall!! A wonderful way with descriptive words without being boring and lengthy.
This book was a very good read and has all the hallmarks of the female struggle to survive those harsh times. There were so many hurdles thrown into each chapter but Maggie seemed to be more than capable of overcoming them.
If I have to be brutally honest I would mention that the ending was all a little too rushed, suddenly all was explained!
Thoroughly enjoyed A Mother's Shame and would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and Rosie Clarke. Waiting for the next title, Rosie!

[Paul Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel that has everything. Sadness, happiness, cruelty, trauma and romance. Maria Mundy was the daughter of a local preacher , and she worked in the local post office. When she becomes pregnant by a boy she thought loved her, she takes a job at the asylum looking after Isabelle the daughter of a wealthy factory owner who is also expecting out of wedlock. The are taken out of the asylum and sent off by boat to relocate in Tasmania with Isabelle’s uncle and accompanied by her brother Josh. They have a torrid journey of disease and death and Maria is also attacked on the boat. After reaching Tasmania tragedy strikes and after spending time in Tasmania they come back to England. There more secrets are uncovered. They ending is most unexpected.
This book is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

+ 1 Star for interesting setting and atmosphere
+ 1 Star because it’s the first book I’ve felt really compelled to finish in awhile
+ 1 Star for some truly lovable characters who I wanted to see get happy endings
+ 1 Star for a mostly satisfying read even when the twists were predictable
- 1 Star because the ending was so forced. She didn’t need a different father to get married. He and his mother already accepted her. The last minute secret father was too much.

[Linda Leedham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling book to read with a happy ending.
The beginning was good but I found the middle of the book as they were sailing to Tasmania very slow reading, and some of it needn’t have been said or written, and I was glad when they got there the rest of the book was fine , I guessed some of the ending though by the middle of the book.

[Kathryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliché ridden, immature, predictable dross. If I hadn't been reading it for a Book Group, I would have given up early on once I realised how turgidly awful it was. I persevered, and will now count reading it as one of my Lenten penances!