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My Beloved Son
Ellen Jebeau married a man who did little but dream, and who then died with debt his only legacy. Whatever else her marriage had lacked, however, she had her son Joseph. She resolved he should have all in life she had missed and to achieve that end, she would stop at nothing.It was Sir Arthur Jebeau, her late husband's brother, who came to her aid, and soon Ellen and Joseph were living at the old fmaily seat at Screehaugh. It was a convenient arrangement, one which Ellen was not slow to recognise could work to her advantage, for Sir Arthur was a widower and Screehaugh had no mistress . . .That was in 1926, but the working out of so many increasingly intertwined destinies would continue for twenty more years and only come to final resolution with Joseph Jebeau's escape from the traumatic heritage of his mother's ruthlelss ambition and his emergence as his own true self.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
51 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cookson
452 books693 followersCatherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, who Catherine believed was her older sister. Catherine began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 14, 2018
Really enjoyed reading this book. Storytelling at it's best. Recommended.
July 7, 2020
The reason I chose this book was nostalgia. I read a few of Catherine Cookson's books as a teen in the early 80s. When I saw this authors name in my Library's used book room I had to buy it. I didn't love this book as much as I remember loving the titles I read as a teen. It kept my attention and I hung on until the end.
December 5, 2020
This is one of those books where I thought the story line was fantastic, it was well-paced and had clever characterisation BUT and it is a big but, the difficulty I had was that one of the fundamental premises of the book was flawed. There are many people who probably would not have noticed this. But, as it is something I know something about, and it was one of the main plot drivers of the book, it did somewhat spoil that part of the book for me.
The book begins in 1926, when Ellen moves to the North with her son Jospeh after the death of her husband to move in with her husband's older brother and his sons. The older brother, Sir Arthur, happens to be a wealthy land-owning baronet, and we know, from very early on, that Ellen is a shrewd woman quick to take advantage of any opportunities that life throws her way. She sees that Sir Arthur's house lacks a mistress and strives to fill that role, including sliding into bed with her husband's brother. And here is where the problem with the premise of the book starts. Sir Arthur tells Ellen that he cannot marry her because it is against the law, a 'fact' that is also repeated when Sir Arthur's sons are discussing their father's relationship with their aunt, and one comments to the other that a school teacher told him that a man can't legally marry his brother's wife. The problem is that this is not correct, because in 1921 a law was passed that allowed a man to marry his brother’s widow with the passing of the Deceased Brother’s Widow’s Marriage Act.
This Act was passed after the horrific loss of life following World War I, with the sentiment expressed that many men going off to face the enemy in the trenches, certain that the likelihood was that they would not return to their young wives, had left the care of these women to their younger brothers, who, in turn, wished to honour their commitment by taking the widow of their fallen brother as their wife. This overturned an understanding that had existed for centuries that it was impossible for a man to marry his brother's widow. So Sir Arthur could, indeed, have married Ellen.
If nothing else, this shows the importance for writers of always doing your research. Still, as ever with Cookson, as she tells a terrific story, I found myself letting go of this plot flaw. It was hard not to, as you really take characters like Maggie straight into your heart. Dysfunctional relationships, fractured families, a bit of murder all set against the backdrop of the North as it hurtles head long into another war. A terrific book - if you can get past the error regarding what was, and was not lawful.
The book begins in 1926, when Ellen moves to the North with her son Jospeh after the death of her husband to move in with her husband's older brother and his sons. The older brother, Sir Arthur, happens to be a wealthy land-owning baronet, and we know, from very early on, that Ellen is a shrewd woman quick to take advantage of any opportunities that life throws her way. She sees that Sir Arthur's house lacks a mistress and strives to fill that role, including sliding into bed with her husband's brother. And here is where the problem with the premise of the book starts. Sir Arthur tells Ellen that he cannot marry her because it is against the law, a 'fact' that is also repeated when Sir Arthur's sons are discussing their father's relationship with their aunt, and one comments to the other that a school teacher told him that a man can't legally marry his brother's wife. The problem is that this is not correct, because in 1921 a law was passed that allowed a man to marry his brother’s widow with the passing of the Deceased Brother’s Widow’s Marriage Act.
This Act was passed after the horrific loss of life following World War I, with the sentiment expressed that many men going off to face the enemy in the trenches, certain that the likelihood was that they would not return to their young wives, had left the care of these women to their younger brothers, who, in turn, wished to honour their commitment by taking the widow of their fallen brother as their wife. This overturned an understanding that had existed for centuries that it was impossible for a man to marry his brother's widow. So Sir Arthur could, indeed, have married Ellen.
If nothing else, this shows the importance for writers of always doing your research. Still, as ever with Cookson, as she tells a terrific story, I found myself letting go of this plot flaw. It was hard not to, as you really take characters like Maggie straight into your heart. Dysfunctional relationships, fractured families, a bit of murder all set against the backdrop of the North as it hurtles head long into another war. A terrific book - if you can get past the error regarding what was, and was not lawful.
May 14, 2021
A very marmite author – you either love or loathe these gritty melodramatic northern novels set in hard times amidst grinding poverty where against all odds the hero or heroine with the heart of gold will come good in the end. If you do then this is one is a pearl – a really edge of your seat page-turner of a tale that keeps you rivetted. Catherine Cookson can always be relied upon to spin a good yarn but this is one of her best. Completely addictive. It’s not highbrow literature but it absolutely is a satisfying enjoyable romp of a read.
Ellen Jebeau has what could be described as a severely toxic personality and unhealthy relationship with her son Joseph who she adores and for whom she is willing to do pretty much anything to ensure his future. Joseph oblivious of his mother’s ‘flaws’ has much shocking tragedy in his life and becomes resigned to a solitary life. His friend Maggie makes an unlikely heroine – not your typical heroine good looker for Catherine Cookson but one that’s boss-eyed, short and fat but of course with that heart of gold. Much grief, angst and misunderstanding and inevitably emotion runs high throughout the twists and turns of the tale. Catherine Cookson has more than a smidge of the Bronte’s about her storytelling though minus the sublime prose of those Haworth vicarage girls.
Ellen Jebeau has what could be described as a severely toxic personality and unhealthy relationship with her son Joseph who she adores and for whom she is willing to do pretty much anything to ensure his future. Joseph oblivious of his mother’s ‘flaws’ has much shocking tragedy in his life and becomes resigned to a solitary life. His friend Maggie makes an unlikely heroine – not your typical heroine good looker for Catherine Cookson but one that’s boss-eyed, short and fat but of course with that heart of gold. Much grief, angst and misunderstanding and inevitably emotion runs high throughout the twists and turns of the tale. Catherine Cookson has more than a smidge of the Bronte’s about her storytelling though minus the sublime prose of those Haworth vicarage girls.
June 18, 2020
I so enjoy reading Ms. Cookson's novrl and this one was no exception.
Joe, was brought to Screehaigh by his mother at the age of 6 when his father died. Being the family home. They were taken in and became part of the family
Thus begins Joe's story. His mother sought nothing but the best for Joe and would stop at nothing to ensure their wellbeing to and including murder.
The reader enters Joe's life in 1926 and the last pages leaves Joe at the end of WWII. You will keep turning the pages wondering where Joe will find happiness and love.
Thank you Ms. Cookson for another good story. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!!
Joe, was brought to Screehaigh by his mother at the age of 6 when his father died. Being the family home. They were taken in and became part of the family
Thus begins Joe's story. His mother sought nothing but the best for Joe and would stop at nothing to ensure their wellbeing to and including murder.
The reader enters Joe's life in 1926 and the last pages leaves Joe at the end of WWII. You will keep turning the pages wondering where Joe will find happiness and love.
Thank you Ms. Cookson for another good story. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!!
June 30, 2023
My goodness this book has everything. Tragedy, split families, crime, war, romance, all in abundance. A powerful story with relatable characters, Catherine Cookson at her best. One thing that did surprise me was that it was stated that a man can't legally marry his brother's wife. I'm not acquainted with the legal side of this but it certainly surprised me as I'm sure this is not correct. Maybe it wasn't legal then. Anyway, it didn't detract from the rest of the story and this is another of this great lady's fantastic novels which I would highly recommend.
September 6, 2023
I do generally enjoy the Catherine Cookson novels and subsequent tv and film adaptations, they portray the grittiness, hardship , trials and comradeships among the 19th Century working class . True, they do sort of form a pattern and style but each novel is different, although a good number are always set in 1800s Newcastle or thereabouts , which area of course was familiar to the author.
I hadnt heard of this one before, it was given to me by a friend but once I started reading it I was really into it very quickly and felt it was a very good read
I hadnt heard of this one before, it was given to me by a friend but once I started reading it I was really into it very quickly and felt it was a very good read
October 19, 2019
"What a tangled web we weave", should be the theme of this book. It had a pleasant cover like it would be a cute story. WOW! Anything but! Joe and his mother Ellen were taken in by Joe's father's brother. Ellen is taken with the wonderful lifestyle of the uncle and quickly wants to make herself a part of it. Trouble begins when she discovers that according to English law she cannot legally marry her brother-in-law. She set about to make sure her son Joe will be taken care of for life.
July 21, 2024
Gosh I loved this. Her books are warm with authentic characters. As I got towards the end I realised ai have read this before but it just didn't matter. Strong storyline in a book I simply couldn't put down.
August 8, 2017
Ihana :)
September 19, 2017
This particular Cookson, I thought was particularly dark. I wasn't sure where it was going half the time.
January 21, 2018
Great story, excellent characters. A bit different to Catherine's usual story lines and quite sad in places but I loved it anyway!
August 7, 2018
Always a delight to read Catherine Cookson’s books😃
October 23, 2018
Another good story, plenty going on to keep you interested.
February 14, 2019
Predicable
This was an easy read I admit but predictable too ,so would not really recommend it unless your wanting a mundane read
This was an easy read I admit but predictable too ,so would not really recommend it unless your wanting a mundane read
December 21, 2020
Wow! What a surprise! I have had this by for years and passed it up. This is a dark creepy novel with a truly evil woman and then a truly selfless woman. A great read!
August 31, 2024
Found it at a “little library” mailbox right outside of Zion Natl Park… I was impressed with it after randomly picking it up! Had fun twists and turns!
March 29, 2025
Really Enjoyed reading the book.Poor Joe, amazing Character
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
Story line of love and anguish was one of Cooksons better stories and in the end everything turned out ok
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
not a bad story but some things are dragged out and others just repeating.
February 20, 2026
My Beloved Son
A very compelling and intriguing book. I very much enjoyed reading it, enjoying the storyline, the twists and turns and the characters reactions.
A very compelling and intriguing book. I very much enjoyed reading it, enjoying the storyline, the twists and turns and the characters reactions.
February 13, 2024
Entertaining storytelling that contained unexpected surprises and kept things interesting. I appreciated the character of Maggie, the short, dumpy heroine who is astute, has a sharp sense of humor, and a heart of gold. Her character energized the narrative as a refreshing change from the typical downtrodden, but it is always beautiful, protagonists usually described. Her ability to cope with undeserved disrespect from others due to her unattractive looks was sympathetic and relatable. Joseph was basically a good person, but he always managed to be a burden to his friends and was rather annoyingly dim. I think we're supposed to root for him, but I can't help feeling even someone like Maggie could have done better and that he'll likely drag her down over time. Nice ending, but I would have preferred to also read that the valuable family home would be restored. I didn't understand the point of the ghostly foreboding Maggie briefly experienced in the house.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2012
Joseph Jabeau was fatherless by the age of five; he grew up to defend himself and his country against the evilness and madness of Hitler by fighting in World War II. He returned home to face his selfish, overbearing mother and to battle against her ruthlessness and the many hidden secrets of the past.
I really did enjoy this book even though I have found that some of Catherine Cookson's books that I've read in the past do become somewhat repetitive in their themes. I would say that as I began reading Catherine Cookson as a young adult (maybe college age or so), I really thought of her as one of my favorite authors. As I've grown older and continued reading Catherine Cookson throughout the years, she's become a little boring in her writing. However, I truly did enjoy this book and give it an A!
I really did enjoy this book even though I have found that some of Catherine Cookson's books that I've read in the past do become somewhat repetitive in their themes. I would say that as I began reading Catherine Cookson as a young adult (maybe college age or so), I really thought of her as one of my favorite authors. As I've grown older and continued reading Catherine Cookson throughout the years, she's become a little boring in her writing. However, I truly did enjoy this book and give it an A!
June 27, 2011
I whipped through it within 3 days. I even got out a map. The time period was interesting; WWII in Great Britain. Sometimes this story seemed rich and then at other times had the depth of a romance novel. The happily ever after ending was both a relief and disappointment. Suddenly, Joe comprehends the light of day? His mother seemed more a story plot vehicle than a fully developed person. If you like soap operas then this will do.
May 18, 2012
I read all of Catherine Cookson's books some years ago and enjoyed them immensley. I recently re-read all of them and find that on a second look I found them all so very predictable, and was rather disappointed. However I'm sure that it is my tastes that have changed not the calibre of her story telling.
March 11, 2023
Set in 1926 it tells the story of the obsessive mother and widow Ellen Jebeau and her son Joseph. Over the course of the next twenty years, as destinies intertwine, can Joseph escape from the traumatic heritage of his mother's ruthless ambition and emerge from the shadows of his heritage as the man he truly wants to be.
A really good read.
A really good read.
October 9, 2007
Finished reading for PEI bookgroup. Very British. Author is prolific and they've read many of hers, but this one is a first for me. Too many stereotypes and English syntax/jargon I was unfamiliar with was off-putting. Also the ending felt forced. Her readers say this wasnt one of her best.
September 21, 2009
Although this book was quite slow and there weren't any particularly exciting scenes in it, I found this book very intriguing. The characters were very well developed and the story line contained several interesting turns.
April 15, 2013
I enjoyed the combination of this book reflecting a love story, a mystery, dealing with insanity, but yet showing the great lengths a mother will go to to give her son anything/everything. The flow of the story made you feel as if you were right there and could relate to the mid 1920s.
August 12, 2013
The english dialect used took some time to get used to but it was a lovely story that made you really feel what the characters went through. It was full of joy and tragedies and was addicting every second. I am amazed by this author. Her personal story is a triumphant in and of itself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews