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Miss Martha Mary Crawford
Book by Cookson, Catherine
606 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
38 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cookson
501 books682 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 21, 2018
I read this book some time ago and really enjoyed the story.
Loved the stories that Catherine Cookson created. They really touch on how life was and the hardships people faced in days long gone.
Storytelling at it's best. Recommended.
Loved the stories that Catherine Cookson created. They really touch on how life was and the hardships people faced in days long gone.
Storytelling at it's best. Recommended.
January 2, 2010
Whereas this cannot claim to fall into the "best of Catherine Cookson" category, it was entertaining nevertheless. Meet Martha Mary. It is the 1880s and for the last six years, this twenty year gal has been managing and estate for her entire family. The family consists of a dad that is spending money mysteriously (it certainly is not going towards household expenses or bills), Mildred, a snotty brat concerned about dresses and nothing else, Nancy, a sister that is desparate to marry, and a spinster aunt that comes down the stairs naked when company is present and has seizures. Wow! One must pity Martha Mary!
When the dad dies, life gets worse for Martha Mary. (That is a mouthful!) One event after another requires the new local doctor to come calling. At first, it is strictly for professional reasons as people are either getting hurt or dying, but eventually, the doctor comes to call for more personal reasons such as giving advice to Martha.
As this goes on and Martha tries to run a chaotic household on no money and with no help from her selfish sisters, her brother Rowland comes back from school suddenly announcing that her childhood home is going to become a school and would she stay on and work for his new wife for free? You know what hits the fan. Will Martha leave or will she become a lonely old spinster like her aunt?
A fun book full of surprising twists and turns. The last quarter especially had me literally cheering for Martha Mary. "Come on, Martha! You tell them!! You can do it!"
I wouldn't read it again tho, so four stars.
When the dad dies, life gets worse for Martha Mary. (That is a mouthful!) One event after another requires the new local doctor to come calling. At first, it is strictly for professional reasons as people are either getting hurt or dying, but eventually, the doctor comes to call for more personal reasons such as giving advice to Martha.
As this goes on and Martha tries to run a chaotic household on no money and with no help from her selfish sisters, her brother Rowland comes back from school suddenly announcing that her childhood home is going to become a school and would she stay on and work for his new wife for free? You know what hits the fan. Will Martha leave or will she become a lonely old spinster like her aunt?
A fun book full of surprising twists and turns. The last quarter especially had me literally cheering for Martha Mary. "Come on, Martha! You tell them!! You can do it!"
I wouldn't read it again tho, so four stars.
August 7, 2021
Recently reread this. Hard to find but worth it. Lovely story about someone who finds their worth and is found in return.
November 8, 2021
4.5*
Another Cookson written under pseudonym of Catherine Marchant set in late 19th century. Again I purchased this through my School Library Book Club. I love the developing romance which is initially very prickly between Dr Harry and Martha Mary. The animal cruelty is very distressing which is caused by one of the minor characters. To any animal lover this is upsetting and remains so no matter how many times I re-read this.
Synopsis:
Martha Mary acted as an unpaid servant to her father and younger sisters and brother. She has the added problem of Aunt Sophie, confined upstairs, who occasionally has a violent fantasy life. A series of dramatic disasters are set in motion that will change all of their lives.
This novel is set in the North East in the late 19th century.
Another Cookson written under pseudonym of Catherine Marchant set in late 19th century. Again I purchased this through my School Library Book Club. I love the developing romance which is initially very prickly between Dr Harry and Martha Mary. The animal cruelty is very distressing which is caused by one of the minor characters. To any animal lover this is upsetting and remains so no matter how many times I re-read this.
Synopsis:
Martha Mary acted as an unpaid servant to her father and younger sisters and brother. She has the added problem of Aunt Sophie, confined upstairs, who occasionally has a violent fantasy life. A series of dramatic disasters are set in motion that will change all of their lives.
This novel is set in the North East in the late 19th century.
January 9, 2011
Only Catherin Cooksen can make you feel English history and the people - there are non better. I re-read this book and loved it once more. It is a nice story with real people who she fleshes out well. Martha Mary is a herione who is real and human. Her siblings and father are selfish and worthless as you find out throughout the book. Read Catherine Cooksen and you will not be unhappy with any of them.
July 28, 2023
I cannot objectively rate a catherine cookson novel. I love her stories and the level of detail she puts in the books is astounding. You can feel like you are already there with characters living their lives and such. Thank you Catherine.
February 7, 2020
Oh Miss Mary Martha Crawford - what a life you had! Your father and brother were truly awful men! Thank goodness for happy endings! A real page turner! Loved this book!
February 19, 2017
Train wreck! I couldn't stop reading to see what happened to Martha Mary. I will most likely not be reading Catherine Cookson again.
October 5, 2019
I found the book enjoyable nice strong main character.
October 16, 2021
Still a wonderful read
I have read many Catherine Cookson books and this has to be one of my favorites. After all of these years, a fantastic read!
I have read many Catherine Cookson books and this has to be one of my favorites. After all of these years, a fantastic read!
February 17, 2024
I decided to revisit Catherine Cookson's books after many years. I enjoyed them the first time and the are just as enjoyable this time.
October 29, 2024
A compelling novel which I listened to on Audible. Great characters. Really enjoyed it.
July 26, 2009
Back Cover Blurb:
At the Habitation, a large and decaying riverside house, the Crawfords were on the verge of bankruptcy - and when Martha Mary was obliged to take on the responsibility for her family, a series of dramatic events occured that would test her indomitable fortitude.
At the Habitation, a large and decaying riverside house, the Crawfords were on the verge of bankruptcy - and when Martha Mary was obliged to take on the responsibility for her family, a series of dramatic events occured that would test her indomitable fortitude.
January 27, 2011
An enjoyable Cookson read.
September 6, 2012
This book is also found with Catherine Marchant as the author: same person.
January 11, 2014
All I can say is a cute, fun, gothic read. But nothing more. But then this is not my usual genre. Still it did speak to my heart in that the protagonist gets used by family. Until.....Well, read it.
June 25, 2015
Proper English novel. It took a while for it to pick up. But then it got interesting. Kind of cheesy ending.
July 28, 2007
A good example of C Cookson. It got a bit predictable near the end.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews