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A Sister’s Sorrow
It’s Sarah and her brother against the world… When Sarah Jepson’s mother Annie dies, Sarah is left with her little brother Tommy to care for. Alone in the world, the two of them must make a life for themselves in the wake of the terrible upbringing they have endured. But when Tommy is struck down by illness, Sarah’s new life collapses. Lost in grief, she turns to the handsome Roger to save her – only to find that he is not who he seems… Waiting in the wings is George – kind, but brutally scarred, Sarah’s never seen him as anything more than a friend. But could all that be about to change? The Sunday Times bestseller is back in a heartbreaking, moving tale of triumph against all the odds.
416 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2019
320 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 21, 2019
Very heart touching and beautiful story.
Sarah takes care of her young brother as their mother is useless alcoholic. Sarah meets George, a guy with a scarred face, who helps her in time of need.
George likes Sarah. But Sarah is very apprehensive as she gets turned off by his scarred face. But they become good friends. Roger, a worker who works at George’s shop is a handsome guy. Sarah is attracted to him.
I loved reading about Sarah’s journey through her ups and downs. I did some skimming in the middle but enjoyed it overall.
Sarah takes care of her young brother as their mother is useless alcoholic. Sarah meets George, a guy with a scarred face, who helps her in time of need.
George likes Sarah. But Sarah is very apprehensive as she gets turned off by his scarred face. But they become good friends. Roger, a worker who works at George’s shop is a handsome guy. Sarah is attracted to him.
I loved reading about Sarah’s journey through her ups and downs. I did some skimming in the middle but enjoyed it overall.
December 19, 2018
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
A story about poverty and resilience set in the 1950s London. I enjoyed the vivid and realistic descriptions of the setting and the deep love between Sarah and her brother, Tommy.
The romance was not so convincing, the heroine is quickly attracted by handsome Roger and as quickly falls for her friend George.
Our wounded hero’s very practical attitude about his “terrible disfigurement” is refreshing to read; but he pushes gloomy thoughts to the side perhaps too easily. I felt that the author made him suffer a bit too much with the heroine’s initial indifference.
The descriptive tone and multiple points of view often create a dispassionate register in “A Sister’s Sorrow”; it doesn’t help that some of the characters with POV privilege are rather obnoxious.
Kitty Neale doesn’t sugarcoat reality and I felt sad with Tommy’s destiny, moreover that he is such a compelling, sweet boy.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
A story about poverty and resilience set in the 1950s London. I enjoyed the vivid and realistic descriptions of the setting and the deep love between Sarah and her brother, Tommy.
The romance was not so convincing, the heroine is quickly attracted by handsome Roger and as quickly falls for her friend George.
Our wounded hero’s very practical attitude about his “terrible disfigurement” is refreshing to read; but he pushes gloomy thoughts to the side perhaps too easily. I felt that the author made him suffer a bit too much with the heroine’s initial indifference.
The descriptive tone and multiple points of view often create a dispassionate register in “A Sister’s Sorrow”; it doesn’t help that some of the characters with POV privilege are rather obnoxious.
Kitty Neale doesn’t sugarcoat reality and I felt sad with Tommy’s destiny, moreover that he is such a compelling, sweet boy.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
February 15, 2020
I wasn't sure how I would find this book but I really enjoyed it. It covers a lot of issues such as alcoholism, cheating, racism, disfigurement, poverty, family resentment, loss, love, hope, patience and many more. I won't spoil the book by saying what happens but if you enjoy historical fictions set post war then you will prob enjoy this :)
January 17, 2019
Another great book by Kitty Neale and her stories always draw you in and keep you reading,the story is heartbreaking a very emotional tale,with great characters well worth 5*.
August 14, 2019
A Sister’s Sorrow is an emotional historical novel. Sarah Jepson lives with her alcoholic mother in Battersea in 1948. She is fourteen and is still attending school. That changes when her mother gives birth to Tommy. Sarah refuses to “get rid” of Tommy as her mother demands. She drops out of school to care for her brother and scrabbles to provide for both of them. Four years later, they are forced to survive on their own. Sarah gets help from the kindhearted George and falls for the love-them-and-leave-them, Roger. We follow on her journey with its various ups and downs. The story progresses at a gentle pace. I thought the author captured the era and what it was like to be poor in Battersea. It was a hardscrabble life especially when you have little education. I did feel the story was a little too long and there is some foul language. A Sister’s Sorrow is a touching story that will play on your emotions. Tommy’s fate will have you reaching for a tissue especially since he is such a sweet little boy. I loved the ending of A Sister’s Sorrow. A Sister’s Sorrow is a gritty, historical saga that will linger with you long after you finish it.
February 19, 2019
After their mother dies Sarah Jepson and her young brother Tommy are all alone in the world . Dragged up by their alcoholic mother in the slums of east end London they now have to fend for themselves. Sarah meets a man and falls in love but is he all he seems ? There’s another man waiting in the background who would do anything for Sarah but she doesn’t feel the same about him . This is a story of love and loss and i totally loved it.. a wonderful saga that will stay with you long after the final page . Can’t recommend this book highly enough if you’re a fan of family saga books.
February 28, 2019
Sarah raises her 13 year younger brother in London's Battersea of the 1950s, because her alcoholic mother doesn't want the newborn. They both run off off when Thommy is four years old and suddenly Srah has to come up with even more resilience to take care of her brother without ending up like her mother..
The many different points of view make the story sound very flat.
Why is the girl on the cover of the book not much older than the boy? I was expecting a smaller age gap between the kids.
The many different points of view make the story sound very flat.
Why is the girl on the cover of the book not much older than the boy? I was expecting a smaller age gap between the kids.
March 17, 2019
Loved it
Heartbreaking story of Sarah and Tommy Jepson brother and sister brought up by their gin drinking mother. Sarah at the age of eighteen is turned
out by her mother with tommy with her. Fighting for survival both these children get to know a lot of friends who keep an eye on them in Battersea London I loved this book from the moment I picked it up lovely story that will touch you well worth five stars
Heartbreaking story of Sarah and Tommy Jepson brother and sister brought up by their gin drinking mother. Sarah at the age of eighteen is turned
out by her mother with tommy with her. Fighting for survival both these children get to know a lot of friends who keep an eye on them in Battersea London I loved this book from the moment I picked it up lovely story that will touch you well worth five stars
March 29, 2019
Another excellent novel from Kitty Neale. You follow the life a young Sarah Jepson her ups down and lows in her life from the birth of her beloved brother Tommy. Sarah has an admirer George who more or less is her Guardian Angel, but he loves her but she cannot return the same feelings. Well you must read it to find out the ending. Five stars from me and a recommend as a fan of Kitty Neale.
April 28, 2019
Got part way into this, it was t for me. Shame as it was very well written.
August 14, 2020
Loved it and read it very fast
April 21, 2019
Sarah and her mother Annie live in a damp dark room. Her mother is an alcoholic who sells her body for drink and not much more. She gives birth to a son Tommy who she instructs Sarah to drown as she can't afford to feed another mouth. Sarah promises her mother she will look after the child and keep him out of her way.
After a furious row, Annie throws both of them out on the street, with nothing but what they stand up in.
Sarah is now eighteen her and Tommy four, they befriend a young man running a second-hand clothes stall in the market who has extensive burns scarring to his face but takes a shine to Tommy and falls head over heels in love with Sarah.
Running the Fruit and vegetable stall next to George's is Roger who is very handsome, but a lady lover who is not to be trusted by women for his loyalty. Whom Sarah only has eyes for.
Tommy is a sickly child with a weak chest. They manage to find rooms but the dampness doesn't help with Tommy's condition.
Her neighbours Mo and Samuel. Look after Tommy whilst Sarah works at the local store with Lara, George's mum.
This is a great story that has likeable characters and was nice easy reading. It has a lot of sadness and frustrations as we go through Sarah and Tommy's daily lives. Also betrayal and jealousies.
All in all a good book
After a furious row, Annie throws both of them out on the street, with nothing but what they stand up in.
Sarah is now eighteen her and Tommy four, they befriend a young man running a second-hand clothes stall in the market who has extensive burns scarring to his face but takes a shine to Tommy and falls head over heels in love with Sarah.
