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A House Divided
At the end of the Second World War, Matthew Wallingham returns to his family home, blinded by his injuries and uncertain about his future. There he finds his father ill, his mother obviously unhappy, and his brother, who has made a success of running the farm on the family's estate during the war years, resentful that Matthew should think he can now offer help.
Forced to realise that his plans for the future are not going to work, Matthew starts to look for a new career. He finds himself becoming dependent on Liz - his nurse and, increasingly, the focus of all his thoughts and hopes. But Liz herself has a shadow hanging over her that will bring a terrifying violence into the Wallingham's family life...
Set in the aftermath of the Second World War, A House Divided encompasses the social change taking place and the pains and pleasures of the brave new world of peace.
Forced to realise that his plans for the future are not going to work, Matthew starts to look for a new career. He finds himself becoming dependent on Liz - his nurse and, increasingly, the focus of all his thoughts and hopes. But Liz herself has a shadow hanging over her that will bring a terrifying violence into the Wallingham's family life...
Set in the aftermath of the Second World War, A House Divided encompasses the social change taking place and the pains and pleasures of the brave new world of peace.
478 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
86 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cookson
501 books684 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 46 reviews
January 19, 2014
this book loved the font was easy to read. I have this in hard back as it one of my grans that sadly she was reading but passed away in July last year so I thew myself into reading books and this was one I read in 3 Months compared to 12 months reading the full 3 50 shades as I weak reader but got so in depth with this war story that somehow made me feel more connected to gran since she passed kept me going and could talk to her and carry her journey to complete this book as I read it for her. silly I know but meant a lot I loved this book
September 7, 2016
I was hoping for her social commentary, a class perspective, and history, but this book is as banal and predictable as the summary suggests. I patiently waited for the chapters and chapters of clumsy exposition to wind down, but then all that remained was cliched characters, clunky dialogue, and a silly plotline. Gave up at page 60. This was published posthumously, and shouldn't have been rescued from the basement.
December 30, 2019
House Divided By Catherine C
From pages 30 and on. SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIGGER WARNING. A truly amazing read and I adored it.
Matthew comes home and his old friend is tuning his piano. He gives him a dose of advice about life. Matthew struggles with it. When he sits with his grandmother she offers him an ear and tells him talking about it is the only way forward.
He reveals the nurse he was close to was not an old woman but rather a young 23 year old to whom sounded more than lovely. Old nurses are forbidden to visit their old patients and this makes Matthew ache. His grandmother seems to be scheming to change that.
Matthew has a joyful supportive family however truly lost without his sight. He tries to deny his passion for the piano and wants to farm. His family are worried.
Matthews brother rejects him for the job at the farm. His Gran wants to know what’s happened but a call has him racing into town to meet a friend and his former nurse Ducks.
Lunch goes well with his friend and Ducks. He feels more connected to her. She convinces him to go see the colonel. He signs up to train to be a physiotherapist. He meets the staff he is going to work with. His parents are worried about the disappearances. His Granan scolds him too.
Matthews happy at the possibility of a new start in his life. His mother raises concerns about his Granan and he shrugs them off. His mother Lucile takes him to the drawing room where his fathers not feeling good.
He tells his father who is proud. Rodney comes home and is met by his mother. They argue and he tells her he is sick of Matthew. He is sick of the war, how he was forgotten. Matthew overheard some of it. His brother accuses Matthew about lying about his dog. She is been in the barn for weeks.
His mother brings up that he’s obsessed with the estate and the farm. He speaks of plans to talk to his father but his mum begs him off. He goes for a bath and his mother fears what’s to come.
Matthew doubts his decision after meeting one of the doctors. He sticks it out for Liz.
Part 2.
Liz goes home and tells her family she is not willing to marry Phil from along the road. She loves her new job and has dreaded ending it. She has met someone new. Her family are worried and have talked while she washed sharing their concerns.
This is a good start to taking domestic mental abuse into a storyline and this is why I respect Catherine’s skills so much.
Liz’s Family is shocked over Liz’s feelings for Matthew. She goes over to the McCabes to break the news she will not be marrying their son.
Mike comes home and she tells him. He attacks her and hurts her badly. She is knocked loopy and her brother comes rushing in with Joseph. There’s a fight, Phill, Mike, Liz and Joseph gets hurt. Mr McCabe and Sam see to Liz.
There is no Christmas celebration as Liz recovers. She struggles with what happened to her. Mikes mother appears and blazing row ensues. Liz is left in tears and finds out she must rest for one more week. She tells her parents she fears Mikes mother and will not come back near their farm. Phil comes to his sisters aid and Joseph blackmails his mother into leaving.
Much later on Liz gets a call from Sister Fulton who brightens her with news of Matthew and that she is missed. Gives Liz the idea about the sleeper train. She gets a call from Matthew that her father overhears and she realises he is moving to fast. She gets the realisation her fathers gone over to her mothers side.
This really touches on the lack of understanding to disabilities and also to sexual assault victims. The loneliness and pain is well developed and understood by the phrasing of the sentences Catherine uses and her pictures she paints.
Liz goes on the sleep and finds she can’t let her sadness out so she goes to sleep not sure of what to expect. She is met by Matthew at the station and is seen home in his luxury car, she is surprised by the car.
Liz reluctantly shows Matthew into her home and there’s two sets of feelings brought up in her. She feels panic at his speed of need to be near her, for him to understand her better. She finds it very hard when he asks her for what really happened. She backs him off by saying she is not ready to talk about it.
Matthew pleads to have more time with her like a drive and picnic in the country. She agrees only if it does not rain and he feels almost pushy to her. She works herself up into a fever pitch, even makes things okay with Matthews driver.
Matthew comes home and gets into an argument with his mother about place. This leads to him stomping off to his Grans where he retells the story.
Great example of how adults with disabilities were treated as children during this time period. This tackles people’s struggles with classes fading away, the difference that makes.
Gran and Matthew discusses this. The challenges she faces when talking to his new drivers and Peter. She believes that he would make a great diplomat with more education.
Matthew is taken through to hear from his brother Peter. He offers him hope for his sight and has sent him money. The brothers letter to his parents was sparing. There’s friction in the family. They all take shots at each other.
The fight continues about Matthews driver and his mail. After Matthew leaves his father tells Rodney that the farm only survived due to his old farm hands. Rodney storms our. He further hurts his wife with a accusation. She leaves in tears.
Matthew makes up with his mother and promises to bring Liz soon. He tries to avoid telling her he is leaving in the future. He also says he will try with his father more.
Matthew goes to see Liz where they get engaged and tell each other they love one another. It’s a great relief for them both. Matthew arranges Liz to come on Saturday everyone’s looking forward go it but Rodney.
Matthew works with fragile Danny who makes him lie. It ends with him punching the sergeant. The are aware of the bullying and he’s punished. Matthews relieved.
Matthew tells Liz all about it as they grab a coffee together. He tells his Granan about it and she is delighted. She wants the fun of telling her son, wife and youngest grandson. She does that at dinner, Lucille and Rodney being the only ones that does not support Matthew. Lucille makes a note of how jealous Rodney is of his brother.
Liz arrives the next day to a warm welcome. Rodney stares a lot and offers to show her the farm. After dinner Matthew and Liz walk the gardens. Rodney then takes her down to see the farm. This allows her to meet Joe and be congratulated on the engagement.
Granan opens up to Liz, Mathew tells her how much she appreciates how well she did. How grateful he was that she loved him. Inside the flat she wonders what Phil has to say. Warns herself against Rodney.
Phil warns Liz that Mike has headed North and not to Ireland as he said. That she must turn to friends. She has no other choice but to tell Matthew and her downstairs neighbour. The whole story and rake it up. She gets Jim to wait in the car.
Matthew and Jim come up with a plan to protect Liz. After Liz has explain the situation to Matthew, who gives clip notes to Jim and his family. She still feels drowned in fear. Matthew feels off about the situation.
Liz and Cissie get Mike at the door. He tries to lie his way in. When that fails he jumps the fence at the back of the house. They phone the police and prepare to leave.
Liz is taken from the Taylors to Matthews home. She is overcome by emotions and Lucille steps in to help her. She sends Matthew to bed and helps Liz expel those feelings once and for all.
Liz wakes up in the guest room and remembers a tenderness with Peter and Lucille she does not wish to remember. Matthew visits her, his concern and love help keep her going.
Lucille and Liz share a close little talk. They bond. They go together to Granan where she finds Matthew. Lucille bows out early leaving Matthew to share a laugh with Liz before Granan chases them out.
Liz is attacked while Matthew tries to whistle for Jim. Mike hits her and after kicking his shin she whistles for help. He threatens to kill her. She is knocked out. Jim ends up with his legs slashed and Mile tied up. Matthew is beside himself and Rodney has his nose put of joint when he is manhandled by Matthew who’s trying to get to Liz.
Jim has sustained a nasty stab wound and Liz is badly beaten. She comes out into pure shock and there’s anger there. Jim is recovering well. After her brother tells her that the manics are gone, then Liz recovers quickly.
Liz has a deep rooted fear of Rodney as he is acting strangely and she puts it down to being like Mike. She longs to return to work. Has become a companion to Granan and Lucille wants her attention too. Liz feels part of something wonderful yet not. She has to remind herself she is marrying Matthew out of love not pity or gratuities.
Peter tells her to let him know if Rodney upsets or frightens her. She promises herself she will.
Liz meets Hazel after returning to work for a week and her kids. She was warned by all about their behaviour. Hazel dislikes Liz but puts up with her. Rodney pushes Liz to join them after the newest snow fall. Matthew will be glad when the kids go as he does not like them as much as they don’t like him.
Rodney takes Liz on the sledge and tries to force himself on her. Peter and Matthew get to them quickly but after Rodney begs her to leave. She is shock and has flash backs of Mike.
Rodney is forced to move into the West Wing. Matthew struggles to not move out. Liz tried to bury herself in work. Matthew is thrown off the quarry top and Granan sees as well as Jim. Police and doctors are called.
Matthew survives with injuries to his head and lower leg. He is touch and go these next few days while they monitor him. Jim tells the colonel what he saw.
They have decided that Rodney either goes to New Zealand or he is handed over to the police and there’s two witnesses either way. If Matthew dies he will be handed over to the police. Rodney is given till the morning to make his decision. Rodney bucks at his father the whole time.
Matthew wakes abruptly and can see a little, thinks he is dreaming and in so much pain they put him back to sleep. He can’t remember much at all. He’s all over the place.
Liz is exhausted with her long hours with Matthew. She falls asleep in the car and gives her honest thoughts to Matthews father.
Matthews vision is returning and Liz is over joyed but knows it has to go slow. The family is over the moon. Mary tells Rodney who scares her. He has another run in with Peter before he leaves.
Joe tells Peter what he discovered after Rodney left. The empty office and how he tried to kill Flossie but he had taken her home. The relief of him being gone and Joe takes over the farm.
Matthew has a fun with the nurse and he can see there faces. Jim visits and Liz reassured him that he still has a job. Matthew wants to know where his brother is and Liz tells him. She leaves before he can see how upset she is and does not want to upset him.
The happiness that they find together. Matthew plays the piano for the first time again. The house is restored
A truly modern ending for a happy ever reader. This is a perfect example why Catherine was found at the perfect time and a true gift to us all.
From pages 30 and on. SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIGGER WARNING. A truly amazing read and I adored it.
Matthew comes home and his old friend is tuning his piano. He gives him a dose of advice about life. Matthew struggles with it. When he sits with his grandmother she offers him an ear and tells him talking about it is the only way forward.
He reveals the nurse he was close to was not an old woman but rather a young 23 year old to whom sounded more than lovely. Old nurses are forbidden to visit their old patients and this makes Matthew ache. His grandmother seems to be scheming to change that.
Matthew has a joyful supportive family however truly lost without his sight. He tries to deny his passion for the piano and wants to farm. His family are worried.
Matthews brother rejects him for the job at the farm. His Gran wants to know what’s happened but a call has him racing into town to meet a friend and his former nurse Ducks.
Lunch goes well with his friend and Ducks. He feels more connected to her. She convinces him to go see the colonel. He signs up to train to be a physiotherapist. He meets the staff he is going to work with. His parents are worried about the disappearances. His Granan scolds him too.
Matthews happy at the possibility of a new start in his life. His mother raises concerns about his Granan and he shrugs them off. His mother Lucile takes him to the drawing room where his fathers not feeling good.
He tells his father who is proud. Rodney comes home and is met by his mother. They argue and he tells her he is sick of Matthew. He is sick of the war, how he was forgotten. Matthew overheard some of it. His brother accuses Matthew about lying about his dog. She is been in the barn for weeks.
His mother brings up that he’s obsessed with the estate and the farm. He speaks of plans to talk to his father but his mum begs him off. He goes for a bath and his mother fears what’s to come.
Matthew doubts his decision after meeting one of the doctors. He sticks it out for Liz.
Part 2.
Liz goes home and tells her family she is not willing to marry Phil from along the road. She loves her new job and has dreaded ending it. She has met someone new. Her family are worried and have talked while she washed sharing their concerns.
This is a good start to taking domestic mental abuse into a storyline and this is why I respect Catherine’s skills so much.
Liz’s Family is shocked over Liz’s feelings for Matthew. She goes over to the McCabes to break the news she will not be marrying their son.
Mike comes home and she tells him. He attacks her and hurts her badly. She is knocked loopy and her brother comes rushing in with Joseph. There’s a fight, Phill, Mike, Liz and Joseph gets hurt. Mr McCabe and Sam see to Liz.
There is no Christmas celebration as Liz recovers. She struggles with what happened to her. Mikes mother appears and blazing row ensues. Liz is left in tears and finds out she must rest for one more week. She tells her parents she fears Mikes mother and will not come back near their farm. Phil comes to his sisters aid and Joseph blackmails his mother into leaving.
Much later on Liz gets a call from Sister Fulton who brightens her with news of Matthew and that she is missed. Gives Liz the idea about the sleeper train. She gets a call from Matthew that her father overhears and she realises he is moving to fast. She gets the realisation her fathers gone over to her mothers side.
This really touches on the lack of understanding to disabilities and also to sexual assault victims. The loneliness and pain is well developed and understood by the phrasing of the sentences Catherine uses and her pictures she paints.
Liz goes on the sleep and finds she can’t let her sadness out so she goes to sleep not sure of what to expect. She is met by Matthew at the station and is seen home in his luxury car, she is surprised by the car.
Liz reluctantly shows Matthew into her home and there’s two sets of feelings brought up in her. She feels panic at his speed of need to be near her, for him to understand her better. She finds it very hard when he asks her for what really happened. She backs him off by saying she is not ready to talk about it.
Matthew pleads to have more time with her like a drive and picnic in the country. She agrees only if it does not rain and he feels almost pushy to her. She works herself up into a fever pitch, even makes things okay with Matthews driver.
Matthew comes home and gets into an argument with his mother about place. This leads to him stomping off to his Grans where he retells the story.
Great example of how adults with disabilities were treated as children during this time period. This tackles people’s struggles with classes fading away, the difference that makes.
Gran and Matthew discusses this. The challenges she faces when talking to his new drivers and Peter. She believes that he would make a great diplomat with more education.
Matthew is taken through to hear from his brother Peter. He offers him hope for his sight and has sent him money. The brothers letter to his parents was sparing. There’s friction in the family. They all take shots at each other.
The fight continues about Matthews driver and his mail. After Matthew leaves his father tells Rodney that the farm only survived due to his old farm hands. Rodney storms our. He further hurts his wife with a accusation. She leaves in tears.
Matthew makes up with his mother and promises to bring Liz soon. He tries to avoid telling her he is leaving in the future. He also says he will try with his father more.
Matthew goes to see Liz where they get engaged and tell each other they love one another. It’s a great relief for them both. Matthew arranges Liz to come on Saturday everyone’s looking forward go it but Rodney.
Matthew works with fragile Danny who makes him lie. It ends with him punching the sergeant. The are aware of the bullying and he’s punished. Matthews relieved.
Matthew tells Liz all about it as they grab a coffee together. He tells his Granan about it and she is delighted. She wants the fun of telling her son, wife and youngest grandson. She does that at dinner, Lucille and Rodney being the only ones that does not support Matthew. Lucille makes a note of how jealous Rodney is of his brother.
Liz arrives the next day to a warm welcome. Rodney stares a lot and offers to show her the farm. After dinner Matthew and Liz walk the gardens. Rodney then takes her down to see the farm. This allows her to meet Joe and be congratulated on the engagement.
