What do you think?
Rate this book
The Breckton Trilogy #1
To Catch A Dream
The stunning first instalment in The Breckton Novels, To Catch a Dream by Mary Wood tells the tragic tale of Bridie O'Hara, as she struggles to overcome her misfortune.Can she follow her dreams when she has lost everything? Young Bridie O'Hara is torn away from her native Ireland by her father – a freedom fighter, turned traitor – when he has to flee the wrath of the republicans. Violated by those who should protect her and betrayed by her dashing gypsy lover Seamus Finney, she struggles to find her way in Victorian England. Will Hadler is a kind, hard-working miner, whose love for Bridie knows no bounds. He rescues her from a life on the streets and offers her the chance of happiness, but the demons inside her never give her peace. When Will takes Bridie to Breckton in Yorkshire, she meets and befriends the young Issy. A strong young woman, she triumphs over adversity, but her quest to save Bridie, and Bridie's daughter Bridget from the consequences of her mother's actions, proves a step too far.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
515 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2012
34 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 26, 2015
What a well written book! I hadn't picked up a book of this genre for a long time due to not really getting along with the style. However I can say that this definitely didn't apply here. Admittedly, it did take me a while to get into it, but once you acquaint yourself to the dialect used (Irish and Northern, as a Southerner this took me a while!), you come to embrace it and it adds to the atmosphere of the story line.
The characters were also very diverse and intertwined nicely. I found them to be well developed and complex, falling out with most of them at some point through the book (Bridie more than once), only to soften to them again further along; This is a depth which many authors fail to reach.
At times it was uncomfortable to read, with rape featuring on occasion throughout. However I commend the author for addressing issues that were prevalent at the time. Don't expect a fluffy love story with a hero to save the day!
Over all a compelling, slightly dark and well written book which spans across generations, places and classes.
The characters were also very diverse and intertwined nicely. I found them to be well developed and complex, falling out with most of them at some point through the book (Bridie more than once), only to soften to them again further along; This is a depth which many authors fail to reach.
At times it was uncomfortable to read, with rape featuring on occasion throughout. However I commend the author for addressing issues that were prevalent at the time. Don't expect a fluffy love story with a hero to save the day!
Over all a compelling, slightly dark and well written book which spans across generations, places and classes.
June 2, 2013
I contemplated giving up after 30% but stuck with it and fell for the characters to the point of tears later in the book.
Some of the other reviews state that the rape scenes are too graphic, if you've read any erotica these seems are not graphic in the slightest and are a mere nod at the evilness of rape.
Give it a read you'll be begging for the characters to survive for there happily ever afters!
Some of the other reviews state that the rape scenes are too graphic, if you've read any erotica these seems are not graphic in the slightest and are a mere nod at the evilness of rape.
Give it a read you'll be begging for the characters to survive for there happily ever afters!
May 27, 2015
To Catch a Dream has just been re released in paperback by Pan Macmillan. Available fro Wh Smiths, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Waterstones, Asda, and all independent book shops. I loved writing it, and now to see it on the shelves, is amazing
January 23, 2018
Believe in your dreams!
April 5, 2018
Liked this book took me a. While to get into the story, picked up part 2 of the series as an audio book. Love all Mary’s booksjust the first part is of this one took. Me a while longer to get into.
August 7, 2015
Bridie's father takes her away from Ireland to go to England. He's in trouble as he's a corrupt freedom fighter who has taken money from a lot of people. On the boat Bridie's father does the worst thing imaginable and Bridie is left with the mess. She's in a country where she doesn't know anyone and she has no money. She tries to retrieve her father's traitor money together with the love of her life Seamus, but things go horribly wrong. Because she has nowhere to go, she joins her friend who knows someone who runs a brothel. It's the last place where Bridie wants to work though...
Will is a miner who instantly falls in love when he meets Bridie. Their initial meeting is only brief and they know nothing about each other, but when their paths cross again he doesn't want to let her go. He saves her from the awful life she's leading. Will is a nice guy and he makes Bridie happy, but there's also something else that makes her happy, something that will ruin Bridie's life if she isn't careful.
Will and Bridie move to Breckton. He finds a good job there and she finds a wonderful friend. Issy and will are everything Bridie needs. Issy is able to cope with a lot, she's always practical and she's strong. When Bridie gets involved with Andrew things are going the wrong way for her again. Bridie has a daughter, Bridget, and Issie is there to take care of her. Can she save Bridget from her mother's fate?
Andrew is a happy bachelor, but when his mother's getting remarried he needs to marry Dvina to save his fortune. Dvina isn't pretty in a conventional way, but she's the most wonderful woman he's ever met. Andrew isn't able to stay faithful to her even though he loves her very much. He's constantly struggling with himself. Then Seamus does something that will change his life forever. What are the consequences of these actions and what do they mean for Bridie?
To Catch a Dream has several main characters. Bridie, Andrew, Will and Issy. Each person is really interesting and I enjoyed reading about their lives. Mary Wood has written a fantastic book, it's a long read, but I didn't want it to end. I wanted to keep reading to find out more. The main characters are each facing things that are changing the course of their lives and they have to make tough decisions sometimes. I liked that theme and the way Mary Wood used it for her story.
Bridie really frustrated me. I wanted to love her and at first I did, but she keeps doing the wrong thing. She doesn't have much of a backbone and she isn't smart enough to save herself from terrible decisions. She doesn't see what terrible consequences her actions will have, because of that she's always getting into trouble. The sad thing is that she never causes it, other people are ruining things for her and she often seems to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I felt so bad for her and wanted her to have some luck. She keeps trusting people who aren't trustworthy at all and that made me quite angry. I always love it when a book makes me feel such strong emotions. I really liked Issy, who also hasn't got much luck, but she's a sweetheart, the best friend anyone could have, and she tries to make something of her life. Issy and Bridie are opposites in a lot of ways, Issy keeps trying, where Bridie chooses the easy way out, but Issy never holds it against Bridie as she understands her. Issy gives Bridie and later her daughter all the love she has to give, which was wonderful to see.
I can go on and on about this book as there is so much more to say. It's a book that is so wonderful to analyse. There's a lot to think about and not everything is always black and white. I liked reading about the grey in between part. To Catch a Dream is definitely a story that made me think and it's impossible not to have any opinions about the things that are happening in the story and their consequences. If you like If you like historical fiction then I would definitely recommend this amazing book.
Will is a miner who instantly falls in love when he meets Bridie. Their initial meeting is only brief and they know nothing about each other, but when their paths cross again he doesn't want to let her go. He saves her from the awful life she's leading. Will is a nice guy and he makes Bridie happy, but there's also something else that makes her happy, something that will ruin Bridie's life if she isn't careful.
Will and Bridie move to Breckton. He finds a good job there and she finds a wonderful friend. Issy and will are everything Bridie needs. Issy is able to cope with a lot, she's always practical and she's strong. When Bridie gets involved with Andrew things are going the wrong way for her again. Bridie has a daughter, Bridget, and Issie is there to take care of her. Can she save Bridget from her mother's fate?
Andrew is a happy bachelor, but when his mother's getting remarried he needs to marry Dvina to save his fortune. Dvina isn't pretty in a conventional way, but she's the most wonderful woman he's ever met. Andrew isn't able to stay faithful to her even though he loves her very much. He's constantly struggling with himself. Then Seamus does something that will change his life forever. What are the consequences of these actions and what do they mean for Bridie?
To Catch a Dream has several main characters. Bridie, Andrew, Will and Issy. Each person is really interesting and I enjoyed reading about their lives. Mary Wood has written a fantastic book, it's a long read, but I didn't want it to end. I wanted to keep reading to find out more. The main characters are each facing things that are changing the course of their lives and they have to make tough decisions sometimes. I liked that theme and the way Mary Wood used it for her story.
Bridie really frustrated me. I wanted to love her and at first I did, but she keeps doing the wrong thing. She doesn't have much of a backbone and she isn't smart enough to save herself from terrible decisions. She doesn't see what terrible consequences her actions will have, because of that she's always getting into trouble. The sad thing is that she never causes it, other people are ruining things for her and she often seems to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I felt so bad for her and wanted her to have some luck. She keeps trusting people who aren't trustworthy at all and that made me quite angry. I always love it when a book makes me feel such strong emotions. I really liked Issy, who also hasn't got much luck, but she's a sweetheart, the best friend anyone could have, and she tries to make something of her life. Issy and Bridie are opposites in a lot of ways, Issy keeps trying, where Bridie chooses the easy way out, but Issy never holds it against Bridie as she understands her. Issy gives Bridie and later her daughter all the love she has to give, which was wonderful to see.
I can go on and on about this book as there is so much more to say. It's a book that is so wonderful to analyse. There's a lot to think about and not everything is always black and white. I liked reading about the grey in between part. To Catch a Dream is definitely a story that made me think and it's impossible not to have any opinions about the things that are happening in the story and their consequences. If you like If you like historical fiction then I would definitely recommend this amazing book.
August 10, 2015
The book follows the life of Bridie O Hara from when she lived in Ireland to her fleeing the country with her dad who is escaping the betrayal of the Freedom Fighters. Bridie is unaware of what the activities are that her father took place in and why these events may affect her in later life. Her struggles start as soon as she is on the boat and the consequences of things that happen change her life to an unwanted path. Her life is full of big upsets and thankfully true love.
I was unsure of how I felt about Bridie O Hara a lot of the time. Initially I felt very sorry for her and loved her courageous attitude to try and do what is best for her and Betty a friend she met in the convent. However I began to dislike the way that she used her sexuality toward the end of the book and how this got her into trouble. I could not understand her continued obsession with Seamus Finnery an Irish traveller who initially seemed like a nice person. I loved her dedication to her daughter, Bridget and how she always looked out for her and tried to protect her.
The character of Issy was fantastic and I loved how she was so open about things and always did her best for others. Her relationship with Bridie was interesting and very supportive. I also liked the character of Will who was determined to get Bridie away from her previous life and always had her interests at heart from the moment her saw her again. He even faced up to his mum who did not want to move.
There are other stories that are covered in the book including the life of Andrew Harvey and his life as mine owner. He takes great interest in the people that he employs and likes to know what is happening in their life. His marriage is mostly a happy one although he still likes to play away and this can get him into trouble. However the majority of the time you can see that he loves his wife against the judgement of his so called friends who ridicule him for his proposal. His wife Dvina is a very likeable honest and open character and you really want Andrew to be a loyal and loving husband to her.
The story was a long one and it went over a long period of time but it was great to follow the whole life of Bridie and then towards the end Bridget’s life. I was upset at the ending of the book and really did not expect that. I am hoping that the story continues in another book.
May 23, 2015
I was sent a copy of this book from TBC for an honest and impartial review.
The book is set in Victorian England mainly. Bridie O'Hara is Irish and flees to England with her father.
The story is set in three parts and the chapters are mainly headed from Bridie, Andrew, and Will's story.
From the outset you know Bridies journey is going to be harrowing, within the first few chapters you meet the main characters. How they will be mingled as the story flows is a mystery to begin with. Although you can assume with the roles the characters play.
The book flowed well and was beautifully written. Describing Victorian Britain and working in the mines.
Although heartbreaking reading the story of Bridie it had warmth and humour giving life to the charachters.
This is the first in a five part series and i would happily read more from this author.
5/5 stars
The book is set in Victorian England mainly. Bridie O'Hara is Irish and flees to England with her father.
The story is set in three parts and the chapters are mainly headed from Bridie, Andrew, and Will's story.
From the outset you know Bridies journey is going to be harrowing, within the first few chapters you meet the main characters. How they will be mingled as the story flows is a mystery to begin with. Although you can assume with the roles the characters play.
The book flowed well and was beautifully written. Describing Victorian Britain and working in the mines.
Although heartbreaking reading the story of Bridie it had warmth and humour giving life to the charachters.
This is the first in a five part series and i would happily read more from this author.
5/5 stars
May 21, 2014
Absolutely wonderful story. You will need tissues. Mary Wood is a wonderful writer and you are with her all the way through her story telling. You feel as if you want to get into the story and help somehow unbelievable. See my review An Unbreakable Bond
December 30, 2017
I struggled with this book to be honest. I quite enjoyed the first few chapters and the dialects didn’t bother me as a northerner but I just found it too depressing overall.
Historical novels are one of my favourite genres and I expect them to be well researched and authentic. I appreciate that women were treated very badly and seen as possessions, still are in many places and it’s not that long since husbands couldn’t be charged with rape, but this book is unremittingly dark. Almost all the male characters are rapists and almost all the females are raped. The women who end up as prostitutes do so because they want to and enjoy it.
But what I really found disturbing was the depiction of the rape of Issy. The fact that Seamus is a dark haired, dark eyed, handsome Irishman means it’s ok because actually, she ends up enjoying it despite herself and because he wants her to enjoy it. Not your typical rapist I wouldn’t have thought.
I’ve rated the book at 2 stars because it is reasonably well written and the setting and parts of the plot were good but I just ended up feeling like I’d entered a 19th century soap opera. There are a lot of good reviews for this book but it just wasn’t for me.
Historical novels are one of my favourite genres and I expect them to be well researched and authentic. I appreciate that women were treated very badly and seen as possessions, still are in many places and it’s not that long since husbands couldn’t be charged with rape, but this book is unremittingly dark. Almost all the male characters are rapists and almost all the females are raped. The women who end up as prostitutes do so because they want to and enjoy it.
But what I really found disturbing was the depiction of the rape of Issy. The fact that Seamus is a dark haired, dark eyed, handsome Irishman means it’s ok because actually, she ends up enjoying it despite herself and because he wants her to enjoy it. Not your typical rapist I wouldn’t have thought.
I’ve rated the book at 2 stars because it is reasonably well written and the setting and parts of the plot were good but I just ended up feeling like I’d entered a 19th century soap opera. There are a lot of good reviews for this book but it just wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2019
It's a very nice book, one of the best I've read in months, although not a light read. The story takes place in 19th century England. It's all about women and their powerlessness in the face of numerous disasters.
The only defect of the novel is that it's very depressing, devoid of any hope of a happy ending. Some traumas cannot be cured no matter what. They can be anesthetized, by alcohol for instance, but nothing more. For Bridie and Bridget, as well as for many women of her time, there is no hope of a miracle.
No one cares, everyone judges, some people take advantage.
The main character is a strong woman. Somehow, she manages not only to survive but to save her emotional warmth, humanity, maternal love and care for her children. Being totally alone, Bridie manages to find friends and even love but, more often than not, those who love her do it in such a perverted way that it brings her only suffering.
The only male who really and truly cares about her is Will. The other ones — her father, Seamus, Bruiser, Andrew — do whatever in their best interests, without thinking what harm it does to Bridie.
The subplot that goes through the novel is addiction, alcoholism, as in Bridie's case, or gambling, as in Bruiser's case. And, once again, there's no escape from it, or whatever horrible may happen, while hope, on the other hand, is vain and delusive.
P.S. It was my first acquaintance with Margaret Wood's writing and, one day, I would love to read some other of her novels.
The only defect of the novel is that it's very depressing, devoid of any hope of a happy ending. Some traumas cannot be cured no matter what. They can be anesthetized, by alcohol for instance, but nothing more. For Bridie and Bridget, as well as for many women of her time, there is no hope of a miracle.
No one cares, everyone judges, some people take advantage.
The main character is a strong woman. Somehow, she manages not only to survive but to save her emotional warmth, humanity, maternal love and care for her children. Being totally alone, Bridie manages to find friends and even love but, more often than not, those who love her do it in such a perverted way that it brings her only suffering.
The only male who really and truly cares about her is Will. The other ones — her father, Seamus, Bruiser, Andrew — do whatever in their best interests, without thinking what harm it does to Bridie.
The subplot that goes through the novel is addiction, alcoholism, as in Bridie's case, or gambling, as in Bruiser's case. And, once again, there's no escape from it, or whatever horrible may happen, while hope, on the other hand, is vain and delusive.
P.S. It was my first acquaintance with Margaret Wood's writing and, one day, I would love to read some other of her novels.
October 11, 2020
Sadly I really couldn’t get into this book and I eventually gave up. I have read other books by this Author and really enjoyed them, unfortunately this storyline just didn’t capture me. Mary Wood is a fantastic storyteller though so I’d definitely recommend other titles she has written. As with all reviews of books this is a totally personal opinion and I would definitely encourage you to read this book for yourself as you may well find it completely enjoyable.
May 1, 2020
Too much sex
I only read less than half the book, far too much sex and swearing. Completely unnecessary. I do not like books like that and would never have purchased it if I'd known .For me it completely spoils the story. I won't be ready anymore.
I only read less than half the book, far too much sex and swearing. Completely unnecessary. I do not like books like that and would never have purchased it if I'd known .For me it completely spoils the story. I won't be ready anymore.
August 12, 2023
I found this book hard to get into 🥹 but once I got to chapter 2 it completely changed and I had trouble putting it down 😊 another great book by Mary Wood. I would recommend you keep reading and hopefully you will fall in love with it.
May 6, 2023
Good story line but not a book to read if you want chearing up. Speaks of the strong destructive power uncontrolled sexual urges can have.
June 26, 2025
A depressing book full of sex and violence against women. I am sorry I read it and towards the end I skip .read to escape.
May 31, 2015
loved this book the story of bridie had me in tears the smiles then tears again cant wait for the next breckton series with bridget and megan in tomorrow brings sorrow well done mary wood for a fantastic read.
did-not-finish
August 10, 2014The blurb sounded my kind of thing, but the book couldn't hold my interest and I gave up about a third of the way in.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews