The Love Child

by Catherine Cookson

Set in the northern English countryside that Catherine Cookson depicts so beautifully, this 19th-century saga tells of the romance of Nathaniel and Maria, who together have six children. They have never married, however, and their children are scorned and treated as outcasts. A dramatic portrait of a battle to overcome human cruelty and the restorative power of love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical

367 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Catherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, who Catherine believed was her older sister. Catherine began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.

Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.

For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.

Reviews

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago and I really enjoyed the storyline.
Loved the stories crafted by Catherine Cookson and this book was no exception.
Storytelling at it's best. Recommended.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it Shakespeare, no. But I think about these characters all the time. I want people to make a period drama out of this book!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1880's in England, this is the story of parents that paid dearly for a love that defied the convention of the day. Follow Anna, the oldest, along with the other 4 children as they are scorned and shunned by the villagers for the sins of their parents. But alas, two men find the lovely Anna and she has a choice to make. Follow her mother's path or no? Two very different men complicate her already difficult life. There are trials and heartache in this story that even the strongest of us should never have to face. Does a woman of her day have the strength to follow her heart?

[Margaret Boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent written story. They think they know themselves, they don't. They don't realize that as victims themselves, they have build a wall they can't crawl away from.

[Debra Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

The social norms and religious barriers of the past create a family of outcasts. I can sympathize with the fate of the children yet I find the father negligent in passing on his sins to his children. It is with gratitude that I feel the blessings of being born in this century, in this country to loving and devoted parents. This is a book which makes me thankful for my circumstances.

[Pattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great story! It involves so many struggles, triumphs, family dynamics, and different views on the same situation. I would be reading, immersed in the story, smiling away, then suddenly bam! A character comes in and changes the whole take on the situation! I am thoroughly enjoying this author and highly recommend her books.

[Deborah Gaspar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book.

[Lili · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read all of Catherine Cookson's books some years ago and enjoyed them immensley. I recently re-read all of them and find that on a second look I found them all so very predictable, and was rather disappointed. However I'm sure that it is my tastes that have changed not the calibre of her story telling.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction--another genre I've neglected--
It seems I've tried to hit all the gaps in my reading--
Now it seems I need poetry.

The book is set in 19th century England. This book could be the Scarlet Letter set from the illegitimate child's point of view.

[Cws]

F Coo

[Cws]

LP Coo

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister recommended this book as one she couldn't put down.

I wasn't so sure; but when I started reading it, the same thing happened. I couldn't put it down.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Catherine Cookson wrote her books in the 50's, so it is a bit of a throwback. Set in England in the 1860's. Good plot and interesting characters. I enjoyed it!

[Stephany · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting book

[Doris Ennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like finding out about how it used to be in England when there were levels of society. Also admire Cookson as one who climbed out of such a situation.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

6 children base born must suffer because their parents could not marry so chose to live as though they could. interesting look at life in late 1880s in small village in England

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

late 19th century England family outcast because their parents never married

[Diane Wachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Love Child, Catherine Cookson, RDC-M #4-92, 11/92. A family of illegitimate children shunned by the villagers, struggle to overcome their hardships. (Not her best!) Okay.