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Two Strangers
An intelligent, slum-dwelling teenage girl takes drastic measures to survive when her father throws her out of her home, in this spellbinding historical sagaPoplar, London, 1920. Fourteen-year-old Victoria Keats is horrified when her father demands that she go to work for wealthy Mr Preston – everyone knows why he takes young girls into his house. But her violent father, who’s never let her forget she’s not the son he wanted, won’t listen to her concerns – and when she stands up for herself, he throws her out of their dingy little house in the slums.Intelligent, book-loving Vicki vows to make her father regret this day; but she is all alone in the world. Despite her courage and quick wits, it seems likely she will starve – until two men, both complete strangers, provide her with no-strings-attached help.As Vicki’s life improves beyond all recognition, she can’t help but fixate on the mystery of these two good who were they? And why did they help her? She determines to find the men and thank them, but tracking them down may be harder – and more life-changing – than she thinks . . .
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
21 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 30, 2015
Ok, I gave it three stars only because I could not figure out how to do two and a half. I like a good historical fiction, but something about this writer's style bothered me. I think the plot was not believable and the writing style too simplistic.
November 2, 2015
great storyline, but the writing style of the author was very simplistic. It felt like it was designed more for teenagers, than adults. I was disappointed in that, but continued on because I really wanted to know the outcome of the story :-)
March 19, 2015
If this was intended for adults, it was brutally simplistic. The story could've been told in 25 pages. Maybe it was written for children?
December 15, 2015
I didn't care for this very much. It was too sappy and there were too many modernisms for the time.
March 6, 2016
I was interested in the story, but the characters were really one-dimensional. I couldn't believe they were real because they were all so perfectly good and nice.
May 26, 2021
The writing style of this book was too elementary. The story may be good, but the lack of refined dialogue and storytelling failed to captivate me. I quickly realized this was not a book I was interested in pursuing, but I think Beryl has great ideas and I know many people are a fan of her writing. 2.5 stars on this one for me.
December 31, 2018
A good story
The story was good and the main characters were very likable, but the writing seemed very amateur. Everything about the writing as a whole was amateueish. I would not have finished reading it accept i wanted to know the ending.
The story was good and the main characters were very likable, but the writing seemed very amateur. Everything about the writing as a whole was amateueish. I would not have finished reading it accept i wanted to know the ending.
January 29, 2018
Although a bit unrealistic because of the ease with which most situations worked out, this is still a sweet, uplifting read. It shows how the power of kindness can change a life.
February 6, 2018
Dieselblackcat
Oh thank you Beryl for yet another great book. Love the characters and great detail on how they lives reflected on others.
Oh thank you Beryl for yet another great book. Love the characters and great detail on how they lives reflected on others.
March 19, 2018
Cliff hanger
Another cliff hanger where the reader is left high and dry. The story abruptly end leaving a huge void in the story.
Another cliff hanger where the reader is left high and dry. The story abruptly end leaving a huge void in the story.
May 11, 2023
Loved it. A really feel good read, lovely story
September 6, 2016
This book is set in London after the First World War. Vicki is a troubled teenager who has had a very poor upbringing with a mean father who never wanted a daughter and a continuously pregnant mother who keeps desperately trying to provide the much sought after son. When her father tries to send Vicki to work for an untrustworthy man, Vicki refuses. Her father responds by throwing her out on the streets. Vicki struggles for survival but at the two points when she is lowest she meets two strangers who offer her the much-needed help she needs. These fortunes turn Vicki’s life around and she soon starts to have a life that is better than she ever dreamed possible. Her heart never forgets the kind gestures of the strangers and she sets on a mission to find them.
This book is a really easy read, at quite a slow pace. It’s not a fast-paced high drama kind of book but enough to keep you interested. The story grows and develops along at a steady pace, almost like a diary.
This book is a really easy read, at quite a slow pace. It’s not a fast-paced high drama kind of book but enough to keep you interested. The story grows and develops along at a steady pace, almost like a diary.
The descriptions of the City in this book are superb. The author really takes you back in time, and captures big city hustle and bustle, with the markets, abandoned warehouses and the traditional barbers all incredibly vivid.
Vicki is a very likeable character, smart but vulnerable, headstrong but humble. She easily pulls you into her world and her quest to find her two strangers. Some of the other characters such as Flo and Alfie are also very heart-warming and you do find yourself hoping everything turns out okay for them all.
This book is very easy to read and is very slow paced. It would suit those that like Linda Page, Jessica Blair, M.L. Gardner or similar.
January 11, 2015
Fourteen-year-old Victoria Keats, is thrown out of her home by her father for refusing to work for a wealthy man who abuses girls; and is left to fend for herself in the suburbs of London in 1920.
She focuses on surviving but without a job, it's almost impossible. Then two strangers give her a handout when she is out of options and soon she finds a job in a barber shop, disguised as a boy.
As her life improves, Vicki is determined to find the two strangers who helped her beat the odds and to help others struggling like she did.
It was interesting being thrust in the different worlds of English society in the 1920s.
She focuses on surviving but without a job, it's almost impossible. Then two strangers give her a handout when she is out of options and soon she finds a job in a barber shop, disguised as a boy.
As her life improves, Vicki is determined to find the two strangers who helped her beat the odds and to help others struggling like she did.
It was interesting being thrust in the different worlds of English society in the 1920s.
March 5, 2016
Interesting, if unlikely. A sequel would tie things nicely.
April 5, 2015
I have always enjoyed this author's writing style.
July 3, 2015
Interesting historical novel. Lucky Day book at the Library
August 25, 2015
beautifully written a lovely story that pulls on your heart strings could not put the book down.
December 3, 2015
A detailed story, enjoyable read!
October 30, 2015
It is not even worth it a one star! That's how bad it was!
October 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this novel. It was so well wrtitten and had great pace. Would like to read more by her.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews