September 2011, Doubleday
412 pages, Hardback
Review copy
Themes:
life in service, cruelty in institutions, wonderful opportunities,
stern but caring people, learning valuable skills, apple pie, theives,
tragedy, illness in a time without medical advancements, laughter,
extreme optimism & daydreaming, a mermaid saving a life, touching
sentimental moments, some great peril, lotw of humour, a great many
tissues needed
Summary from Random House Children's Publishers
A fascinating, funny and moving Victorian-era novel featuring Hetty Feather.
Hetty
Feather is a Foundling Hospital girl and was given her name when she
was left there as a baby by her mother. But she always longed to be
called Sapphire, after her sapphire-blue eyes. When she is reunited with
her mother, she hopes her new name, Sapphire Battersea, will also mean a
new life! But life doesn't always go as planned...
Follow the
twists and turns of Hetty's adventure as she goes out to work as a maid
for a wealthy man. She longs to be reunited with her childhood
sweetheart Jem - but also finds a new sweetheart, Bertie the butcher's
boy, who whisks her away from her household chores to experience the
delights of the funfair!
But Hetty's life may also take a darker path. Can she cope with the trials ahead?
Nayuleska's thoughts
As
I finished the book I was really sad to leave Hetty like that. She has
such an idealistic view of life I either laughed at her ideas or cried
at her naievity. Her exhuberance has to be commended, she is true to her
heart and refuses to be done over by anyone. That's what made the book
so sad.
What happens to her is tough, but it does make her
stronger and resourceful. Occassionally the stoey dragged for me, but
that was mostly superceded by the truly unexpected kind heartedness of
people she meets. I hope that all people who were/are in Hetty's shoes
get the kindness in life they deserve. You won't be disappointed with
this 9/10 read.
You can find out more on Jacqueline's website.
Suggested read
A book with a similar feel is Philip Pullman's The Adventures of the New Cut Gang
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