Running the Fruit and vegetable stall next to George's is Roger who is very handsome, but a lady lover who is not to be trusted by women for his loyalty. Whom Sarah only has eyes for.
Tommy is a sickly child with a weak chest. They manage to find rooms but the dampness doesn't help with Tommy's condition.
Her neighbours Mo and Samuel. Look after Tommy whilst Sarah works at the local store with Lara, George's mum.
This is a great story that has likeable characters and was nice easy reading. It has a lot of sadness and frustrations as we go through Sarah and Tommy's daily lives. Also betrayal and jealousies.
All in all a good book
December 31, 2018
Sarah lives with her Mother is the start of the book and is waiting for school to get out so she can run home as her Mom was in labor when she left for school. Her Mom is a abusive drunk and the last baby died right after birth. Sarah gets home just in time to deliver her brother she names Tommy.. Her Mom tells her get rid of him, not understanding at first what her Mom has said she begs for milk for Tommy at her best friends home.
Next morning her Mom askes why the baby is still there . Sarah tells her Mom she is keeping the baby and drops out of school as she just turned 14. She raises Tommy alone as 2 years after Tommy is born Mom kicks both them out. Sarah struggles but she finds shelter for Tommy.
She meets George and Roger and Roger is so easy on eyes but mean ( this she finds hard way) . George is been burned in fire so disfigured but sweet guy. Tommy gets very ill and dies at very tender age, Sarah having raised him as her own is heart broken. George is her rock and Roger hurts her deeply . She ends up Marrying George .
Lesson is this book is You can't judge a person by looks as the beautiful can be wicked to bone and the disfigured and ugly can be pure at heart and honest.
Next morning her Mom askes why the baby is still there . Sarah tells her Mom she is keeping the baby and drops out of school as she just turned 14. She raises Tommy alone as 2 years after Tommy is born Mom kicks both them out. Sarah struggles but she finds shelter for Tommy.
She meets George and Roger and Roger is so easy on eyes but mean ( this she finds hard way) . George is been burned in fire so disfigured but sweet guy. Tommy gets very ill and dies at very tender age, Sarah having raised him as her own is heart broken. George is her rock and Roger hurts her deeply . She ends up Marrying George .
Lesson is this book is You can't judge a person by looks as the beautiful can be wicked to bone and the disfigured and ugly can be pure at heart and honest.
January 4, 2024
I don't often award 5 stars but I had to with this one. A brilliant story from Kitty Neale with really good characterisation. I always think the author has done a good job when I get strong emotions from the characters.
Sarah's young life was particularly tragic but somehow she kept her and her brother free from harm and I felt myself warming to this gutsy young girl. As she became older I felt such admiration at the way she conducted herself and her life but at the same time, I felt frustration and anger at her loss of self control and weakness. When her life took on another tragic turn, I felt the same deep sorrow she felt, and to get those emotions across to readers is not easy. Kitty's descriptions of the protagonist's feelings and emotions at the lowest point in her life were excellent, I felt as if I knew her personally and shared the same grief she did.
There is no other way to say it but there were no surprises at the end, it was exactly as I expected it to finish. There is also one piece which I thought was a bit odd and that was about the girl who went into the shop and Sarah thought she must be a relative. There was no conclusion to this as she was never mentioned again!
A highly recommended novel.
Sarah's young life was particularly tragic but somehow she kept her and her brother free from harm and I felt myself warming to this gutsy young girl. As she became older I felt such admiration at the way she conducted herself and her life but at the same time, I felt frustration and anger at her loss of self control and weakness. When her life took on another tragic turn, I felt the same deep sorrow she felt, and to get those emotions across to readers is not easy. Kitty's descriptions of the protagonist's feelings and emotions at the lowest point in her life were excellent, I felt as if I knew her personally and shared the same grief she did.
There is no other way to say it but there were no surprises at the end, it was exactly as I expected it to finish. There is also one piece which I thought was a bit odd and that was about the girl who went into the shop and Sarah thought she must be a relative. There was no conclusion to this as she was never mentioned again!
A highly recommended novel.
