The Fifteen Streets: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: strong historical relationship drama
Review: THE FIFTEEN STREETS are slums filled with abject poverty that usually leads to its residents giving up on the future as the hard work destroys the dreams and hopes for something better if not for themselves at least for their offsprings. A drunk sired John O'Brien, yet the lad once believed that hard work was the avenue out. However, his toil on the docks has left him with deep doubts and the realization that the odds are he will end up just like his dad.

Upon meets his younger sister's teacher Mary Llewellyn, John renews his belief he will make something of himself because now he has the impetus to become a better person. Mary comes from a higher class than John yet prefers working with the children of the FIFTEEN STREETS in the belief that education is the ticket out of destitution. As John and Mary fall in love, the pressure increases to end this forbidden relationship that binds two people from opposite sides of the tracks.

Although the class differences blocking a relationship seem antiquated, this reprint of a classic Catherine Cookson book stands the test of time due to the ageless themes that survival and intelligence is inadequate without love, passion, and hope. The descriptions of the FIFTEEN STREETS neighborhood are sadly realistically horrifying then and now yet brilliantly interwoven into a powerful plot. Fans will admire Mary and root for John to overcome the impossible, which is why the deceased Ms. Cookson remains a favorite.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Historical Romance!!!
Review: This is the first book I've read of Catherine Cookson and what a great book I found. Cookson's writing flows efortlessly, letting you enjoy the story more. John a son to a poor family living in the fifteen streets falls in love with his sister's schoolteacher, a wealthy beautiful woman. John is torn between his love for her and knowing the huge gap between their classes. A wonderful story filled with love, sorrow, and a good wholesome ending. A superbly written novel that everyone will enjoy.