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Kate Hannigan #1
Kate Hannigan
Drawn to the beautiful girl he encounters amid the squalor of the Fifteen Streets slums, Dr. Rodney Prince, a wealthy man trapped in an unhappy marriage, wants nothing more than to rescue Kate Hannigan, who has suffered at the hands of her vicious, bullying father and John Herrington, the notorious seducer who had left her pregnant and alone, in a new edition of the author's first novel.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1950
52 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cookson
446 books692 followersCatherine 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 3, 2026
I've never read Catherine Cookson before & this was her first novel.
The book was a real page turner, Cookson has a great gift for evoking a sense of place, but the characters were too black & white for me - no shades of grey. They were all either wholly good or wholly evil. this meant Kate & her struggles never completely came alive for me. Characters in her way
I have a couple more Cookson's in the house, so I may try them some time in the future, to see if her character building improves.
But there is no rush.
The book was a real page turner, Cookson has a great gift for evoking a sense of place, but the characters were too black & white for me - no shades of grey. They were all either wholly good or wholly evil. this meant Kate & her struggles never completely came alive for me. Characters in her way
I have a couple more Cookson's in the house, so I may try them some time in the future, to see if her character building improves.
But there is no rush.
August 27, 2017
After reading one of Catherine Cookson's latest produced novels I was keen to back track and read one of her early stand alone books.
Cookson sets the scene well of the squalor in the slums where our character Kate originally resides in the Fifteen Streets. Kate is different though, after working in service at a house were she is valued she is given the opportunities of education, dressed well which accentuates her natural beauty and naturally picks up the grammar used. All is well until she falls pregnant, has the baby and then has to eventually return home permanantly.
A course of events sees her back in the slums with a small child, abusive father & sick mother barely just surviving from day to day. However the Dr that brought her illegitimate baby in to the world and shows affection to wins Kate's affections, however life is not simple he is a married man, married to a
cold scheming lady who will stop at nothing to lead life exactly the way she wants it regardless of any body else at all costs and she will not be made a fool of!.
Do they find a 'happy ever after' through everything life has thrown at them?.
A very enjoyable book of hardship, secrets, adversity and the strength of love.
I enjoyed it very much and I'm looking forward to making my way through the many more of this authors books I happily own.
Cookson sets the scene well of the squalor in the slums where our character Kate originally resides in the Fifteen Streets. Kate is different though, after working in service at a house were she is valued she is given the opportunities of education, dressed well which accentuates her natural beauty and naturally picks up the grammar used. All is well until she falls pregnant, has the baby and then has to eventually return home permanantly.
A course of events sees her back in the slums with a small child, abusive father & sick mother barely just surviving from day to day. However the Dr that brought her illegitimate baby in to the world and shows affection to wins Kate's affections, however life is not simple he is a married man, married to a
cold scheming lady who will stop at nothing to lead life exactly the way she wants it regardless of any body else at all costs and she will not be made a fool of!.
Do they find a 'happy ever after' through everything life has thrown at them?.
A very enjoyable book of hardship, secrets, adversity and the strength of love.
I enjoyed it very much and I'm looking forward to making my way through the many more of this authors books I happily own.
February 2, 2009
Kate Hannigan is a story about love that prevails over hopeless odds. Published in 1950, this is Catherine Cookson’s first novel. Although said to be a romantic story, the author disapproved of that title and stated that she wrote about things that she knew; which is why some suggest this novel is partly autobiographical. That said this is a story about overcoming adversity and ultimately a story of the power of love.
August 5, 2023
This is not a book for people who insist on imposing their modern sensibilities on historic characters, events, beliefs, and conversation, but if you appreciate a look into the lives of people as similar to us modern day beings as they are different, you’ll probably love this book.
I’m not one to plow through novels in a day, but the bulk of this was read during a night of insomnia. Every chapter ends with anticipation and it was hard to put down, I so wanted Kate to prevail.
Right from the first page, I was dropped into the middle of a compelling scene that sparked my curiosity, while simultaneously revealing the internalized and externalized struggles and desires of each character; I immediately cared or loathed them accordingly and wanted to know what would become of these people.
Cookson’s characters are relatable, even familiar, with natures that ring so true, their actions and reactions are as understandable, and in some ways predictable, as if they were my own friends or enemies.
The plot moved at a quick pace, and there were many moments of turmoil, climax, and relief that kept my curiosity rolling, admittedly, things do wrap up maybe little too neatly and require a bit of that good old suspension of disbelief.
However, anytime a book transports me through time and space, gives me insight to the lives and minds of other beings, and has me fuming at the baddies and rooting for the goodies, I’m content.
I’m not one to plow through novels in a day, but the bulk of this was read during a night of insomnia. Every chapter ends with anticipation and it was hard to put down, I so wanted Kate to prevail.
Right from the first page, I was dropped into the middle of a compelling scene that sparked my curiosity, while simultaneously revealing the internalized and externalized struggles and desires of each character; I immediately cared or loathed them accordingly and wanted to know what would become of these people.
Cookson’s characters are relatable, even familiar, with natures that ring so true, their actions and reactions are as understandable, and in some ways predictable, as if they were my own friends or enemies.
The plot moved at a quick pace, and there were many moments of turmoil, climax, and relief that kept my curiosity rolling, admittedly, things do wrap up maybe little too neatly and require a bit of that good old suspension of disbelief.
However, anytime a book transports me through time and space, gives me insight to the lives and minds of other beings, and has me fuming at the baddies and rooting for the goodies, I’m content.
August 19, 2021
Kate is pretty. No, she is not merely pretty, she is beautiful. She is as beautiful and unspoilt as the first Eden, even though she is clearly a fallen woman. A trollop. I have no sympathy for characters like Kate Hannigan who are aware of the consequences of having a child out of wedlock and still cannot rein in their passion. What a dimwit. Anyway, every character she comes across is astonished that someone from the slums can be so attractive. It very nearly gave me a headache. Every time that happened, I said to myself, "Alright, we understand it perfectly well, Ms Cookson, can we please move on now?" When Kate learns how to read and write, she becomes insufferable. I wanted to take her down a notch, as did many of the other characters in the book. If the main character's only redeeming quality is her astounding beauty, then you know this book is going to be terrible.
Then there is Rodney Prince. He is a toff or one of the ton, as you might call it. He says he loves Kate because she is beautiful. He wants her the way he has never wanted anyone else. She evokes feelings of protectiveness in Rodney because she has suffered so much! Oh, my heart bleeds for her, except that it doesn't. He admires her because she tried to claw her way out of the slums. He must have been talking about a different character altogether because Kate did nothing of that sort. She was handed the job at Tolmaches on a silver platter. She put zero effort into it. As a reader, did I admire her for it? Absolutely not. When she got beaten by her father, I hoped that she would die, but she didn't. How sad.
This book will go to the donation pile.
Then there is Rodney Prince. He is a toff or one of the ton, as you might call it. He says he loves Kate because she is beautiful. He wants her the way he has never wanted anyone else. She evokes feelings of protectiveness in Rodney because she has suffered so much! Oh, my heart bleeds for her, except that it doesn't. He admires her because she tried to claw her way out of the slums. He must have been talking about a different character altogether because Kate did nothing of that sort. She was handed the job at Tolmaches on a silver platter. She put zero effort into it. As a reader, did I admire her for it? Absolutely not. When she got beaten by her father, I hoped that she would die, but she didn't. How sad.
This book will go to the donation pile.
January 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Storytelling at it's best.
Read
June 19, 2022An Author my Grandmother loved to read. Looking forward to reading the rest of her stories
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Took me a couple of chapters to realize that each chapter jumped to the next Christmas. Also I was not sure of what years this was taking place, but I expect it was during WW1. It was a really good read and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 15, 2020
Kate Hannigan was an early favourite of mine. Great story told with humour and with drama. The tale of a wealthy man caught in a loveless marriage, a young woman trapped in the slums, and their defiance of the mores of Edwardian society.
Evocative social history which does not shy from describing the harsh realities of early 20th century life. Also the difficulties of raising an illegitimate child as well as domestic abuse are well portrayed. A great story and her first published novel. Kate remains one of her most enduring and charismatic characters amongst her many published novels.
SYNOPSIS:
The moment he lays eyes on Kate, Dr. Rodney Prince is enchanted. He senses in this poverty-stricken patient an intelligence and warmth that's completely unexpected. His own wife, living in the oblivion of velvet cushions and lavish dinner parties, seems crude by comparison. Though they meet only briefly then retreat to their separate worlds, the image of Kate leaves an indelible mark upon his mind.
Rodney knows that Kate's spirit has survived life-long suffering at the hands of men. Her father, an embittered dock worker, directed his violent rages toward Kate and her mother. At age eighteen Kate fell victim to a smooth-talking seducer and became the unwed mother of a child she later compromised her dignity to support. Such circumstances only deepen Rodney's desire to rescue Kate and overturn the codes of a society that serve to keep them apart. As the kindhearted Dr. Prince unintentionally wins over the heart of Kate's fatherless daughter, he and Kate begin to acknowledge that the gap between rich and poor might not be so great after all.
Evocative social history which does not shy from describing the harsh realities of early 20th century life. Also the difficulties of raising an illegitimate child as well as domestic abuse are well portrayed. A great story and her first published novel. Kate remains one of her most enduring and charismatic characters amongst her many published novels.
SYNOPSIS:
The moment he lays eyes on Kate, Dr. Rodney Prince is enchanted. He senses in this poverty-stricken patient an intelligence and warmth that's completely unexpected. His own wife, living in the oblivion of velvet cushions and lavish dinner parties, seems crude by comparison. Though they meet only briefly then retreat to their separate worlds, the image of Kate leaves an indelible mark upon his mind.
Rodney knows that Kate's spirit has survived life-long suffering at the hands of men. Her father, an embittered dock worker, directed his violent rages toward Kate and her mother. At age eighteen Kate fell victim to a smooth-talking seducer and became the unwed mother of a child she later compromised her dignity to support. Such circumstances only deepen Rodney's desire to rescue Kate and overturn the codes of a society that serve to keep them apart. As the kindhearted Dr. Prince unintentionally wins over the heart of Kate's fatherless daughter, he and Kate begin to acknowledge that the gap between rich and poor might not be so great after all.
February 12, 2023
THE DRAMAAAAAAA. This would normally not be something I'd pick up,but Cookson is on the list of stuff mentioned in Among Others by Jo Walton. The only book I could get through the library, even in ebook format, happened to be her first novel.
And..... wow. Yes, this is a romance, and love prevails, but it would be a mistake to think this is a fluffy historical romance novel. With this particular book, the circumstances are almost exactly that of the author's mother - a young woman in a poverty stricken Tyneside who ends up with an illegitimate child. There is so much commenrary here on class, poverty, and especially religion. There is a lot of outright bashing of the guilt and cruelty inspired by the Catholic religion and I can't help but feel the author experienced some of it firsthand. Still, even those characters who question it most strongly still acknowledge that it can be a source of strength for some, and that different priests' approaches can make a world of difference.
Time and again we are shown how poverty and jealousy and cruelty and also the social conventions of the time lead to terrible acts. Some of these people commit devastatingly awful acts which hurt even their own family members and sometimes I just wanted to reach in the book and throttle these people. I'm not sure I've read a book where I regretted some character deaths so little.
I see that a sequel about Kate's daughter was published posthumously and I've heard it's really good, so hopefully I can find a copy.
And..... wow. Yes, this is a romance, and love prevails, but it would be a mistake to think this is a fluffy historical romance novel. With this particular book, the circumstances are almost exactly that of the author's mother - a young woman in a poverty stricken Tyneside who ends up with an illegitimate child. There is so much commenrary here on class, poverty, and especially religion. There is a lot of outright bashing of the guilt and cruelty inspired by the Catholic religion and I can't help but feel the author experienced some of it firsthand. Still, even those characters who question it most strongly still acknowledge that it can be a source of strength for some, and that different priests' approaches can make a world of difference.
Time and again we are shown how poverty and jealousy and cruelty and also the social conventions of the time lead to terrible acts. Some of these people commit devastatingly awful acts which hurt even their own family members and sometimes I just wanted to reach in the book and throttle these people. I'm not sure I've read a book where I regretted some character deaths so little.
I see that a sequel about Kate's daughter was published posthumously and I've heard it's really good, so hopefully I can find a copy.
September 20, 2008
This is one author, who, for me, has never written a bad book - love all of them.
Back Cover Blurb:
Dr Rodney Prince had never seen a girl who looked more out of place in the grime and squalor of the Fifteen Streets than did Kate Hannigan. He knew she had suffered at the hands of men: Tim Hannigan, her'father', was a vicious bully; John Harrington, a smooth-talking seducer, had left her with his child.
But Rodney Prince's desire for a family had been frozen out by a wife who'd wanted Harley Street, not a Tyneside slum. By contrast, Kate glowed with a warmth that far outshone the hard, brittle beauty of Stella and exposed the emptiness in his heart.
And so, between Rodney Prince, a wealthy man locked in an unhappy marriage, and Kate Hannigan, a bastard child of the slums, grew a love that opposed all the concepts of an Edwardian society.
Back Cover Blurb:
Dr Rodney Prince had never seen a girl who looked more out of place in the grime and squalor of the Fifteen Streets than did Kate Hannigan. He knew she had suffered at the hands of men: Tim Hannigan, her'father', was a vicious bully; John Harrington, a smooth-talking seducer, had left her with his child.
But Rodney Prince's desire for a family had been frozen out by a wife who'd wanted Harley Street, not a Tyneside slum. By contrast, Kate glowed with a warmth that far outshone the hard, brittle beauty of Stella and exposed the emptiness in his heart.
And so, between Rodney Prince, a wealthy man locked in an unhappy marriage, and Kate Hannigan, a bastard child of the slums, grew a love that opposed all the concepts of an Edwardian society.
June 12, 2016
Kate Hannigan doesn't fit in with the women of the Fifteen streets and the slums.
She is different, she is beautiful, poised, semi educated due to the benevolence of a trio of kindly siblings for whom she worked but a fall from grace and an unexpected pregnancy halts any ambition she has in her tracks.
With an abusive "father" and sick mother and a young child she works all day and sees no light at the end of the tunnel until that is until she falls head over heels for Rodney Prince who has his own cross to bear in the shape of a vicious and cold wife.
Can these two unhappy souls ever find love and happiness against all odds?
A charming tale of love and loss set at the turn of the 20th century and told in Cookson's usual engaging style.
A must for all her fans and historical fans in general.
She is different, she is beautiful, poised, semi educated due to the benevolence of a trio of kindly siblings for whom she worked but a fall from grace and an unexpected pregnancy halts any ambition she has in her tracks.
With an abusive "father" and sick mother and a young child she works all day and sees no light at the end of the tunnel until that is until she falls head over heels for Rodney Prince who has his own cross to bear in the shape of a vicious and cold wife.
Can these two unhappy souls ever find love and happiness against all odds?
A charming tale of love and loss set at the turn of the 20th century and told in Cookson's usual engaging style.
A must for all her fans and historical fans in general.
March 5, 2010
A powerful story that shows stations in life and how we are bound to them. Kate is strong young woman striving to gain footing beyond the "15 streets" however, event after event lead her right back. Through the kidness of her employers, and a newly found forbiden love she struggles and pains her way into womanhood. She does suceed to finally enjoy happiness. We all are blessed with one life, to focus only the wrongs in it, we waste it. Kate believed that her pain could and would not go on. Her future happiness kept her strong and gave her the faith to continue. We could all do well to remember that life is beautiful and this is the only one we get.
July 4, 2024
This is one of the pre-loved books that I bought from a book fair as an engineering student 4-5 years back, and finally read it. It was an average read, not the kind of story that leaves an impact. It took me a couple of chapters to realise that all the chapters are jumped to next Christmas Eve and Christmas day. The way of storytelling was impressive.
October 10, 2014
I just couldn't get into this book and didn't finish it. It struck me as mundane. The author jumped all over the place trying to convince the reader that something was of interest when it was not.
July 3, 2018
I had forgotten just how much I love Catherine Cookson's books. This book had a great storyline and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
September 6, 2018
Loved this book and love the author❤️😘
December 12, 2021
Enjoyed - nice to touch base with Cookson after all these years. I read the Mallen Streak back in the 70s but nothing since so this has been a walk down memory lane.
June 5, 2025
Another good story, I just love readin Catherine Cookson books, we are so lucky to have so many of her wonderful stories to enjoy.
September 10, 2017
Je remercie chaleureusement les éditions Charleston pour m’avoir permis de lire ce livre en avant-première en tant que Lectrice Charleston 2017.
« Kate Hannigan » nous raconte l’histoire de la vie de cette fameuse Kate, une jeune femme vivant dans la misère avec ses deux parents. On la rencontre alors qu’elle est en train d’accoucher, alors que rien ne se passe comme cela devrait être le cas. A son chevet, un jeune médecin prénommé Rodney qui vient à peine de débuter sa carrière dans cette misérable ville.
C’est la veille de Noël et rien ne se passe comme prévu. Kate accouche d’un enfant illégitime et Rodney voit sa carrière décoller suite à des commérages.
Alors qu’ils n’étaient censés jamais se recroiser, leurs destins vont être liés plus étroitement qu’ils n’auraient pensé.
Cette histoire de vie est racontée à la troisième personne du singulier, sous différents points de vue, mais le récit se focalise uniquement sur l’histoire de Kate et de Rodney.
Chaque chapitre se passe toujours durant la veille de Noël, période où ces deux personnages se sont rencontrés pour la première fois. A chaque fois, nous sommes transportés une année plus tard, découvrant ce que sont devenus tous ces protagonistes.
A chaque fois, ils passent par des montagnes russes émotionnelles. Rien ne leur est épargné, et l’on vit avec eux la descente en enfer qu’ils vivent bien malgré eux. On assiste impuissants aux nombreux quiproquos et malentendus qui vont dicter leurs choix de vie.
Heureusement, des moments de joie apparaissent parfois, même s’ils ont un goût de trop peu.
Beaucoup de thèmes sont abordés dans ce livre qui est malgré tout plutôt court.
La misère et la pauvreté, la tromperie, la religion, le mariage, le viol, l’alcoolémie, l’amour, la trahison, l’amitié, la guerre,… Je pourrais continuer encore longtemps tant la liste est longue.
C’est pour moi l’énorme point positif de « Kate Hannigan » car l’on est véritablement plongé dans la vie de la population de l’époque. C’est dur, mais c’est tout simplement la vie et le quotidien de nombreuses personnes. L’auteur a vraiment réussi à rendre l’ensemble vraisemblable et c’était très appréciable.
Malheureusement, malgré ces points positifs, j’ai eu beaucoup de mal à rentrer dans cette lecture. Le style d’écriture de Catherine COOKSON est particulier. Elle utilise du vocabulaire d’époque et des tournures de phrases vieillottes pour que son histoire soit vraiment crédible, mais j’ai trouvé que cela donnait un résultat un peu lourd et pompeux.
Alors même si la deuxième moitié du livre est plus légère, je n’ai pas réellement réussi à être vraiment impliquée par l’histoire.
La fin est quant à elle un peu abrupte et même si je l’ai trouvé touchante, un autre chapitre qui se passe le Noël de l’année suivante aurait été un petit plus non négligeable. Pour moi, il me manque quelques informations sur ce que sont devenus les personnages. Le final conviendra malgré tout au plus grand nombre.
En conclusion, « Kate Hannigan » est une vraie plongée dans le passé, nous offrant une belle vue du quotidien et des problèmes de la population de l’époque. Catherine COOKSON a écrit une histoire atypique en nous décrivant uniquement les veillées de Noël de chaque année des personnages. Cependant, son style d’écriture ne m’a pas envoûtée et je me suis sentie très éloignée du récit, surtout pendant la première moitié du livre.
Cette histoire trouvera quand même son public, j’en suis certaine.
Un livre à lire si vous aimez les histoires de vies dramatiques.
( https://lectrice-lambda.blogspot.fr/2... )
« Kate Hannigan » nous raconte l’histoire de la vie de cette fameuse Kate, une jeune femme vivant dans la misère avec ses deux parents. On la rencontre alors qu’elle est en train d’accoucher, alors que rien ne se passe comme cela devrait être le cas. A son chevet, un jeune médecin prénommé Rodney qui vient à peine de débuter sa carrière dans cette misérable ville.
C’est la veille de Noël et rien ne se passe comme prévu. Kate accouche d’un enfant illégitime et Rodney voit sa carrière décoller suite à des commérages.
Alors qu’ils n’étaient censés jamais se recroiser, leurs destins vont être liés plus étroitement qu’ils n’auraient pensé.
Cette histoire de vie est racontée à la troisième personne du singulier, sous différents points de vue, mais le récit se focalise uniquement sur l’histoire de Kate et de Rodney.
Chaque chapitre se passe toujours durant la veille de Noël, période où ces deux personnages se sont rencontrés pour la première fois. A chaque fois, nous sommes transportés une année plus tard, découvrant ce que sont devenus tous ces protagonistes.
A chaque fois, ils passent par des montagnes russes émotionnelles. Rien ne leur est épargné, et l’on vit avec eux la descente en enfer qu’ils vivent bien malgré eux. On assiste impuissants aux nombreux quiproquos et malentendus qui vont dicter leurs choix de vie.
Heureusement, des moments de joie apparaissent parfois, même s’ils ont un goût de trop peu.
Beaucoup de thèmes sont abordés dans ce livre qui est malgré tout plutôt court.
La misère et la pauvreté, la tromperie, la religion, le mariage, le viol, l’alcoolémie, l’amour, la trahison, l’amitié, la guerre,… Je pourrais continuer encore longtemps tant la liste est longue.
C’est pour moi l’énorme point positif de « Kate Hannigan » car l’on est véritablement plongé dans la vie de la population de l’époque. C’est dur, mais c’est tout simplement la vie et le quotidien de nombreuses personnes. L’auteur a vraiment réussi à rendre l’ensemble vraisemblable et c’était très appréciable.
Malheureusement, malgré ces points positifs, j’ai eu beaucoup de mal à rentrer dans cette lecture. Le style d’écriture de Catherine COOKSON est particulier. Elle utilise du vocabulaire d’époque et des tournures de phrases vieillottes pour que son histoire soit vraiment crédible, mais j’ai trouvé que cela donnait un résultat un peu lourd et pompeux.
Alors même si la deuxième moitié du livre est plus légère, je n’ai pas réellement réussi à être vraiment impliquée par l’histoire.
La fin est quant à elle un peu abrupte et même si je l’ai trouvé touchante, un autre chapitre qui se passe le Noël de l’année suivante aurait été un petit plus non négligeable. Pour moi, il me manque quelques informations sur ce que sont devenus les personnages. Le final conviendra malgré tout au plus grand nombre.
En conclusion, « Kate Hannigan » est une vraie plongée dans le passé, nous offrant une belle vue du quotidien et des problèmes de la population de l’époque. Catherine COOKSON a écrit une histoire atypique en nous décrivant uniquement les veillées de Noël de chaque année des personnages. Cependant, son style d’écriture ne m’a pas envoûtée et je me suis sentie très éloignée du récit, surtout pendant la première moitié du livre.
Cette histoire trouvera quand même son public, j’en suis certaine.
Un livre à lire si vous aimez les histoires de vies dramatiques.
( https://lectrice-lambda.blogspot.fr/2... )
December 15, 2022
Ο Ρόντνεϊ Πρινς είναι ένας αξιόλογος γιατρός και παρά την επαγγελματική του καταξίωση, στην προσωπική του ζωή τα πράγματα είναι αντιστρόφως ανάλογα. Υπαίτια για την κενότητα της ζωής του είναι η γυναίκα του Στέλα, μια γυναίκα κοσμική, ματαιόδοξη σαν παγόνι και αλαζονικά σίγουρη για τον εαυτό της. Στη ζωή της θεωρεί τα πάντα δεδομένα, ακόμα και τον άντρα της. Το ενδιαφέρον της επικεντρώνεται μοναχά στα πάρτι και στα λογοτεχνικά δείπνα. Γυρίζει την πλάτη της και αδιαφορεί μπροστά στον πόθο του άντρα της για μια ολοκληρωμένη οικογένεια, δεν ανταποκρίνεται στη λαχτάρα του να αποκτήσουν παιδιά. Μέρα με τη μέρα, η Στέλα απομυθοποιείται, αρχίζει να ξεθωριάζει στα μάτια του και δυστυχώς διαπιστώνει με μεγάλη του λύπη πως η Στέλα δεν έχει πλέον καμιά σχέση με την κοπέλα που αγάπησε και παντρεύτηκε. Αυτή πλέον φάνταζε στα μάτια του σαν τα απομεινάρια ενός εγκαύματος. Η ουλή που του είχε αφήσει θα φαινόταν πάντα, αλλά δεν θα τον πονούσε πια…
Ώσπου στη ζωή του μπαίνει η Κέιτ Χάνιγκαν, η ωραιότερη κοπέλα της κομητείας. Είναι νόθο φτωχοκόριτσο που είχε υποφέρει στα χέρια του πατέρα της και του άντρα που την άφησε έγκυο. Μια κοπέλα γεμάτη δίψα για ζωή, μάθηση, έρωτα και αγάπη. Όλα όσα ζητάει από τη ζωή της βρίσκουν ανταπόκριση στο πρόσωπο του Ρόντνεϊ και έτσι με τον καιρό μια δυνατή αγάπη γεννιέται.
Ο πόλεμος όμως θα σταθεί η αιτία που οι δρόμοι τους θα χωρίσουν, καθώς ο γιατρός είναι υποχρεωμένος να καταταχθεί στο στρατό.
❓Άραγε ο χωρισμός τους θα είναι προσωρινός ή μόνιμος;
❓Ο γιατρός θα γυρίσει πίσω ζωντανός;
❓Η φλόγα της αγάπης τους θα καταφέρει να κατακάψει όλους και όσα στέκονται εμπόδιο ανάμεσά τους;
❓Η αγάπη είναι άραγε τόσο δυνατή, ώστε να στεφθεί νικήτρια;
Το βιβλίο αυτό το είχα πρωτοδιαβάσει πριν από 20 χρόνια και ήταν ένα από τα αγαπημένα μου. Μπορεί τα «αδιάβαστα» που έχω να σχηματίζουν βουνό, όμως βλέποντάς το στη βιβλιοθήκη μου ένιωσα μια γλυκιά νοσταλγία και την ανάγκη να το ξαναδιαβάσω.
Μέσα από αυτό το βιβλίο μεταφερόμαστε σε μια αλλιώτικη εποχή, όπου η βικτωριανή κοινωνία είναι άκρως αυστηρή, αμείλικτη και αδυσώπητη. Η Κέιτ είναι μια γυναίκα που αντιτάχθηκε στα «πρέπει» και τους σφιχτούς κανόνες της κοινωνίας αυτής και χαρακτηρίστηκε ως το μαύρο πρόβατο, η στιγματισμένη, η δακτυλοδεικτούμενη.
Λίγο – πολύ η ιστορία που μας διηγείται η Κούκσον είναι αυτοβιογραφική, μοιάζει αρκετά με την προσωπική της ζωή, καθώς και εκείνη υπήρξε το νόθο παιδί μια πάμφτωχης γυναίκας που την νόμιζε αδερφή της. Το «Απαγορευμένος έρωτας» είναι μια γλυκόπικρη ιστορία γεμάτη μυστικά. Μια διδακτική ιστορία για το πως ξεπερνιούνται όλες οι δυσκολίες και οι αντιξοότητες και φυσικά για την απόλυτη και πανίσχυρη δύναμη που έχει η αληθινή αγάπη!!! 8 / 10
Ώσπου στη ζωή του μπαίνει η Κέιτ Χάνιγκαν, η ωραιότερη κοπέλα της κομητείας. Είναι νόθο φτωχοκόριτσο που είχε υποφέρει στα χέρια του πατέρα της και του άντρα που την άφησε έγκυο. Μια κοπέλα γεμάτη δίψα για ζωή, μάθηση, έρωτα και αγάπη. Όλα όσα ζητάει από τη ζωή της βρίσκουν ανταπόκριση στο πρόσωπο του Ρόντνεϊ και έτσι με τον καιρό μια δυνατή αγάπη γεννιέται.
Ο πόλεμος όμως θα σταθεί η αιτία που οι δρόμοι τους θα χωρίσουν, καθώς ο γιατρός είναι υποχρεωμένος να καταταχθεί στο στρατό.
❓Άραγε ο χωρισμός τους θα είναι προσωρινός ή μόνιμος;
❓Ο γιατρός θα γυρίσει πίσω ζωντανός;
❓Η φλόγα της αγάπης τους θα καταφέρει να κατακάψει όλους και όσα στέκονται εμπόδιο ανάμεσά τους;
❓Η αγάπη είναι άραγε τόσο δυνατή, ώστε να στεφθεί νικήτρια;
Το βιβλίο αυτό το είχα πρωτοδιαβάσει πριν από 20 χρόνια και ήταν ένα από τα αγαπημένα μου. Μπορεί τα «αδιάβαστα» που έχω να σχηματίζουν βουνό, όμως βλέποντάς το στη βιβλιοθήκη μου ένιωσα μια γλυκιά νοσταλγία και την ανάγκη να το ξαναδιαβάσω.
Μέσα από αυτό το βιβλίο μεταφερόμαστε σε μια αλλιώτικη εποχή, όπου η βικτωριανή κοινωνία είναι άκρως αυστηρή, αμείλικτη και αδυσώπητη. Η Κέιτ είναι μια γυναίκα που αντιτάχθηκε στα «πρέπει» και τους σφιχτούς κανόνες της κοινωνίας αυτής και χαρακτηρίστηκε ως το μαύρο πρόβατο, η στιγματισμένη, η δακτυλοδεικτούμενη.
Λίγο – πολύ η ιστορία που μας διηγείται η Κούκσον είναι αυτοβιογραφική, μοιάζει αρκετά με την προσωπική της ζωή, καθώς και εκείνη υπήρξε το νόθο παιδί μια πάμφτωχης γυναίκας που την νόμιζε αδερφή της. Το «Απαγορευμένος έρωτας» είναι μια γλυκόπικρη ιστορία γεμάτη μυστικά. Μια διδακτική ιστορία για το πως ξεπερνιούνται όλες οι δυσκολίες και οι αντιξοότητες και φυσικά για την απόλυτη και πανίσχυρη δύναμη που έχει η αληθινή αγάπη!!! 8 / 10
July 14, 2022
Always a great read.
Dame Catherine Cooksons books are always a great read. I've read all her books years ago, and they are always worth reading again. Kate Hannigan is such a great read. In most of her books you will find her there. The hardship she went through as a child born out of wedlock- as she was- the Catholic church, down the pits, from the rich to the poor, service maids, illegitimate children, and murder. They are told truthfully even fictitious but a part of Catherine is there. Some books are very dark reading but, a reminder of hardship in bygone days.
A Highly recommend read.
Dame Catherine Cooksons books are always a great read. I've read all her books years ago, and they are always worth reading again. Kate Hannigan is such a great read. In most of her books you will find her there. The hardship she went through as a child born out of wedlock- as she was- the Catholic church, down the pits, from the rich to the poor, service maids, illegitimate children, and murder. They are told truthfully even fictitious but a part of Catherine is there. Some books are very dark reading but, a reminder of hardship in bygone days.
A Highly recommend read.
October 28, 2021
Read October 2021
Cookson’s 1st published novel
Too much “telling” & not enough “showing”.
Lacks her usual gripping page-turning style.
A lot of her familiar themes:
The beautiful illegitimate girl rising above her poverty-stricken background, the ball-breaking wife denying her husband fulfillment
I had to plow through this one.
Cookson’s 1st published novel
Too much “telling” & not enough “showing”.
Lacks her usual gripping page-turning style.
A lot of her familiar themes:
The beautiful illegitimate girl rising above her poverty-stricken background, the ball-breaking wife denying her husband fulfillment
I had to plow through this one.
February 20, 2024
Written in 1950 it is a story of forbidden love. A poor young girl who has given birth to a child out of wedlock and a well to do married doctor. Each chapter is written during the Christmas season throughout the years. It tells the story of perseverance and enduring love against all odds. Well written and a good story!
July 21, 2020
I first read this book, along with many others by Catherine Cookson, many years ago. I decided to revisit the book to see what I thought of it now. I enjoyed reading it, though I thought it was a longer book than it is. It contains strong characters and the story is interesting.
January 17, 2025
Celui ci je l'avais déjà lu aussi. Plaisant à lire, dans un début de siècle en angleterre, au milieu de la pauvreté et sous l'emprise de la religion, il ne faisait pas bon être fille-mère. En partie autobiographique
July 31, 2017
Typical Catherine Cookson story. I enjoyed it very much, even though it took me forever to finish.
September 21, 2017
Ma chronique bientôt ! 3,5/5
October 12, 2017
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
16/20 - Une tranche de vie diablement bien faite dans la vie d'une héroïne qui se bat pour ses idéaux et sa famille.
16/20 - Une tranche de vie diablement bien faite dans la vie d'une héroïne qui se bat pour ses idéaux et sa famille.
July 10, 2019
Catherine Cookson at her best how could I give her any less than 5 stars
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