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Engel der Slums

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Perfect for the fans of Anna Jacobs and Dilly Court.

Orphan, Victoria Carlton is brought up by her uncle, a banker, to be a lady and make a good marriage. Yet, she is drawn to help the poor families in the slums, much to her family’s disgust. When her uncle dies suddenly, her cousins blame Victoria, and she is thrown out of the house with nothing.

Victoria flees to the poor side of York to start again in a world that is full of perils. To combat the heartache of being without her family, she befriends the destitute women and children in the slums, but such friendships come with the danger of disease, and increasing poverty, and the threat of a brutal man could cost her everything.

Can Victoria find the security she has lost? Will a certain doctor be the man she can give her heart to? Or will the ghosts of the past return to take away everything she has worked so hard for?

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2019

562 people are currently reading
326 people want to read

About the author

AnneMarie Brear

64 books287 followers
Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com

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5 stars
2,337 (63%)
4 stars
948 (25%)
3 stars
280 (7%)
2 stars
46 (1%)
1 star
44 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for Skarleth.
421 reviews13 followers
August 18, 2020
Una historia muy dramática llena de incesantes situaciones que hacen que el lector se comprometa con la protagonista, un toquesillo de romance con un verdadero caballero y aunque no lo parezca en un libro de este género encontramos lecciones de vida y valores humanos.

Unos cuantos errores de traducción pasables con el fin de seguir la historia.
11 reviews
March 17, 2019
Fantastic story

I really enjoyed this story it had me hooked from beginning to end show one very brave woman fight in life how she was up top to go so down hill so fast in her life . I could almost believe it was a true story in times gone by . I would recommend this book of you like it love a great read
493 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2019
A brilliant well written book and a lovely story. I thoroughly recommend this book.
162 reviews8 followers
May 5, 2019
Very insightful and sometimes heartbreaking

What would you do if you found yourself impoverished, living in circumstances you never before imagined? Brear brings poverty and the people in it to life in this riches to rags tale, where a charitable, rich young woman's finds herself living within circumstances she once sought to alleviate, albeit from a comfortable distance. She learns what it is to be cold, hungry, penniless, and dirty. She learns to see people as people, and not merely as impoverished, defined by their circumstances. She learns a lot about herself and grows In many ways. In the end, everything works out, but that is not the case for many of the poor, then or now. For them, while there remains joy in family, poverty remains an endless struggle. It's a sobering thought, notably for those of blessed with a comparatively comfortable life.
Profile Image for Judith Sparkle.
Author 8 books55 followers
January 7, 2022
Un romance vittoriano davvero bello e scritto bene, ben strutturato nei personaggi e nella ricostruzione del periodo storico. Mi ha ricordato Nord e Sud della Gaskell per la capacità dell'autrice di immedesimarsi nella vita sofferta dei quartieri poveri della York industriale. Davvero pregevole.
Profile Image for Heidi J..
Author 10 books9 followers
June 9, 2019
1871, England - Victoria Carlton has been brought up by her well-to-do uncle and aunt to make a good marriage, but she’s all too aware of her insider/outsider status as a charity case: a fact her vain and spiteful cousin Stella likes to make sure Victoria doesn’t forget. The handsome Dr. Joseph Ashton, however, sets Victoria on a new path, when he introduces her to the poor of the nearby slum tenements. Her aunt believes in doing good works and serves on the board of charitable institutions, but Victoria feels sure by actually visiting the poor, and helping them personally, she can accomplish more. It’s a hard road, and one that ends up costing her everything as her fortunes turn from bad to worse until she herself is living among the very people she set out to help.

The novel is full of historical detail and presents a compelling reminder that not all of Victorian life was top hats and tea parties. It’s actually a stark reminder of how masses of people scraped their way through appalling conditions: overcrowded, chronically malnourished, without reliable access to clean water, living with filth and disease, the lack of basic hygiene and education for children, vulnerable to crime. Victoria shines though as a testament to the human spirit, as do the examples of those who stick together or help each other out while having so little themselves.
Profile Image for N.W. Moors.
Author 12 books159 followers
February 3, 2019
Her uncle, a wealthy banker in York, raised orphan Victoria in privilege, but she has empathy for the poor living in the slums of the city. She wants to do more for them than just contribute money and attend meetings. When she meets Dr. Joseph Ashton, he introduces her to a family that needs her help. Her new role horrifies her family and after a confrontation, Victoria leaves her home to live with the poor family.
This was an enjoyable read about a segment of history rarely covered. Ms. Brear does a nice job in describing the customs of the time. I especially liked the descriptions of York. I'm familiar with the modern city and found I could picture the different places described in the book as they must have looked in Victorian times very well. Cousin Stella was a suitable villain though maybe a bit too much.
It's a pretty fast read and a nice addition to my Victorian historical fiction bookshelf.
3 reviews
November 12, 2019
Beautifully written . Showing the marked differences worldsbetween the rich and t he poor , worlds apart and lack of understanding or even wanting to understand. It takes a tragedy and the bravery of a very special person to find a way through. Thanks AnneMarie for another couldn't put down book., Each page leading you on to a journey of despair mixed with hope and love and a future filled with hope. Can't wait to read the next book.

Beautifully written. Showing the marked differences between the rich and the poor, worlds apart and lack of understanding or even wanting to understand
It takes a tragedy and the bravery of a very special person to find a way
Through. Thanks AnneMarie for another couldn't put down book.
Profile Image for Louise Burke.
70 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2019
There were some corny twists but it was a speedy, absorbing and plot-driven read and I therefore enjoyed it. Noticed a few editorial errors (mainly misspellings) which grated on me and a rather black and white approach to characters but would still recommend this.
Profile Image for Carla Parreira .
2,042 reviews3 followers
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December 10, 2024
Ao longo da leitura de "O Anjo da Favela", de Anne Marie Brear, a história de Vitória me capturou profundamente, revelando as complexidades inerentes à sua busca por um propósito maior em meio à crise social que a cerca. Vitória, uma jovem de origens privilegiadas, vive um dilema angustiante entre sua vida luxuosa e a realidade brutal enfrentada pelos menos favorecidos nas favelas. O início da narrativa estabelece um contraste entre sua vida na classe alta, sob a supervisão do tio e da prima Estela, e a marginalização que sente na própria casa, refletindo a superficialidade das interações familiares que a desconectam de seus desejos mais profundos de pertencimento e contribuição social. Quando Vitória se depara com o Dr. Ashton, um médico altruísta que busca ajudar os pobres, sua vida começa a mudar; eles compartilham um ideal comum que a inspira a transformar sua determinação em ações concretas, enquanto se depara com os dramas das condições de vida nas favelas e as barreiras sociais que enfrenta. As interações entre Vitória e Estela se tornam cada vez mais tensas, ilustrando a crítica social sobre diferentes classes e valores: Estela representa a pressão para manter as aparências, enquanto Vitória recusa esse estilo de vida superficial em nome de um propósito significativo. Conforme a história avança, a luta interna de Vitória se intensifica, surgindo questionamentos sobre sua identidade e a responsabilidade que sente ao invés de simplesmente ser uma espectadora da miséria à sua volta. Seu comprometimento com ações de caridade, embora não aceito por sua família, é uma fonte de resistência e maturidade. A relação com Dr. Ashton se aprofunda em meio a esse contexto, oferecendo a ela um apoio emocional que impulsiona sua luta pessoal por justiça social, mesmo quando as pressões externas parecem esmagadoras. Quando Vitória decide agir e visitar uma favela, a jornada a faz confrontar a dura realidade que aqueles que ela deseja ajudar enfrentam diariamente — um choque que ativa sua sensibilidade e compaixão em um cenário repleto de miséria. Sua determinação em levar alimento e ajuda médica torna-se um ato não apenas de solidariedade, mas uma afirmação de que sua vida deve ter um significado maior do que o que a sociedade esperava dela. Contudo, o caminho não é fácil; ela precisa esconder suas ações da família e lidar com a pressão de um mundo que não aceita facilmente a mudança de paradigma que está tentando implementar. Cada visita à favela e cada interação com crianças desprovidas só reforçam sua responsabilidade e paixão por ajudar, enquanto seu laço com Dr. Ashton se transforma em um forte elo baseado na luta pelo bem da humanidade. A narrativa se intensifica com as dificuldades que enfrentam juntos, e Vitória se vê em batalha constante contra os preconceitos e desigualdades sociais. Com o tempo, a presença de Estela torna-se cada vez mais um empecilho, refletindo as tensões entre suas crenças e as elevações de caráter que ela busca. Mesmo assim, o compromisso de Vitória em ajudar aqueles que precisam, apesar das críticas, mostra um caráter destemido que ressignifica a noção de status e valor pessoal. À medida que a história avança, tudo se complica quando a saúde de Polly, uma das crianças da favela, entra em perigo, exigindo coragem e determinação de Vitória para assegurar que ela receba o tratamento necessário, culminando em um momento decisivo ao confrontar não apenas a dor da realidade, mas também seu papel como agente de mudança. Esse conflito atinge seu clímax quando a inundação traz um caos absoluto, forçando Vitória a agir de maneira impulsiva e corajosa em busca de sobrevivência e esperança para sua nova família. As relações interpessoais se tornaram mais profundas e significativas, mostrando o quanto a solidariedade e a resistência podem surgir em meio a grandes provações, revelando que o amor, acima de tudo, é o que promove a transformação; cada reviravolta e cada dor tornam-se catalisadoras para o crescimento e a determinação de Vitória em sua jornada. O desfecho do livro reflete sua luta contínua, não apenas pelos outros, mas pela construção de um novo caminho para si mesma, abraçando sua identidade e seu papel no mundo. "O Anjo da Favela" não apenas narra a luta individual de uma jovem mulher, mas também ilumina as questões sociais e as complexidades da condição humana, apresentando uma narrativa envolvente que estimula reflexões sobre empatia, mudança e a busca por um propósito verdadeiro. A trajetória de Vitória, repleta de desafios e transformações, torna-se um poderoso chamado à ação e à esperança em um mundo que muitas vezes parece imerso em desespero.
Profile Image for Donna Duhig.
Author 0 books6 followers
October 6, 2020
Since the loss of both parents in her early childhood, Victoria grew up with her wealthy uncle and treated as an equal member of the family.  She is loved dearly by her uncle and raised to be a lady and treated equally to her cousin, Stella. Stella in an unlikeable character, she is jealous of her father's affections for Victoria, and often she's competing against her. She finds the need to prove herself better and worthier than Victoria, wanting to have or take what she wants and belittling her.
    
Victoria is wise to Stella's ways, and often she is one step ahead of her game. She is opposite to her cousin she is kind-hearted and empathetic, that when Victoria assists Doctor Ashton in the slums and witnesses the extreme living conditions of the poverty-stricken poor, she makes it her purpose to help in any way possible.  At first, this is a naive approach from a woman of her background, and even Dr Ashton makes that comment that Victoria has no idea, all this is out of her depth. 
    
However, as the novel develops, Victoria's life takes a sudden, unexpected turn, and she soon has the first-hand experience and understanding of the situation, more than any of the people in her social circle would ever know, including that of Doctor Ashton.

Despite these new circumstances she has to face, she never loses the kindness, strength and determination that she possesses throughout the book.  This is what keeps her moving forward even when it appears the whole world has turned its back on her.

At first, I thought the book was too predictable with the stereotypical characters; the ruined rich daughter, the poor cousin and the uncle who adored his niece that in parts, I could draw similarities to that of Jane Eyre. However, as the story progressed, I understood why the author chose those particular characters, the crumbling of Victoria's world would not have worked any other way. 

Despite the story being predictable, it did keep my interest to the end, I did care about the characters and wanted to read on to find out more. The book deals with the social divide of the classes and how more often, the able people refused to acknowledge the poor living conditions of the slums. It is about the want of change and a woman's determination to make a difference. There is family loyalty and friends' loyalty and the decision to choose the right path. 

Sometimes the speech did not reflect the status of the people talking, especially the upper classes. Doctor Ashton sounded too modern for the period, which may have been intentional, not to sound intimidating when visiting the lower class citizens or because he was young, a sign of the times changing.

I did enjoy the book it was fast-paced and easy to read. I would recommend it.
318 reviews
August 31, 2022
A solid four star book (which is for me means absolutely great, but it didn’t blow my mind like a five star book would) with an entire star got deducted for how long the book took to get going. The very long beginning was made worth it by the rest of the book, but if you don’t like waiting a long time for the events in the blurb to happen then this is not the book for you.
I loved the steady characterisation of Victoria; a lot of the time characters in changed circumstances adapt quickly, whilst no less realistic, having Victoria’s aristocratic ways stick with her a little longer was more interesting and believable. This quality is also applied to a lot of the other characters in the novel, making them well rounded, interesting and highly distinguishable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
232 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2022
I thought that this story was really eye opening. So many of these time period stories are written about the upper class so I loved being able to see the other side of the spectrum. There were so many things that were simply inhumane and you know that they were things that actually happened during that time. So, it was extremely educational. You also feel for the main character. She goes through a lot and comes out stronger in the end. I thought the ending was maybe slightly unresolved with the cousin. I wish we had a little bit more information about her and her motives. It felt like the reason should have been more than pure jealousy. Either way, the book was very tender and taught a lot about what the lower class went through.
Profile Image for Dima Chakra.
30 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2023
It’s the second book I’ve read from AnneMarie Brear, after the Waterfront Lass. I’m loving them a lot. I love her writing, I love that she gives her readers another side of the Victorian era, far from Mayfair, the dukes and the viscounts. Even if her stories have a happy ending, she keeps us in suspense all along until the last pages. I’ll start reading right away her Christmas novella, a sequel of The Slum Angel.
I would have loved to read more about her characters’ personalities and their feelings. A little analysis here and there to believe more in these budding sentiments of love between her main characters. But maybe it’s not the author’s goal. And I understand
Profile Image for Nicky Marriott.
50 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2020
Seriously believable...

... When you consider the time frame that this thought provoking love story is set in it makes so much sense.
Naivety, family struggles, almost hopelessly poor people living in squalor.
This book REALLY makes me glad to be born in this day and age, even with the convid19 pandemic, we are almost all better off now; although we still have the poor and needy all around us.
How do we support those around us who are struggling, even small things can make a real difference!
I love your writing AnneMarie Bear... Onto my next one... Sorry, have to go! 🤓
11 reviews
July 11, 2020
Truly wonderful

This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions... and through various levels of historic society. The heroine of this book has you laughing, crying and feeling many emotions both with her and for her. It also highlights many injustices of the past.
This is a book for those that like to read a story.... not smut .... It is a wonderful insight into just how easy it was (and still is) to fall from privilege to poverty and shows that there are good and bad peop!e in all walks of life.
Profile Image for Marcia Clayton.
Author 7 books54 followers
September 30, 2020
This book is about an orphan, Victoria Carlton, who is brought up by her uncle and aunt to be a lady. However, when she meets the handsome Doctor Ashton and he introduces her to a family living in abject poverty she is compelled to do all she can to help them. Her family do not approve of this and, when her uncle dies suddenly, they blame her. She is thrown out of the house with nothing, finding herself in the same position as the very people she has been trying to help. The story highlights the terrible poverty that people had to endure at this time. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
24 reviews
January 31, 2021
Both sides of the divide