Granan opens up to Liz, Mathew tells her how much she appreciates how well she did. How grateful he was that she loved him. Inside the flat she wonders what Phil has to say. Warns herself against Rodney.
Phil warns Liz that Mike has headed North and not to Ireland as he said. That she must turn to friends. She has no other choice but to tell Matthew and her downstairs neighbour. The whole story and rake it up. She gets Jim to wait in the car.
Matthew and Jim come up with a plan to protect Liz. After Liz has explain the situation to Matthew, who gives clip notes to Jim and his family. She still feels drowned in fear. Matthew feels off about the situation.
Liz and Cissie get Mike at the door. He tries to lie his way in. When that fails he jumps the fence at the back of the house. They phone the police and prepare to leave.
Liz is taken from the Taylors to Matthews home. She is overcome by emotions and Lucille steps in to help her. She sends Matthew to bed and helps Liz expel those feelings once and for all.
Liz wakes up in the guest room and remembers a tenderness with Peter and Lucille she does not wish to remember. Matthew visits her, his concern and love help keep her going.
Lucille and Liz share a close little talk. They bond. They go together to Granan where she finds Matthew. Lucille bows out early leaving Matthew to share a laugh with Liz before Granan chases them out.
Liz is attacked while Matthew tries to whistle for Jim. Mike hits her and after kicking his shin she whistles for help. He threatens to kill her. She is knocked out. Jim ends up with his legs slashed and Mile tied up. Matthew is beside himself and Rodney has his nose put of joint when he is manhandled by Matthew who’s trying to get to Liz.
Jim has sustained a nasty stab wound and Liz is badly beaten. She comes out into pure shock and there’s anger there. Jim is recovering well. After her brother tells her that the manics are gone, then Liz recovers quickly.
Liz has a deep rooted fear of Rodney as he is acting strangely and she puts it down to being like Mike. She longs to return to work. Has become a companion to Granan and Lucille wants her attention too. Liz feels part of something wonderful yet not. She has to remind herself she is marrying Matthew out of love not pity or gratuities.
Peter tells her to let him know if Rodney upsets or frightens her. She promises herself she will.
Liz meets Hazel after returning to work for a week and her kids. She was warned by all about their behaviour. Hazel dislikes Liz but puts up with her. Rodney pushes Liz to join them after the newest snow fall. Matthew will be glad when the kids go as he does not like them as much as they don’t like him.
Rodney takes Liz on the sledge and tries to force himself on her. Peter and Matthew get to them quickly but after Rodney begs her to leave. She is shock and has flash backs of Mike.
Rodney is forced to move into the West Wing. Matthew struggles to not move out. Liz tried to bury herself in work. Matthew is thrown off the quarry top and Granan sees as well as Jim. Police and doctors are called.
Matthew survives with injuries to his head and lower leg. He is touch and go these next few days while they monitor him. Jim tells the colonel what he saw.
They have decided that Rodney either goes to New Zealand or he is handed over to the police and there’s two witnesses either way. If Matthew dies he will be handed over to the police. Rodney is given till the morning to make his decision. Rodney bucks at his father the whole time.
Matthew wakes abruptly and can see a little, thinks he is dreaming and in so much pain they put him back to sleep. He can’t remember much at all. He’s all over the place.
Liz is exhausted with her long hours with Matthew. She falls asleep in the car and gives her honest thoughts to Matthews father.
Matthews vision is returning and Liz is over joyed but knows it has to go slow. The family is over the moon. Mary tells Rodney who scares her. He has another run in with Peter before he leaves.
Joe tells Peter what he discovered after Rodney left. The empty office and how he tried to kill Flossie but he had taken her home. The relief of him being gone and Joe takes over the farm.
Matthew has a fun with the nurse and he can see there faces. Jim visits and Liz reassured him that he still has a job. Matthew wants to know where his brother is and Liz tells him. She leaves before he can see how upset she is and does not want to upset him.
The happiness that they find together. Matthew plays the piano for the first time again. The house is restored
A truly modern ending for a happy ever reader. This is a perfect example why Catherine was found at the perfect time and a true gift to us all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2022
I loved this book about the blind, misfit hero Matthew Wallingford and his nurse Liz known as Ducky adjusting to life after the Second World War and to injuries received during this war.
