A Daughter’s Disgrace

by Kitty Neale

From Amazon bestselling author Kitty Neale comes a heartbreaking historical novel about a young woman trying to make the best despite the worst circumstances. Is a happy ever after impossible? Previously published in 2015 Fractured
Alison is the ugly duckling of her family and has always been treated with disdain by her mother. After years of being bullied, she is drawn to the one man who shows her affection. But when he brutally rapes her, leaving her pregnant, she is cast out. Forgotten
Shunned by her family, Alison must start to make her own way and plan a life for herself and her unborn child – and for the first time she is master of her own destiny. Forgiven?
But when the baby arrives, Alison feels no love for her new son. Terrified that history will repeat itself, can she find a way to love her child? And will she ever find the forgiveness she craves from her family? An utterly unputdownable, heart-wrenching historical novel that will have you completely hooked from the first page. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Nadine Dorries and Nancy Revell. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘ Had me hooked from the very first page and continued throughout the book. One of those books you just didn't want to end!! Just a BRILLIANT read as always, Kitty Neale!!!’ Amazon reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ ‘ Worth every penny , unfortunately it kept me from my bed it was such an interesting story and I never imagined the twist at the end….buy it .. love it .’ Amazon reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘ Fantastic. It kept me gripped right till the end and could really picture every character.’ Amazon reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ‘ I loved it , twists and turns that I certainly wasn't expecting… I just couldn't put it down .’ Amazon reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ ‘ What a wonderful read . Had me hooked, I fell in love with the characters.’ Amazon reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I had to finish it in almost one read. The book was filled with all the emotions. ’ Amazon reviewer

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Chick Lit

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2015

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an usual story.
A type of read that's been written about before.

BUT told in only a way that the superb Kitty Neale knows how, her talent and expertise of writing this kind of heartbreaking saga with the hoping ending of a sunshine sky that turns a horrid past into a bright future.

Fantastic read.

Thank you HarperCollins UK, Avon via Net Galley for my copy

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book some time ago and I really enjoyed the story. Very hard to put down. Recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

An ugly duckling story that takes place in 1950s Battersea. It just seems to drag on and on, miserably. Too many bitchy females and nasty characters, all flat, so I really don't care what happens to them in the story. Nor can I understand the raving reviews here.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 418

Publisher - Avon books

Source - Gift

Blurb from Amazon

Fractured
Alison is the ugly duckling of her family and has always been treated with disdain by her mother. After years of being bullied, she is drawn to the one man who shows her affection. But when he brutally rapes her, leaving her pregnant, she is cast out.

Forgotten
Shunned by her family, Alison must start to make her own way and plan a life for herself and her unborn child – and for the first time she is master of her own destiny.

Forgiven?
But when the baby arrives, Alison feels no love for her new son. Terrified that history will repeat itself, can she find a way to love her child? And will she ever find the forgiveness she craves from her family?


My Review

Oooft guys this book is *jaw drops* - talk about some shady horrible characters! Alison is the "baby" of the family, the youngest of three daughters and treated abysmally by almost everyone. She is mocked for her looks by family and locals, she is painfully shy as a result. She is such a good egg and just gives and gives whilst her mother and sister Hazel mock, put her down and take more and more. Linda is the eldest and has a soft spot for Alison but she lives away and has her own family. When Alison gets a job in a butchers things start to look up a bit until she is attacked and her whole world is turned upside down.

Now obviously it tells you in the blurb and there is the title too that there is an SA resulting in a pregnancy. I have to just say see if something doesn't happen in the first quarter I don't think it should be mentioned in the blurb as it is a spoiler. If I remember it is almost half way through so just a wee person gripe I have.

Alison's mum and sister Hazel (the middle child and absolutely spoiled) are really repugnant characters. I wanted to hug Alison because regardless of what she does, or how much she gives they never have a kind word for her. Contrasting that, her boss in the butchers is such a nice kind soul and I think against Cora (her mother) and Hazel it really shows the opposites and how bad/good they are.

The book is set in the 50s and Neale captures the authenticity of the time well, I thought. The whole keeping a front on because of the neighbours and judgement(s), saving for what little you had. The judgements - ie wearing lipstick and daring to date/work and the way people looked down on others.

I find these books you can sink into and just block out your own reality, if for just a little while, I have read Neale before and will read again, 4/5 for me this time.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy read

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Daughter’s Disgrace by Kitty Neale is a lovely British historical novel. It is set in 1950’s in Battersea (starts in 1957). Cora Butler is the widowed mother of three daughters. Linda is married to Terry Owens and they have a little three year old daughter named June. Hazel is the middle daughter and the loveliest of the three sisters. Cora treats Hazel like a queen. Alison is the youngest daughter and is considered homely. Alison has suffered abuse at the hands of her mother and Hazel all her life. They are constantly putting her down (Cora cannot stand her youngest daughter). Alison is taller than most girls (and men). When Alison is let go from a local factory, she gets a job with the local butcher, Fred Chapman. Next door at the hardware store is a nice looking young man named Paul Lanning that catches Alison’s eye. One night on the way home Paul attacks Alison and she ends up pregnant. Paul and his motley family disappear leaving Alison to face her family’s wrath.

Hazel is engaged to Neville Parrot. Cora thinks Hazel could do much better, but Hazel is determined to marry Neville. Hazel is always polite and lady like in public, but behind closed doors she has an unruly temper and has a tendency towards hitting (especially her sister, Alison). Neville is a nice young man, no temper, handsome looking, and works at the local paint factory. Hazel wants a big wedding and expects everyone in the household to contribute to it (whether they want to or not). They have a beautiful wedding, but life is not blissful for the newlyweds.

Alison’s life takes a turn for the better when she marries Fred while Hazel’s life is not what she expected. Linda and Terry get into a spot of trouble up in Kent, but Terry hopes to get them safely out of harm’s way.

The Daughter’s Disgrace starts off a little slow, but then I could not put it down. I stayed up until after 4 a.m. to finish it. I give it 4.25 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by Kitty Neale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.

[Ruby Tuesday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Kitty Neale and it was unexpectedly fantastic! I do enjoy books both fiction and memoirs set it 40's and 50's working class society so was looking forward to this, expecting a gentle reading. Which it was. Until the book went in a completely unexpected direction.

The main character is Alison, the youngest of three sisters. Her mother Cora has brought up the three girls alone after her husband Jack died in World War II. Cora was left pregnant with Alison and had always resented her and been unkind towards her. The eldest daughter Linda is pleasant but Hazel, the middle daughter is beautiful but spiteful and unkind, making Alison's life a misery. Alison is very tall, stoops and is not particularly attractive which she is constantly reminded of by her family and outsiders, often being called 'horse face' As a result she has very low self esteem which certain individuals in the book take advantage of when she starts a new job at the butchers working alongside the owner, Fred. Meanwhile, Hazel is planning her wedding to Neville Parrott.

For me the beauty of this book was how the author developed the characters. I felt like I knew them and cared what happened to them. I was constantly rooting for Alison's luck to change, felt warmth towards Fred the butcher and an intense dislike to Hazel. I would,without question read further books by Kitty Neale. One thing that struck me was how this book would make a superb TV drama.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Harper Collins UK for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty Neale never fails to disappoint with her books and this one is no exception. I absolutely loved it. I felt like I knew all the characters from the description of them in the book. The storyline was excellent and not once did I feel it's boring. In fact I felt sad when the book finished. A definite 5 stars from me. Thanks to the publisher Harpercollins UK Avon for an ARC of this book.

[Elias · Rating 1 out of 5]

I dnf'ed it at page 132. It's been a hundred pages and they be still talking about that wedding that i dont even care and im not interested at all because i hate hazel so much and theres no story to allison. I hate this book.

[Nikita Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me fall in love with reading all over again!
It was interesting, sad, troubling. I enjoyed this so much!
They way it switches, the way it introduces the characters and the way they are portrayed! I loved everything about this book.
Kitty Neale made me fall in low with reading all over again

[Sara Mcmillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison was one of three girls and the black sheep. Not got the beauty of her two sisters. So she was not treated well by her mother and sister. But Alison gets rapped and is forced to have the baby and married the local butcher who fell sorry for her. Alison came off the better and with the murder of her sister. Alison was the one who holdered up the family.

[Chydy Adyasor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumbs up for Allison for believing in herself and living above that self-hatred with Fred's help. Kitty's poetic licence and the plot is fabulous.
Nice one.
I have to visit Battersea after reading this novel.

[Clare Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad what Alison had to endure in her life ...cruelly treated by her mother and sister as well as neighbours ...She thought she could trust Paul but sadly not...Fred came to the rescue and in the end despite more loss and sadness it seems Alison got her happy ending.

[Louise Borg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable. Well written and the background of the time in which it is set is comes out very well. The characters are well developed and the issues treated transcend time.

[Annemarie Farthing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty is only skin deep 😍

[Yvonne Simcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book ..brilliant

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

a brilliant family emotional read a novel full of twists and turns a heart breaking saga between a lack of love for a mother to her daughter.

[Jean P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so sorry for Alison living with such a spiteful mother and sister. As you would expect all turned out well in the end but not without the odd hiccup along the way. Good solid storytelling.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this novel of dysfunctional relationships, emotional and verbal abuse and how a vulnerable young woman emerges from these circumstances to find her own identity and happiness.

[Linda Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read

[Joyce Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book first time I’ve read any of her books won’t be the last

[Donna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 150 pages just dragged before any storyline even happened forced myself to finish it the end had a good twist at the end which I didn't expect not the best book I have read.

[Sara Mcmillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant reaf

[Fiona Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a fantastic book, really enjoyed reading it! It is the story of 3 sisters brought up by their mother in London in the years after the 2nd World War. It focuses on Alison, the ugly duckling of the family who has a troubled relationship with her mother and her sister Hazel, who although physically beautiful has a harsh selfish streak. It follows their fortunes over a couple of years and I guess the moral of the story is that beauty is only skin deep and certainly doesn't guarantee happiness.
It is hard to write this without giving too much away about the characters, but I would highly recommend this book. It is well written and keeps your interest throughout. I also like the historical aspect to it, I love reading about life during and after the war years and the descriptions are very authentic. If you enjoy a story about troubled relationships and family divisions, give this one a go.

[Rebecca Emin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Daughter's Disgrace is set in 1950s London and features well developed characters, a good plot and a massive "wow" moment that I didn't see coming.

The main family consists of three sisters who are incredibly different and these characters and their mother are the focus of the story. I had a lot of sympathy for Alison, the youngest most unloved child, and her character has some wonderful moments in the book.

This is one of those books that is easy to read and immerse yourself in, total escapism, and I enjoyed reading it.


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Butler has always been told by everyone, family included how ugly and worthless she is.
When she starts a new job she is drawn to the scheming Paul Lanning but when things go pear shaped with him poor Alison is left in a pickle, hurt and betrayed.
Scared to tell her family what's happened, they soon find out the ugly truth themselves and disown her.
Taken in by her employer, the butcher Fred Chapman he is the answer to all her prayers and comes up with a scheme to try and help Alison save face against the judgements of society.
A finely crafted period novel set in the late fifties this was such an engaging story with well drawn characters and a great plot.
Highly enjoyable.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advance copy sent to me via Netgallery

Set in the 1950s Battersea this book is the story of a family struggling to cope with hard times

Her mother and older sister bully the youngest daughter of the family Alison. After mistaking friendship for love Alison finds herself pregnant, homeless and alone. Desperation leads her to find friendships from new directions.

This latest Kitty Neale book is a fantastic tale of 1950s London each character is strong and independent.
A great read that will have you hooked from the first page.

[Soraya Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that once you start reading you don't want to put down, that is certainly what happened to me. I liked the fact the book got really involved in all three sisters lives and showed how different they were. I felt sorry for Alison most of the time, how she was treated by her mother and sister were just awful. But I felt she got the last laugh and I'm sure many other readers will too.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed her writing very much.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only the second Kitty Neale book that I have read and I will now be buying more of her books from her extensive back catalogue. What a fantastic book, from start to finish it felt like I was there with the characters and it is easy to believe this story is based on real life rather than fiction.
The story keeps you gripped and you find yourself totally engrossed with the characters and their lives. What a wonderful storyteller Kitty Neale is, I highly recommend A Daughters Disgrace.

[Sarah Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I am a huge Kitty Neale fan and this book was by far my most favourite. It had me drawn in from start to finish. A really great storyline and Kitty has such a talent of making you feel like you are there and getting to know the characters. I felt so much affection for Alison and Fred. There were so many morals to this story and was extremely thought provoking. A must read