9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If This Author Has A Fan Club, Sign Me Up!, August 4, 2009
Wow! I can certainly see why this became a mini series. I have just completed the first novel in the Tilly Trotter series and I am hooked. This novel takes readers back to the early days of Queen Victoria's reign, when beyond the glittery scenery of court, miners and farmers ran the land. Tilly Trotter is a young girl that has been raised by her grandparents. Due to a long ago scandal involving some missing money, that had nothing to do with her, some beligerent town folk brand Tilly a witch. When her dear grandparents finally leave this world due to old age, Tilly must make it on her own, despite the hatred of the townfolk and the danger that awaits her at every turn. A kind land and mine owner, Mark Sopwith, hires her to attend his children. Due to a bad judgement call on his part, Tilly is once again on the streets. Not for long tho! Tilly then takes up with a family called the Drews and enters the dark and dangerous world on mining. A twist of fate in the dark caverns of the mine throw Tilly and Mark together again.
The back of the book says Tilly becomes the loving mistress of a wealthy man. This gives the wrong impression as Tilly is not a prostitute of any sort, but more of a nurse and caregiver. So do not be put off by the use of the word "mistress."
I loved this book. Tilly Trotter is a realistic character, facing both happiness and misery. She experiences love, fear, and learns to face down cruel people that prefer to judge others rather than take a good look at themselves. Catherine Cookson also does a superb job showing us the early days of mining and the hardships and working conditions the miners faced.
What is going to become of Tilly Trotter? I must read the next one to find out.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful and gripping story, March 29, 2011
Why no reviews for this wonderful book? - the first in the triology. This is a must read even for newcomers to this author which I am not. It also has a movie although for only the first book.
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1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tilly, October 7, 2003
I think every book in this trilogy is excellent and unique...especially for Catherine Cookson whose books are all quite similar (yet all excellent.) I have read 52 of Cookson's books and the Tilly Trotter trilogy was among my favorite. I enjoyed the unique setting in the second book, taking place in America during conflicts with Native Americans. (Granted, the conflicts were a bit stereotypical of the attitude in the time this was written... The Native Americans being portrayed as vicious savages.)
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