SYNOPSIS:
At the end of the Second World War, Matthew Wallingham returns to his family home, blinded by his injuries and uncertain about his future. There he finds his father ill, his mother obviously unhappy, and his brother, who has made a success of running the farm on the family's estate during the war years, resentful that Matthew should think he can now offer help.
Forced to realise that his plans for the future are not going to work, Matthew starts to look for a new career. He finds himself becoming dependent on Liz - his nurse and, increasingly, the focus of all his thoughts and hopes. But Liz herself has a shadow hanging over her that will bring a terrifying violence into the Wallingham's family life...
Set in the aftermath of the Second World War, A House Divided encompasses the social change taking place and the pains and pleasures of the brave new world of peace.
SYNOPSIS:
At the end of the Second World War, Matthew Wallingham returns to his family home, blinded by his injuries and uncertain about his future. There he finds his father ill, his mother obviously unhappy, and his brother, who has made a success of running the farm on the family's estate during the war years, resentful that Matthew should think he can now offer help.
Forced to realise that his plans for the future are not going to work, Matthew starts to look for a new career. He finds himself becoming dependent on Liz - his nurse and, increasingly, the focus of all his thoughts and hopes. But Liz herself has a shadow hanging over her that will bring a terrifying violence into the Wallingham's family life...
Set in the aftermath of the Second World War, A House Divided encompasses the social change taking place and the pains and pleasures of the brave new world of peace.
January 11, 2010
I generally enjoy Catherine Cookson's books and did so with this one, which I found used in an exchange library in Switzerland. Many relationship problems, exciting problems, etc. The use of "shut up!" very often did bother me, but maybe that's how that type of person talked in that time - right after WWII. Also, piano keys were the only motif on the cover - why did I think it would feature piano playing? No, it was mentioned in the beginning and at the end they heard the main character playing in another room - period! Odd. But I did enjoy the book.
May 12, 2012
Reading a Catherine Cookson is always an enjoyable experience. This book is no different. Being set in a later time period than most adds a different dimension.
Matthew Wallingham returns from WWII a changed man, blinded and mentally scared. His family is seriously at odds with each other and his return doesn't help especially in his relationship with younger brother Roland. The only person who can get through to him is one of the nurses who has her own family problems.
Each family member is well written and totally believabe whether for good or ill.
Matthew Wallingham returns from WWII a changed man, blinded and mentally scared. His family is seriously at odds with each other and his return doesn't help especially in his relationship with younger brother Roland. The only person who can get through to him is one of the nurses who has her own family problems.
Each family member is well written and totally believabe whether for good or ill.
December 4, 2013
I found it hard to put down. I was really fascinated with the story and thought it was realistic and most likely true to the period.
I liked the characterisation of Matthew, the hero of the piece, because he came across as a very real person.
I liked the other characters especially Liz who was also a real person. I thought the story was different and this is actually the first time I have ever read one of Catherine Cookson's novels. I'll have to read some more.
I liked the characterisation of Matthew, the hero of the piece, because he came across as a very real person.
I liked the other characters especially Liz who was also a real person. I thought the story was different and this is actually the first time I have ever read one of Catherine Cookson's novels. I'll have to read some more.
May 18, 2012
I read all of Catherine Cookson's books some years ago and enjoyed them immensley. I recently re-read all of them and find that on a second look I found them all so very predictable, and was rather disappointed. However I'm sure that it is my tastes that have changed not the calibre of her story telling.
March 20, 2011
First of all, this is an apt title. I loved the story a lot and Cookson's literature that had already captured ma hear ever since I read the Mary Ann novels. And once again, Cookson shows off her ability to create vibrant and distinct characters.
October 13, 2011
This book was probably about a 3 1/2 star for me. It took me awhile to get into it, and I did guess correctly what the ending would be. I guess I'm just not into the british style of writing. However, I did finish it and am willing to try another of Cookson's titles.
January 15, 2013
The books starts off quite slow and it took me a while to get into it. But it is a lovely romance in Catherine Cookson's usual non graphic style. It is refreshing to read her books from time to time. A little like Downtown Abbey in a much less grand style.
August 27, 2013
I really enjoyed this book so much! It certainly provides a picture of what England was like after WWII and what families are like in general. Somehow most of the issues were eventually settled one way or another. It was interesting seeing how that happened.
July 28, 2014
The story is based upon the life of a blinded soldier who returned home at the end of WWII to find that the family life he left would no longer be the one he could be happy with. A remarkable story of courage and love.
November 10, 2008
Great read, heartfelt and emotional with just the right amount of drama and suspense!
abandoned
May 2, 2011The story just felt a little too simple and cheesy to me.
July 27, 2011
It was gooooood
January 11, 2013
This story was just an "average" read for me. I have never been a great fan of British authors. Their writing tends to feel "dry" to me.
December 9, 2015
Ett ljus i mörkret.
November 26, 2015
I liked this book immensely. Tells of all the politics that goes on in families, especially in times gone by.
February 11, 2018
Loved this book. Very easy to read but very hard to put down. Recommended.
April 2, 2025
A surprising four star.
January 8, 2018
The war is over and Matthew Wallingham has come home blinded and shell shocked. A nurse who cared for him while in hospital he believes kept him from going completely mad. Later on he meets up with her again only to find she is not his mothers age as she had told him but young woman. Elizabeth as she is known becomes closer to Matthew but she has secrets of her own that she must come to terms with. She makes a difficult trip home and upon her return brings complete chaos into the Wallingham home that seem to have one repercussion after another.
This book was quite an entertaining and fast moving read.
This book was quite an entertaining and fast moving read.
June 1, 2013
This was my first experience of a Catherine Cookson novel. I'm not sure if people actually talked this way or if it was written to lengthen the novel. Here's a few examples, "Really? Really." "You can whistle?"... "Yes, I can whistle." "I think... I think" "Good morning, all" "Good morning, Nurse." "Good morning, Mr. Wallingham." Also our dear heroine gets physically assaulted so often that it's horrifying.
September 19, 2017
Once in a while I love to read a Catherine Cookson book. They are heavy on relationship entanglements, good v. evil, and satisfying resolutions. This one was extra good in all these ways.
In this book, I think that Cookson wanted to explore the practice of people forcing their daughters into marriages that benefit the family in some way, but end up hurting young women. She shows that this practice, like many social conventions, is being resisted and rejected by the post WWII generation.
In this book, I think that Cookson wanted to explore the practice of people forcing their daughters into marriages that benefit the family in some way, but end up hurting young women. She shows that this practice, like many social conventions, is being resisted and rejected by the post WWII generation.
Read
December 27, 2010very romantic, interwoven plot
Read
April 7, 2011GOOD
Read
February 6, 2014This is my first book by this author, and I loved it. I plan on reading more of them and recommend this author
January 1, 2017
I couldn't get into this book. I really tried though.
September 4, 2017
Catherine Cookson's books follow a pattern. You know exactly what is going to happen, but they still make for a very enjoyable read. Good books to read when you want a guaranteed feel good ending.
February 29, 2024
The story is about Matthew coming home from the war. Which I believe was ww2. He was blinded by a grenade and was hospitalized with his injuries. In the hospital, he was attended to by nurse Elizabeth Ducksworth, whom he fell in love with despite not being able to see her.
The book gives a glimpse of the beginning of class erosion. As everyone, men and women had to pitch in for their very survival during the war. Once the war was over, women had a taste of freedom. It was hard to go back to how it was. Same with the common man. They now felt equal to their betters since they were in the trenches together.
The book was primarily about the love story between Matthew and Elizabeth, but what makes the book special is the cast of characters; Granan, the spunky grandmother; Lucille, the worried mother; Richard the father who is battling MS; Peter the loyal man servant to Richard who is also in love with Lucille; Jim the chauffeur who is loyal to Matthew; Rodney the jealous brother.
It had enough to capture and excite.
The book gives a glimpse of the beginning of class erosion. As everyone, men and women had to pitch in for their very survival during the war. Once the war was over, women had a taste of freedom. It was hard to go back to how it was. Same with the common man. They now felt equal to their betters since they were in the trenches together.
The book was primarily about the love story between Matthew and Elizabeth, but what makes the book special is the cast of characters; Granan, the spunky grandmother; Lucille, the worried mother; Richard the father who is battling MS; Peter the loyal man servant to Richard who is also in love with Lucille; Jim the chauffeur who is loyal to Matthew; Rodney the jealous brother.
It had enough to capture and excite.
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