Customer Reviews

The Mallen Trilogy: Three Magnificent Novels in One Volume

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Could not put the book down. Excellent storyline. The author moved you along through the generations of this family and the impact on those entering their lives. So many breathtaking surprises. Can hardly wait to read more of Catherine Cookson's writings.

These were my first Cookson books, and they were not the last. These three novels are full of scandal, love, passion, pain, and all the ups and downs that can happen to a family in late 1800s England.

The Mallen Streak begins in 1851 with Thomas Mallen, a hard, arrogant man who has it all. Drastic events cause him to lose everything and he turns to his nieces' governess, Anna Brigmore and a small cottage for his shelter and comfort. Little does he know that he has sired a very angry illegitimate son that means to destroy his life by marrying one of his nieces.

The Mallen Girl focuses on the "results" of book one, two children, Barbara and Michael. Barbara is deaf and this novel offers great insight into the life of deaf girl during those times and the difficulties. Barbara also loves Michael, but the world struggles to keep her away from him. She does something quite drastic that will change all their lives forever. What I didn't like about this one is the Bensham family. They never seem to shut up.

The Mallen Litter refers to Barbara's three children. This novel deals with unrequitted love and scandalous affairs and the effects they have on the children. Tops off with England entering World War One.