Mourning Doves

by Helen Forrester

From Liverpool's best-loved author comes a superb novel of loss and grief, love and hope, set on Merseyside in 1920.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

350 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 1996

About the author

Helen Forrester (real name June Bhatia) (born 1919, Hoylake, Cheshire (now in Merseyside)) is an English-born author famous for her books about her early childhood in Liverpool during the Great Depression as well as several works of fiction.

In 1953 Forrester moved to Edmonton, Canada.

Reviews

[Sammi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Literally just a book about a bunch of women moving house. Obviously it touches on the social and historical context it's based in, eg world war 1, womens rights, etc, but it doesn't really... do anything for them? Its about 300 pages of arranging furniture and taking the train to liverpool. Then in the last 5 pages the author skips 40 years. Nothing really interesting so I wouldn't recommend unless you're looking for an easy book to kill a few hours.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this portrayal of post First World War Britain and how the characters had to adapt to their changing circumstances. The settings are well portrayed and the characters well drawn. The main character's struggle to build a life for herself and the relationship with her sister are what endeared me to this book.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find Helen Forrester's books intensely comforting, but this is definitely not her best.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This superb novel is set on Merseyside in 1920.

Back Cover Blurb:
When her husband dies suddenly, Louise Gilmore and her daughters, Edna and Celia are left with nothing but debts. Forced to move from their fine Liverpool house with servants to a run-down cottage in Hoylake, the three women must learn to make their way in an entirely new world. Although they live with fear, uncertainty and even despair, the women find there are also unexpected opportunies in store.

[Rita Mahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Helen Forrester. Was annoyed by the hopelessness of the characters. Father dies, leaving the aristocratic family almost in poverty. Luckily a cottage by the sea is in the wife's' name and they must move there. The daughter is treated like a slave and must do everything for her mother.

[Vanessa Collier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic premise a good one, but very restricted writing. At one point I considered counting how many times the adverb "shyly" was used

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Helen's books but I found this one not up to her usual standard. It just didn't click with me and in some parts I found it quite boring

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

An old fashion English story.

[Saba❤️AmongStories · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll be honest this book was a bit of a drag. I love Helen Forrester's books, but this particular book I found boring & difficult to get into