The Husband

by Catherine Cookson

Book by Cookson, Catherine

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, British Literature

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Catherine 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.

Reviews

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This must be one of the first Catherine Cookson books that I read and I must admit I became quite addicted to her books. Brilliant storyline that I really enjoyed. Thank you Catherine Cookson for all the pleasure you gave me through the years with your wonderful stories.

[JLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! One mistake has a domino effect. It can be taken as, a 'warning' or as, 'it is possible to pick up the pieces and rebuild'. Very entertaining and a reminder to 'let it go' and not be the bitter product of someone else's reality. Also enjoyed the unique way the author wrote with slang and probable words of the time frame, although it was hard to get used to at first. Well done. Makes you think and ponder.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story.

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this particular Cookson novel takes place in the 1960s. The focus is "the husband," Harry. Harry is married to a frigid woman, has three children, and works for his manipulative father in law. Upon getting to know Harry and his situation, one really cannot blame him for his brief lapse in judgement one snowy day after the company Christmas party...

Poor Harry's one time misdemeanor leads to a felony tho. A vindictive woman, a misidentification in vehicles, and one too many sherries leads up to Harry almost killing his father in law.

His life will never be the same. Nor will life be merry and wonderful for those involved either directly or indirectly. Harry's daughter, Gail is caught between her mother and father. She has her signts set on Robert, but Harry has his sights set on Robert's mother and things get rather dramatic.

While Gail lives in terror of her mother, Robert is disrespectful towards his own, telling her to be quiet most of the time. Between that and Robert's "I look after number one" attitude, I found very little to like about the characters. The ending was unfulfilling as well, leaving the reader somewhat hanging. Three stars.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this on a dusty shelf of an antique store in Torrey, Ut. It's an old book...1969, but a pleasant read.