February 13, 2019
A Sister's Sorrow is a hardship story of a young woman who even though she lived through so much adversity she was able to rise above her situation. Many sad things happen to Sarah throughout the book. From beginning to end. She suffered through abuse, hunger and heartbreak. Because of her innocence, at times, she did not make the best decisions. Those that she made were always putting her little brother, Tommy, first. Even though it was a heartbreaking story the ending was a very happy one for Sarah.
*Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
*Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
February 15, 2019
Another Kitty Neale classic- a family saga where a strong young woman has to make hard decisions. Set in the 1950s, it's about Sarah. Born in poverty to an alcoholic and horrid mother, she becomes the protector of her baby brother Tommy who (no spoiler) dies, leaving her bereft. She's involved (that's not really the word but I'm not sure which word to use) with two men- George and Roger. Roger seems like the perfect man but readers of this genre know that George, the scarred and gentle one, is the better choice. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. How Sarah navigates her grief and her future makes for a good read.
December 15, 2019
I would like to thank Avon Book UK Publishing and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted by the cover of this book and we see Sarah and her little brother Tommy, Sarah looks sad when her brother is in his thoughts.
When the mother of the two children Annie dies, Sarah and Tommy are left alone. When Tommy suddenly catches a disease, Sarah collapses. Drowned in grief, she turns to Roger who has a crush on her. They will remain friends.
I was very touched by the story of these two children who were so moving, captivating, addictive and full of suspense and twists and turns. These two children were very endearing.
I was immediately attracted by the cover of this book and we see Sarah and her little brother Tommy, Sarah looks sad when her brother is in his thoughts.
When the mother of the two children Annie dies, Sarah and Tommy are left alone. When Tommy suddenly catches a disease, Sarah collapses. Drowned in grief, she turns to Roger who has a crush on her. They will remain friends.
I was very touched by the story of these two children who were so moving, captivating, addictive and full of suspense and twists and turns. These two children were very endearing.
January 31, 2019
An easy read. Sarah's mother is an alcoholic and a prostitute who treats her daughter badly and when she has a new baby boy, rejects him. Sarah names her brother Tommy and brings him up as if he were her own. They are destitute but Sarah battles on, finding work and a place for them to live. She falls for the wrong guy and treats the good guy as a friend. The story is interesting although a bit predictable and the characters are a little cliched.
It is a book for easy reading on holidays or train journeys.
It is my first Kitty Neale book and I probably will read her backlist.
It is a book for easy reading on holidays or train journeys.
It is my first Kitty Neale book and I probably will read her backlist.
July 26, 2019
Nerozumiem tým super hodnoteniam, v tejto knihe bolo ako tak čitateľných posledných 100 strán, zvyšok bola nuda, nuda, nuda. Štýl rozprávania sa mi nepáčil vôbec. Že sa príbeh odohráva v 50tych rokoch je jasné len z úvodu, kde sú napísané presné roky, a jedného odseku ohľadne televízie, všetko ostatné v príbehu nedáva žiadny náznak toho, v akom čase sa dej odohráva - kľudne by to mohlo byť aj o 20 rokov skôr alebo neskôr. Postavy sú predvídateľné, čiernobiele - buď kladné alebo záporné, nič medzi tým.
December 20, 2018
This is another great story by Kitty Neale, even though the story has a hard hitting storyline in which you feel sorry for the children through out the story it still leaves with a feel good factor feel by the end.
Well written, with a great mix of characters and lovely mix of stories that intertwine with each other, a pleasure to read. Kitty Neale really knows how to write a story with which you feel yourself getting so involved!!
Well written, with a great mix of characters and lovely mix of stories that intertwine with each other, a pleasure to read. Kitty Neale really knows how to write a story with which you feel yourself getting so involved!!
January 20, 2019
Truly beautiful story that shows how the kindness & love of a sibling can change a child’s life. Sarah’s character is strong & gentle and despite having been shown very little love, she gives it completely to her little brother Tommy. Even when her world seems to fall apart, she shows great resilience & character.
It was well-written & hooked me in straight away. Would 100% recommend to a friend.
It was well-written & hooked me in straight away. Would 100% recommend to a friend.
April 1, 2019
A story well told about poverty and resilience in London during the 1950s. I enjoyed the realistic descriptions of the setting and the genuineness of the love between Sarah and her brother, Tommy.
The romance was not as convincing, Sarah is quickly attracted by handsome Roger and then when he is revealed to her as not being as dependable as she thought quickly falls for her friend George who was badly burned as a child. Also the passion was lacking amongst the characters.
The romance was not as convincing, Sarah is quickly attracted by handsome Roger and then when he is revealed to her as not being as dependable as she thought quickly falls for her friend George who was badly burned as a child. Also the passion was lacking amongst the characters.
October 15, 2023
This is another great story by Kitty Neale, even though the story has a hard hitting storyline in which you feel sorry for the children through out the story it still leaves with a feel good factor feel by the end.
Well written, with a great mix of characters and lovely mix of stories that intertwine with each other, a pleasure to read. Kitty Neale really knows how to write a story with which you feel yourself getting so involved!!
Well written, with a great mix of characters and lovely mix of stories that intertwine with each other, a pleasure to read. Kitty Neale really knows how to write a story with which you feel yourself getting so involved!!
March 6, 2019
Brilliant read .
Wow what a great 👍read by kitty brake but nothing surprises me with this great author i would recommend this book to everyone who likes a good novel to read for bedtime 🌙 .This book deserves 5 Stars and more . I can't wait for her next novel and hope it won't be to long.
Wow what a great 👍read by kitty brake but nothing surprises me with this great author i would recommend this book to everyone who likes a good novel to read for bedtime 🌙 .This book deserves 5 Stars and more . I can't wait for her next novel and hope it won't be to long.
October 13, 2019
Couldn't put it down !!!
What a fantastic book, it really tells the story so that you feel like you're there with them. Poor Sarah what a dreadful start in life she had, but a courageous young lady to bring her little brother up. Very sad when Tommy dies but I'm so glad we got a lovely ending it certainly brought a tear to my eye !!!
What a fantastic book, it really tells the story so that you feel like you're there with them. Poor Sarah what a dreadful start in life she had, but a courageous young lady to bring her little brother up. Very sad when Tommy dies but I'm so glad we got a lovely ending it certainly brought a tear to my eye !!!
January 23, 2019
Loved this book so gripping as are all Kitty Neale books. Would highly recommend all I can say is you will be totally hooked as the storyline and characters are so interesting I could not read it fast enough x
February 24, 2019
Sarah and tommy
Another fabulous read from kitty Neale Sarah has been looking after her brother Tommy since he was
Born it was hard at times but she never regretted it .this book has love laughter sadness and grief i was hooked from the first page 5 STARS.
Another fabulous read from kitty Neale Sarah has been looking after her brother Tommy since he was
Born it was hard at times but she never regretted it .this book has love laughter sadness and grief i was hooked from the first page 5 STARS.
March 6, 2019
Loved it
I loved this book. Sarah and Tommy had such a bad start in life with a alcoholic mother who sold her body to buy more alcohol.Sarah had a terrible tradegy in her life I'm so glad she managed to find happiness in the end
I loved this book. Sarah and Tommy had such a bad start in life with a alcoholic mother who sold her body to buy more alcohol.Sarah had a terrible tradegy in her life I'm so glad she managed to find happiness in the end
January 7, 2023
Struggled to get into the story initially, but by the end I enjoyed it. A few story arcs didn’t turn out quite like I expected they would, and some things that were mentioned were never brought up again when I thought they would be. Generally easy to follow.
May 2, 2025
Started and finished date - 28.04.25 to 30.04.25.
My rating - Three Stars.
This book was okay read but it was dull and I hate the cover of book. The writing was okay and the atmosphere was fine. The paced of plot was well structured and the plot was steady paced also the ending of book was okay. The characters was fine and I would like them flash out bit more.
My rating - Three Stars.
This book was okay read but it was dull and I hate the cover of book. The writing was okay and the atmosphere was fine. The paced of plot was well structured and the plot was steady paced also the ending of book was okay. The characters was fine and I would like them flash out bit more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews