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Cottonopolis
Welcome to 1840s Manchester
Twelve-year-old mill girl NELLIE DOYLE faces eviction and starvation when her father loses his job. But growing up in the notorious Manchester slum of Little Ireland has made her plucky.
She befriends CHLOE VALENITINE and has a chance meeting with a circus owner who seemingly grants seven wishes. They embark on a journey to improve their circumstances.
Amidst wishes for peace, freedom, and family reunion, Nellie realizes her growing feelings for Chloe, learning that magic doesn’t always work as expected and sometimes, you must create your own.
Twelve-year-old mill girl NELLIE DOYLE faces eviction and starvation when her father loses his job. But growing up in the notorious Manchester slum of Little Ireland has made her plucky.
She befriends CHLOE VALENITINE and has a chance meeting with a circus owner who seemingly grants seven wishes. They embark on a journey to improve their circumstances.
Amidst wishes for peace, freedom, and family reunion, Nellie realizes her growing feelings for Chloe, learning that magic doesn’t always work as expected and sometimes, you must create your own.
128 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 3, 2024
In the gritty, industrial landscape of 1840s Manchester, a neighbourhood known as Little Ireland stands for its harsh realities of working-class life. Amidst the smoke-filled air and crowded lodgings, we find Nellie Doyle, a spirited Irish girl with fire in her eyes and determination in her heart.
Nellie's world is turned upside down when her father loses his job. The issue of eviction looms large over the Doyle family, and the gnawing fear of hunger becomes their constant companion. Despite the dire circumstances, Nellie refuses to let despair consume her.
One fateful day, while running an errand for her mother, Nellie quite literally bumps into Chloe, a young Black girl who had snuck out from the nearby workhouse. Their initial collision quickly gives way to a spark of connection. Chloe's quiet strength and gentle demeanour complement Nellie's fiery spirit, and an instant friendship is born.
As Nellie grapples with her family's precarious situation, an encounter with a mysterious circus master sets in motion a series of extraordinary events. The man, his eyes twinkling with mischief, presents Nellie with seven seemingly ordinary leaflets, claiming they possess magical properties. Skeptical but intrigued, Nellie accepts the gift, unaware of the chaos about to unfold.
Joined by her younger brother Danny, Nellie and Chloe embark on a wild adventure fuelled by childish curiosity and the desperate hope for a better life. They begin making wishes on the leaflets, their young minds brimming with dreams of full bellies, warm beds, and happy families. However, the old adage "be careful what you wish for" proves true in the most unexpected and often comical ways. Each wish backfires spectacularly, teaching the children valuable lessons about the complexities of life and the unintended consequences of their actions.
As their escapades unfold, Nellie finds herself grappling with unfamiliar emotions. Her friendship with Chloe deepens, blossoming into something more profound. In stolen moments away from prying eyes, Nellie's heart races when Chloe is near. The soft touch of Chloe's hand sends shivers down her spine, and Nellie begins to understand that her feelings transcend mere friendship.
However, the harsh realities of their world cast a shadow over their budding romance. The streets of Little Ireland are no strangers to prejudice, and the girls face a double burden of discrimination. Chloe endures racial slurs and suspicious glances, while both girls confront the crushing weight of poverty that threatens to smother their dreams.
Nellie's character shines throughout the story. Her quick wit and sharp tongue often get her into trouble, but they also serve as armour against the cruelties of the world. She fiercely protects her loved ones, whether it's standing up to bullies targeting Danny or defending Chloe from racist remarks. Nellie's loyalty and courage are matched only by her vulnerability, which she allows Chloe to see in rare, tender moments.
The friendship between Nellie and Chloe forms the emotional core of the narrative. Their bond develops organically, built on shared experiences and mutual understanding. They find solace in each other's company, creating a sanctuary amidst the chaos of their lives. The author skilfully portrays the gradual shift from friendship to something deeper, capturing the confusion, excitement, and fear that come with first love.
As the story hurtles towards its conclusion, the consequences of the children's wishes come to a head. Through clever thinking and newfound wisdom, Nellie, Chloe, and Danny manage to set things right. The resolution brings not only a sense of relief but also personal growth for each character.
In the end, while their circumstances may not have changed dramatically, the bonds forged through adversity prove unbreakable.
This short yet powerful tale offers a vivid glimpse into the stark class divisions and racial tensions of the late 1800s in Manchester. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the time, but neither does it let them overshadow the resilience and hope embodied by its young protagonists.
The story's exploration of Nellie's sexual awakening is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. It captures the confusion, excitement, and fear of discovering one's identity in a time when such feelings were rarely acknowledged, let alone accepted.
Ultimately, this is a story about the power of friendship, the strength found in adversity, and the universal experience of coming of age. Its blend of historical detail, magical realism, and tender romance creates a unique and memorable reading experience that is sure to leave readers with a bittersweet smile and a renewed appreciation for the courage it takes to be true to oneself.
Nellie's world is turned upside down when her father loses his job. The issue of eviction looms large over the Doyle family, and the gnawing fear of hunger becomes their constant companion. Despite the dire circumstances, Nellie refuses to let despair consume her.
One fateful day, while running an errand for her mother, Nellie quite literally bumps into Chloe, a young Black girl who had snuck out from the nearby workhouse. Their initial collision quickly gives way to a spark of connection. Chloe's quiet strength and gentle demeanour complement Nellie's fiery spirit, and an instant friendship is born.
As Nellie grapples with her family's precarious situation, an encounter with a mysterious circus master sets in motion a series of extraordinary events. The man, his eyes twinkling with mischief, presents Nellie with seven seemingly ordinary leaflets, claiming they possess magical properties. Skeptical but intrigued, Nellie accepts the gift, unaware of the chaos about to unfold.
Joined by her younger brother Danny, Nellie and Chloe embark on a wild adventure fuelled by childish curiosity and the desperate hope for a better life. They begin making wishes on the leaflets, their young minds brimming with dreams of full bellies, warm beds, and happy families. However, the old adage "be careful what you wish for" proves true in the most unexpected and often comical ways. Each wish backfires spectacularly, teaching the children valuable lessons about the complexities of life and the unintended consequences of their actions.
As their escapades unfold, Nellie finds herself grappling with unfamiliar emotions. Her friendship with Chloe deepens, blossoming into something more profound. In stolen moments away from prying eyes, Nellie's heart races when Chloe is near. The soft touch of Chloe's hand sends shivers down her spine, and Nellie begins to understand that her feelings transcend mere friendship.
However, the harsh realities of their world cast a shadow over their budding romance. The streets of Little Ireland are no strangers to prejudice, and the girls face a double burden of discrimination. Chloe endures racial slurs and suspicious glances, while both girls confront the crushing weight of poverty that threatens to smother their dreams.
Nellie's character shines throughout the story. Her quick wit and sharp tongue often get her into trouble, but they also serve as armour against the cruelties of the world. She fiercely protects her loved ones, whether it's standing up to bullies targeting Danny or defending Chloe from racist remarks. Nellie's loyalty and courage are matched only by her vulnerability, which she allows Chloe to see in rare, tender moments.
The friendship between Nellie and Chloe forms the emotional core of the narrative. Their bond develops organically, built on shared experiences and mutual understanding. They find solace in each other's company, creating a sanctuary amidst the chaos of their lives. The author skilfully portrays the gradual shift from friendship to something deeper, capturing the confusion, excitement, and fear that come with first love.
As the story hurtles towards its conclusion, the consequences of the children's wishes come to a head. Through clever thinking and newfound wisdom, Nellie, Chloe, and Danny manage to set things right. The resolution brings not only a sense of relief but also personal growth for each character.
In the end, while their circumstances may not have changed dramatically, the bonds forged through adversity prove unbreakable.
This short yet powerful tale offers a vivid glimpse into the stark class divisions and racial tensions of the late 1800s in Manchester. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the time, but neither does it let them overshadow the resilience and hope embodied by its young protagonists.
The story's exploration of Nellie's sexual awakening is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. It captures the confusion, excitement, and fear of discovering one's identity in a time when such feelings were rarely acknowledged, let alone accepted.
Ultimately, this is a story about the power of friendship, the strength found in adversity, and the universal experience of coming of age. Its blend of historical detail, magical realism, and tender romance creates a unique and memorable reading experience that is sure to leave readers with a bittersweet smile and a renewed appreciation for the courage it takes to be true to oneself.
March 7, 2025
This is a beautifully told, well-researched historical adventure suitable for children aged maybe 8 - 12 years old. There are magical realist elements and a completely age appropriate lesbian love story, too. Engels appears fleetingly in the background, and the harsh life of Victorian cotton mill workers is continuously foregrounded.
The narrative voice and use of details makes the reading experience completely immersive. Manchester in the nineteenth century in all its filth, class differences, and multiculturalism spring to life with the agility of a circus performer. Nellie, the narrator, lives in Little Ireland, in poverty, with her family, and her love interest, Chloe, is a Black orphan living in the workhouse.
This was great to read as an adult and it would be magical and eye opening for a child!
The narrative voice and use of details makes the reading experience completely immersive. Manchester in the nineteenth century in all its filth, class differences, and multiculturalism spring to life with the agility of a circus performer. Nellie, the narrator, lives in Little Ireland, in poverty, with her family, and her love interest, Chloe, is a Black orphan living in the workhouse.
This was great to read as an adult and it would be magical and eye opening for a child!
January 22, 2025
I don't often use my goodreads account but I came back just to leave a review for Cottonopolis. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So much so, that I finished it in a single sitting. How Layzell captured the historical setting and significance with so much magic and whimsy left me enamored for a place and its characters I was beyond thrilled to meet and know. The characters of the story are charming, lovable, and real. A LGBTQ story like this would have never existed for me as a child some 15 years ago - and that is what made this story feel like a warm hug. It had tragic, difficult moments but the friendship, love, and trust gained between the story's characters kept me cheering for them. It did not disappoint. I look forward to Layzell's future works if there are any on the horizon. I really cherished this debut book from last year and I am sure to read it again sometime soon.
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April 6, 2025A fire lights up in me, a feeling of anger that I can see this boy's life years from now, while I live my own life week to week. It doesn't matter how quick I am. People like Jim get chances and people like me and Chloe and Danny don't get any.
December 30, 2025
Very happy I purchased a copy of this book during a library event back when I was visiting Manchester this spring. It's an easy read that depicts a harsh life of a young girl in the 1840s. The story is very light, magical and despite the circumstances, actually quite cozy.
February 22, 2025
Cute short story. Felt like it ended a bit abruptly and not sure there was a lot of character growth, but a nice read anyway.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews