Molly

by Teresa Crane

In the poor mud of Ireland, she dreamt of London, of a chance to do more than survive. Fleeing her fanatical republican family, Molly O’Dowd arrives nearly penniless in London at the end of the nineteenth century. Plunged into the world of East End gambling houses and brothels, Molly invests what little money she has in a typing course, her only way out. This investment will lead her on the path to establishing herself as a woman of power and means.

From the rough-and-tumble world of the London docks to the luxurious hotels and restaurants of the fashionable West End, Molly captures the temper of the times – the unrest of the labouring classes, the courage of the suffragette movement, the ravages of the First World War. Molly wins and loses in the tempestuous world of the capital but her energy and determination never flag and tides change when she meets a man who could match her in business… and in love. This rags-to-riches historical romance is perfect for fans of Lily Graham, Natalie Meg Evans and Fiona McIntosh.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, British Literature, 19th Century, Ireland, Fiction

591 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 1982

Reviews

[Misfit · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An engaging rags-to-riches story set in late 19C London through WWI. Full review here at Booklikes.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book but it was hard to admire the heroine as much as the author clearly intended. Let me say first that I am speaking from a position of not understanding. I have never been the woman whose physical desires are so strong that they overwhelm my sense or my moral compass. This may be just a lack in me, meaning I do not understand women whose bodily appetites are so very strong. So I'll put that out there out front. But Molly is that woman. Repeatedly she follows her desires, linking her life to the 'bad boy' with predictable results (which I do understand in a young woman - I have been with the bad boy myself), but then actually marrying the brother of the man she had loved, bedded, and had a child with. His brother! So she slept with both brothers, full on brothers. I'm sorry, that is just nasty and the fact that everybody in the family thought it was fine and dandy rather surprised me since they were supposed to be conservative. But okay, that aside. Then, despite the fact that she loved him so much, oops a daisy she meets somebody else, and not only cheats on her loving devoted husband but continues to cheat on him while he is a WWI soldier fighting and eventually dying in the trenches. A woman who sleeps with another man while her husband (who is good to her, not an abuser, took in and loved the child of her relationship with his brother, and who trusts her and is faithful) is overseas fighting for his country is a slut. Period. Some things are just wrong, adultery is one of them, and as a character developer or a plot twist is fine in a book but then don't expect me to buy that this woman is fine and good and just ... I don't know. Unfortunate in the timing of her relationships? But this book is a fascinating picture of turn of the century London and well written.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of an Irish girl who left Ireland for England in the 1900s. It tells of how she survived and made a fortune. A very good, clean book.

[Nancy R Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

I don't usually write reviews. Teresa Crane's books are so readable and so engaging I couldn't resist this time. Molly was a survivor in the true sense of the word. She was a very tough lady and at a time when women were still better seen than heard. The men in her life ran the gammet-from her 'patriot' father to her business partner, Adam. The historic aspects of the story, I loved. Ms. Crane really does her research!! I was really sorry to see the book end!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this gets billed at a romance, but really it’s not. There are some romantic aspects (Mol has 5 men before all’s said and done), but there is so much going on beside. It’s an engaging look at a tumultuous time in England with a lot to say about the workers’ and women’s rights and about war and the role of the military as well. The cover here, btw, is blarney (she’s supposed to have curly black hair and lives in the mean streets of London). 🙄

[Margaret Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally absorbing

An immensely well written and compelling story. I loved every minute of it and was sad when it finished.
I love long long stories and this family saga had everything

[MC Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly is a wonderfully written saga written by a very good storyteller.


Teresa Crane has written a very exciting heartwarming story about Molly a heroine in England during ww1. This novel will hold your attention to the very last page. A beautifully constructed saga!

[Nancy G. Murdoch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not her best, but still good

I've read a lot of her books and this one is pretty good. It was a slow starter but worth the effort. The Rose Stone knocked it out of the park while this was a double. I definitely recommend.

[krsteenrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read.

This is one more great book by Teresa Crane.I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am sure anyone else would also

[Cindy Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read!

Molly is a strong and determined woman. The book is historically significant, and tells a tale of Ireland and England. She loved hard and worked harder.

[Gary David Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed

Packed with so much life! Action packed with sorrow ,loss,sadness as things fell around her. Literally!. Will there be anymore of Molly and what's left of the family?

[Teresa Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat boring

It drags at times. Too long and the story line is weak. Will not recommend to my friends. Not my cup of tea.

[Barbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable but intriguing story

If you enjoy stories about strong women, you will love this. Interesting life of a young woman starting with nothing

[Neva Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tale of Irish immigrant Molly O'Doud who takes England by storm during the first World War. It is a love story, historical fiction, intrigue, and survival. I really enjoyed this book.

[Bylinda A McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes to ashes

A compelling saga of a young girl leaving home to escape the sadness of home and family. Determined to make it on her own. She had no idea what she would have to endure to make it, but make it she did. Very enjoyable read.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this near as much as the other books I have read by Teresa Crane. I found Molly just went ahead and did whatever she liked no matter how much it might hurt other people. Not a heroine that I could like very much.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about a strong and corageous woman (a real, believable character) who worked hard, faced life fearlessly and really made it (and made it big) in a time when women were nothing more but the mere property of men and she did it all while juggling men, married life, family and children! I loved this book!

[Kayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked following a family through the history of Britain leading up and completing WWI, but...I hated Molly. I'd have been happier reading a book from the perspective of one of the other 'Mrs. Benton' characters.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is so creative, I loved how powerful molly was