The Empty Hearth - Softcover

Neale, Kitty

4.47

686 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0752873156 ISBN 13: 9780752873152

Publisher: Orion Publishing, 2006

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Set in Battersea in the 50s and 60s, the Pratchett family have to contend with coalman Alfie Pratchett's obsessive jealousy. Although Alfie is a bully, his two teenage children, John and Millie, have learned to dodge him and his moods. The main concern of ugly duckling Millie is to protect their mum, Eileen. When a serious crisis occurs at the Pratchetts' home, Alfie is forced to watch his whole world gradually collapse around him. Their old life has gone forever, and a new one has begun—one in which rape, debt, alcoholism, and insanity play their parts. And redemption is a long time coming.

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About the Author:

Kitty Neale (real name Brenda Warren) was brought up in Battersea and now lives in Spain. She started writing after working as a bereavement counsellor which she took up after the death of her son.

Review:

A good read. * WESTERN DAILY PRESS, 14 Jan * Gritty... Neale makes Cookson's earthiest stories look a little tame. * PETERBOROUGH EVENING TELEGRAPH, 28 Jan * A gritty tale * BELLA * Kitty Neale has proved herself to be a storyteller of rare power who is unafraid to uncover the dark secrets of family homes... Neale goes to the heart of a troubled family with a deft touch and a powerful insight. * WIGAN EVENING POST, 14 Jan *

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