Somewhere A Bird Is Singing

by E.V. Thompson

Sally is an orphan living in Plymouth's Barbican, a late 19th century dockside slum, where a vile trade flourishes in young girls, duped and shipped off to the brothels of Europe. Her sister, Ruth, is driven to prostitution in order to support them, until she becomes too ill to work.

With her sick sister to take care of in their single room home, Sally finds employment delivering wares for a local shop, meeting fisherman Ethan and, through him, Eva, a captain in the local Salvation Army. Eva has dedicated her life to rescuing the endangered girls and bringing their procurers to justice.

When Ruth is brutally murdered, Sally finds the father she has never known, but he brings only trouble and unhappiness into her life. When Ethan, his father and brothers are reported missing at sea on a fishing ship, Sally volunteers to help Eva's crusade - with near disastrous results.

Genres: Historical Fiction

528 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Ernest Victor Thompson was born in London and spent nine years in the Navy before joining Bristol police. He moved to Hong Kong, then Rhodesia and had over 200 stories published before returning to England in 1970 to become a full-time award-winning writer.

He settled in Cornwall, living at Idle Cottage in Sharptor.

He wrote 42 historical novels, mostly set in Cornwall, beginning with 'Chase the Wind' in 1977, a book that was voted the best historical novel of the year, with detectives Churchyard and Hawke two of his main characters.

He was awarded the MBE in the 2012 New Years' Honours list for services to literature and the community in Cornwall. He was also a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd (Gorsedh Kernow). This is an individual honoured for significant contributions to the Cornish language, culture, or heritage.

He also wrote the Scottish historical epic 'Homeland' in 1991 under the pseudonym James Munro.

He died peacefully, with his wife, Celia, and two sons, Nathan and Luke, by his side, at his home in Launceston, Cornwall, on 19 July 2021, shortly after his 81st birthday.

Reviews

[Julie Tombs · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read story but the characters infuriated me so I struggled to get invested in the story. The most interesting thing for me was the story was set in an area I know well so mentions of places I have been helped me finish the book. The book talks about child prostitution and the work of the Salvation Army in trying to protect these vulnerable girls. Fairly non descript story in conclusion.

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. A good plot with a mixture of nice and nasty characters. Set in Plymouth in the late Victorian era, I found it interesting reading about the people’s lives, and about the Salvation Army.

[Karen Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually really enjoy books by EV Thompson.... I have read 23 of them..... This one however was written in a completely different style - and in some ways was poorly researched.... ( I have significant Salvation Army heritage and part of this story did not ring true)....none-the-less the historical topics covered are important for UK local history retention and the content is not far-fetched. Rated 3 out of 5 because I have read much greater works from this author.

[Helen]

Yet another fantastic story. Couldn't put this one down either. Was recommended by a friend.

[Maree Larkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this author's style of writing, I was interested in the early history of the Salvation Army so went on reading.

[Garry Marlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

it maybe because the story is set in Plymouth (where I live) but I really enjoyed this book. great plot and could not put the book down.