Saturday's child

by Ruth Hamilton

There are three of them - of varying ages and conditions of life - all Saturday's children.

Nellie - cruelly called Smelly Nelly by her neighbours - condemned to live in a silent world and whose past conceals a brutal secret.

Magsy O'Gara, whose love for her dead husband dominates her life.

Beth O'Gara, her small daughter, born with an intelligence beyond her years, who might just have the chance to better herself.

Three women, all seeking something that only time will reveal.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Ruth Hamilton was one of North West England's most popular writers. She was the bestselling author of twenty-five novels, including Spinning Jenny, The Bells of Scotland Road, Mulligan's Yard, Mersey View and That Liverpool Girl. She was born in Bolton, which is the setting for many of her novels, and spent most of her life in Lancashire.

(source: http://www.panmacmillan.com/author/ru...)

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1950 and Magsy O'Gara's husband has been killed in the war. Magsy plods through her daily job at the hospital where she works in housekeeping as a cleaner. All of her precious, almost non-existent spare time is devoted to her brilliant daughter, Beth. Magsy is a beautiful woman and is constantly being asked out by various men, but she is determined to remain a widow, and nothing will divert her from her grueling work schedule. She has a goal, and it is simple: Her daughter, Beth would become a doctor. Beth, however, has different ideas...she just wants a normal life. Beth was beyond delighted when a man began to pay attention to and court Magsy.

Across, the road, Nellie Hulme, lives... trapped in a world of silence. She has watched the other two "Saturday girls". Nellie has been deaf her entire life...and she has a huge secret. What would people think if they knew her true position in life, and why is it that she 'hears' in her dreams?

The story did an excellent job of painting a picture of life in post war period Britain, and the religious tensions of the city streets. It showed the struggles of the working-class families at that time, and the life that many had to endure in the mines and the mills.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was chosen for the title. What I discovered from reading it was and engaging plot and some wonderful characters such as Nellie, Magsy, Rachel and Katherine.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this book up from a little library as I had finished my books I had with me. I hadn't read anything from Ruth Hamilton before, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For those of you who enjoyed Catherine Cookson, you will enjoy this author.

There are three of them - of varying ages and conditions of life - all Saturday's children. Nellie - cruelly called Smelly Nelly by her neighbours - condemned to live in a silent world and whose past conceals a brutal secret. Magsy O'Gara, whose love for her dead husband dominates her life. Beth O'Gara, her small daughter, born with an intelligence beyond her years, who might just have the chance to better herself. Three women, all seeking something that only time will reveal.

This touching tale of 3 females born on a Saturday, from Beth age 9, Magsy in her mid 30's, and Nellie heading for 80, with the trials and tribulations brought to them through their menfolk, many hardships, sickness, and love, will have you laughing and then blinking back tears. A thoroughly enjoyable, and light read. I will be looking for more of Ruth Hamilton...

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. One of my favourite authors. Recommended.

[Caroline Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little story - such an easy read. Lots of characters with an interesting plot line. Getting to know all the neighbours and their lives and relationships makes you feel like you know them. I like Hamilton’s style of writing.

[Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than a Mills and Boone, but no depth to the characters, several of whom where remarkably beautiful.........

[Jacqui B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle and easy read, full of human interest and historical facts. The ending was a bit predictable but the characters were so well created it made up for it.

[Linda Leedham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favourite books . But it had a mystery to be solved, so needed to finish the book to find the answer. I found it very monotonous at times

[Shellygriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, lovely heartwarming tale.

[Janice Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of interesting characters whose place in the book changes

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just couldn't get into this book.

[Bernie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book from the library shelf as I am quite into family sagas at the moment, and usually attracted to a cover if it depicts a child or children. I'm glad to say that this one did not disappoint. I was drawn in from the first page about 'smelly Nelly'. Also by the cold war between the Catholics on one side of the Liverpool street, and Protestants (or Heathens) on the other. No more spoilers. Take my word: if you are Irish, Liverpuddlian, or just like family sagas, you will enjoy this book.

[MartNov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good relaxing book, the story is interesting and sucks you in. Don't expect any deep historical novel, but this is still a great book to read in train.

[Leez · Rating 3 out of 5]

sombre at the end