The Long Walk Home

by Val Wood

At only thirteen, Mikey Quinn is arrested for stealing a rabbit to feed his family. Despite his age, he’s shown no mercy by the wealthy lawyer who sends him to prison. He returns home to find that his mother has died and his younger siblings taken into the workhouse. With only his determination, Mikey makes his way to London to seek a better life for his family. Whilst there, he meets Eleanor who he recognises as the daughter of the lawyer who ruined his life. Desperate, they band together forging a new life for themselves on the streets of London. Overlooking their initial differences, the two come to rely on each other and, when the time comes to return to Hull, they face the long walk home together.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Historical

532 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Valerie Wood

Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK. Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley. When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valeriewood.co.uk

Reviews

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book by Val Wood One of my favourite authors.
I first read one of Val Wood's books when I noticed that the story was set in a area not too far away from me and this really got my interest.
It makes you realise when you read these stories just how lucky we are today and the struggle that was faced on a daily basis.
Loved this book. Very well written and very hard to put down.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and heartwarming read of children in poverty and the extremes they go to in order to improve their situation.

[Robert Furlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't actually think I would like this book when I picked it up, it was just a novel that I bought for my mother based on her description of what she likes in a book. However, the same night I borrowed it because I ran out of books at home, I didn't put it back down until 330 pages and several hours later. This work is simple and easy to read, yet full of intense themes and interesting characters that leave you anxious to see what happens next.

[Mavis Hutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long walk home by Val wood

I chose this rating because I enjoyed reading this book so much. I have read a few of Val Wood's books now and they just get better and better. The character's are so real you feel part of the story. I shall certainly be reading more books by Val Wood





I have given the rating 5 because I enjoyed the book so much. I have read several of Val Wood books and they just get better and better. Her characters are so real you almost feel part of them
Mavis Hutt

[Meital Ben-Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah... It's been a while since I read a good book like this one! I loved it! Heartwarming and full of compassion at the most unexpected moments in life, when young children find themselves trying to survive such overwhelming hardships! All the good ingredients to lure me into reading such a book. Highly recommended! Am sure to follow Valerie Wood's other books....

[JaiCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Angela Free · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice feel-good story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chances of bumping into the people you know in a crowded city like London...hmmm.. Still worth reading...

[Charmaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright, mostly about trying to get some place better in life.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this will read more of her books

[Kara Brightey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet slow burn romance with some great historical connections

[Kirsty Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good not just my favourite

[Mandy Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much I emailed the author!

[Carole Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story lost going on
Picked it up in taormina sicily

[Hazel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first time I've read one of Val Woods books an absolutely loved it. Ill definitely be looking out for more.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good description of the life in England during those years .

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people meet as children and then again when they are older, this is a lovely story and I really enjoyed the ending.

[Outlander · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bit too predictable for me, on the lines of Catherine Cookson but set in Hull and London, a familiar story of hard times.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Val Wood is another great story teller. I Love 1800's family stories and sagas and this one had everything. Mikey survives on the street anyway he can, unfortunately he lands in jail. Eleanor is badly treated and wants a better life. Mikey walks to London hoping to improve his life, but finds it even worse than Hull. Life has a funny way of working Eleanor comes back into his life. I like the way the author captures and makes her characters multifaceted. I never get tired of reading this kind of story, sad, happy multiple emotions. Great Read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books by Val Wood and have always enjoyed her stories. I was so pleased when I spotted this book in the local charity shop recently.

There are not many books that I am able to read that has over 500 pages within a couple of days, which goes to show just how much I find her books a page turner. I love stories based around the Victorian era.

[Francesco · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice novel that takes the reader back on old times. It is a story of young people that lived in 1850s but feel and think and maybe act like nowadays young people.
To be read, definitely! :o)

[Louise Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. she really shows us that rich and poor people have the same problems and that you aren't happy jut because you are rich also that your money status doesn't affect who you fall in love witb

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

fab book good read

[Zoe Jussel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely makes you appreciate NOT living in old England as a poor person without promise. A good yarn.

[Sandy]

Enjoyed this historical fiction set in 19th century Englsnd.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, will find it hard to choose a next book.

[Isabelle | Nine Tale Vixen]

DNF.

Definitely set up for a complex, intriguing plotline, but the style didn't work for me as a reader, and I didn't particularly like or even sympathize with the characters.