A five star rating, because the story had me gripped from beginning to end.
Riches or poverty, how much can it effect the same person!
The main character Victoria, experiences both sides of this great divide, but who can tell all she must go through; from first appearing as an orphan in the home of her beloved Aunt and Uncle.
Victoria experiences wealth, to poverty and beyond. Loving relationships, crushing ones, betrayal and friendship. Fullness, hunger, pride and neglect. The novel that made me laugh and cry and raised hope in my heart.
Profile Image for Barbara  Daniels Dena.
628 reviews31 followers
December 11, 2022
I adore the books by this author. I also enjoy using the Whispersync availability whenever possible. The Slum Angel is full of an emotional script and explicitly details the lives of the well-to-do and the downtrodden. Victoria is a strong character, one willing to stand up for her beliefs and the consequences that befall her because of them. Note: This book speaks of abuse to a female. I respect and admire the research that must have gone into the writing of this novel. Highly recommended for those who are interested in this era.
73 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2024
Amazing and uplifting

I have read Cookson, Court and many others who have written about conditions of the poor in the nineteenth century. None have engaged my interest and attention as this book. The author makes you feel the cold water from the river; she makes you feel the dirt ,grime and embarrassment of the protagonist. When you come up for air after being submerged in the novel, you are thankful for all that you have. A great read! Be sure to read the Christmas book with the same characters.
237 reviews
July 13, 2020
LOVED that book. I was so absorbed in it that I couldn't bring myself to do anything else but read. One of the best books I've read in quite some time. It's beautifully written and really pulls you in as a reader. I really was in York in 1871 and lived through the highs and lows in Victoria's life. I suffered with her, but also found happiness with her. She is an incredible character.

Thank you AnneMarie Brear for such a wonderful book.
Profile Image for Kim.
107 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2021
best book i’ve read in ages

I’ve always been interested in books based in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and this book delivered it well. I would have likened some more facts to have been included based on documentaries I have seen about living in the slums but this book was more based on hope and the good that people can do and I appreciate that well. Charity begins at home, but we always think of others.
45 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2022
A riveting and heart wrenching novel

This novel presents an informative piece of social history in a manner that grasps the reader's attention. The situations in which the characters find themselves are presented in a believable fashion making it easy to feel empathy for those involved. Unless the leaders of our government heed the message of this book we could well find ourselves facing similar scenarios in the not too distant future.
21 reviews
June 22, 2023
What's the rest of the story?

I didn't like the abrupt ending. Did you get tired and just had to finish? I would like more resolution. How was her speech? Did she get the expected results. Couldn't you at least write an epilogue? I have read 6 of your books now. They all end abruptly. Epilogues bring closure to the story. I will keep reading your work, as I am genuinely pleased with them
4 reviews
November 2, 2023
A wonderful story. Hope

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a young woman living in hard conditions caused by being poor. How she rose above it and used her experiences to make poor people's lives better in the working class slums where she once lived. Using her new inheritance to do so. With her doctor husband and her friend's which would grow & become a thriving community! A good read.
38 reviews
August 30, 2024
Very well written and I loved the voice actor. The story keeps your attention, and you feel connected to the characters. Clean romance. The romance isn't the only focus. The story was educational on the conditions the poor lived in long ago. Told in a way that wasn't boring and made your heart ache for those who suffered. This is a more serious read and very sad at times. So if you need a light, cheerful read this isn't it. Very good story and a author I just discovered. I would recommend it!
20 reviews
May 29, 2019
Great reading book bringing to life the plight of the poor and how they survived. Would make a good film.

Wish it could be continued as it shows the work than nonprofits carrying out and dedication every day. Would certainly be a early learning curb for teaching non profit and donors what can be done
84 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2019
Sympathetic, powerful novel

Set in the Victorian Era this book gives us a contrasting vision of the perils that women of this time might have to face. From the glamour of the ballrooms and theatres to living in the slums. This book gives a different perspective to the usual stories of the historical romance novels. I found it fascinating. A good read.
227 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2019
Angel

From the first page I was hooked. All the characters came to life and as I got to know them I started to love some and become unsure of others. Thank you so much for you wonderful story. I'm hoping you have written a continuing story, as I would love to find out what happened to them and nasty Stella. xx
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews

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