The Tinker's Girl

by Catherine Cookson

The Tinker's Girl Cookson, Catherine

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Audiobook, Womens Fiction

382 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Catherine 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.

Reviews

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never realised that I had read so many books by Catherine Cookson till I started to list what I had read. I enjoyed every one of them and also the film adaptations that I have seen over the years. I still get great pleasure from these wonderful stories and I'm sure I will in the future. Storytelling at it's best. Recommended.

[Beatrice Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best books that I have read for a long time.

There were several characters in this book that I hated and several that I wanted only good things to happen to. Bruce, Jinnie and Max were my favourite characters, but the list of characters I didn't like goes on a bit longer.

I didn't like Mrs or Mr Shaleman. They treated Jinnie appallingly, although she put up with it, most of the time. Richard seemed nice at first, but he soon joined Mrs and Mr Shaleman on the list of characters I hated. But the one character who tops this list is Hal. For those who have read this book, you'll know why I feel this way about Hal, but for those of you who haven't read this book; read it. Right now.

This book is one of my absolute favourites, and I will be reading this one over and over again until I know it off by heart.

I Highly Recommend this book to EVERYONE!

[Jean St.Amand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhh, there is nothing like a Catherine Cookson novel to put my mind right. She writes about the class system in England like nobody else. I love her stories about the plucky girls and boys from the ''lowest class'' and the shallow rottenness of the ''upper class'' LOL This was a great, detailed story about 3 years in the life of a girl from the workhouse; loved every bit of it. I'm not always a big fan of the neatly-wrapped-up-happy-ending but this one I loved.

[Johanneke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book in Swedish translation, that was positive and fun, but nevertheless it was 382 pages of crappy storytelling: the writer uses the easy way out more than one would wish to encouter - even if a book is meant to be an easy read.

The historical setting is fine though.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As in most of Cookson's books she writes with strong female characters overcoming some miserable circumstance or misfortune. I also love the English accents given her characters. If you like books set in old England and well developed characters, you will enjoy books by Catherine Cookson!

[Mookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel largely ambivalent about this book. It's certainly not Cookson's best, though it has all her trademarks.

I suppose this is a story about sweetness growing nails. Or about how people aren't who you think they are. About gossips and the taint they spread. About people acclimating to their station in life. I dunno. I feel like Cookson dropped this story and picked it up again so many times she lost track of who or what she was writing about. Honestly I'm so disinterested in writing a review about this book because my feelings are as disjointed as this book. I got super into it, and then super out of it, then vaguely into it again. I wonder if Cookson felt the same way, considering her part 2 is half the length of part 1. There was something so depressing about this book, and I'm realizing that in most of her other books, there is an element of hope. In The Fifteen Streets, although the female character subjects her life into abject poverty, there is still hope because the reader strongly feels their love was worth it (also cause ghost girl told the mother that they'd be happy in the future). In The Tinker's Girl, although Bruce is a catch of a character, there's still miasma in the feelings between him and Jinnie. They say they love each other, but... but... enh. Not feeling it. I wish she could have fallen for Roy, instead.

* The hierarchies of micro-classes within the lower spectrum was interesting to read.

* This story was worth reading purely for the domestic descriptions of life in the 1800's. Cookson's details are so much richer than many other period dramas, and I suspect her actual experience in domestic service aided in establishing a visceral reality for the reader.

* I skimmed every part of Richard. Such a foil character. I admit, there are times when Cookson's stock characters bug the hell out of me.

* I don't understand why Mrs. Shaleman descended into meanness. Her sudden protection of Hal was strange.

* Totally digging the potentiality of a love story between the workhouse lady and Max.

* Part of me wonders if this is a story of how one generation replaces the old, and subjected bleakness unfolds into new subjected bleakness. Perhaps Jinnie is merely replacing Mrs. Shaleman. Her future feels bleak. And bleak is how I feel about this book, however nicely written it may be.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jinnie Howlett's life had been one of hardship. She had grown up in the workhouse, but now things were about to change. For she has been offered a position as a maid at Tollet's Ridge Farm. The work would be hard, but better that than the workhouse. Or so she thought...

If it were not for Bruce, the second son of the family, Jinnie would have turned tail and ran back to the workhouse. As she settles into a life of domestic drudgery, she becomes acquainted with a good friend of Bruce's.

Richard Baxton-Powell is enchanted by this little maid. Her beauty captivates him. But nothing can ever come of their relationship. For he is gentry and she is the Tinker's daughter. But it does not stop him from wishing...

It has been a long time since I picked up a book by Catherine Cookson. I used to devour her books when I was a teen, and as my Kindle took an unscheduled holiday, I raided my daughter's bookcase for a book I had not read yet! The Tinker's Girl was everything I expected from a Catherine Cookson novel. Filled with beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, I was immediately drawn into the world of Jinnie Howlett.

This book was like a comfort blanket. Familiar and well loved.

I Highly Recommend.

[Lili · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Pattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of book that when you are finished, you hug to your chest for a few minutes. I enjoyed it very much and plan to read more from this author. A real look into human nature from the past that still rings true today.

[Cheryll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Catherine Cookson books and this one didn't disappoint. Love happy endings!

[Madalsa Madalsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Cathrine Cookson book I have read. I found this book absolutely wonderful! It kept me deeply engrossed and I finished it in little less than a week by dedicating one hour every day to flip through its pages and uncover the story it holds. I loved Mister Bruce. What a lovely personality he was! Jeannie (I believe that maybe over here I am spelling the name incorrectly) also was wonderful although at some instances I felt cross with her especially when she ignored Bruce near the end. However, I must admit that I have a really soft and affectionate corner for Roy in my heart. It just felt a bit incomplete that Jeannie did not marry him near the end... truly his love was as ardent Bruce's. But on the other hand, if Jeannie had married Roy my soft and affectionate corner would incline towards Bruce. Oh, readers I really don't like ending when one or the other true lover is left without love!

Cookson has composed this book beautifully. I do feel really glad after reading this book that I got my hands on some other books she wrote. This book was lovely (Oh! I must mention how I appreciated Max too!) and touched my heart in each and every way.

Love you, Cathrine Cookson, may God bless your beautiful soul wonderful author!
And readers reading my review I encourage you to read this book sooner or later... at least once in a life time... it shall be something you will forever cherish.

[Giedrė Ir Viskas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kai dirbi nors ir nemėgstamą darbą, žinai, kad per savaitę vis tiek turėsi vieną ar dvi išeigines. Grįši namo, įmesi į mikrobangę pusfabrikatį, ir maloniai ištiesi kojas prieš kompiuterį. Kas be ko, mėnesio gale lauks alga. O kaip įsivaizduoti plušimą nuo ryto iki vakaro atkampioje sodyboje, kur neturi jokių teisių, turi saugoytis, kad neįsismarkautų vyrų rankos ir kiti organai, užsimanę į svečius? Kur nėra vandentiekio, tualeto, vonios, elektros! Kai vos moki skaityti, nes jei šviestumeisi, suprastum, koks tragiškas tavo gyvenimas ir tik nusikandint teliktų. Skaičiau lyg siaubo romaną, stebėjausi, iš kur Džinė semiasi jėgų, net tamsiausią valandą? Šiuolaikinę moterį nukelk vos 130 metų atgal, ir ji kris negyva nuo išsekimo, o mergaitei vos 14iolika.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

this. book had some. hard topics in this book it had four deaths and pregnancy

this book had some hard topics in here like someone being stubbed someone being grabbed and someone being handled also their were four deaths in this one death at sea two at the farm house and one not sure where that happened also there was a pregnancy and twe marriages one was Richard and his new wife if though he got jinine pregnant before he got married to his new wife. but in the end it all worked out as jinine and Bruce got married and him and jinni brought the baby up together

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read one of Cookson's books for a while, and whilst this was an enjoyable read I do not think it is one of her best. As always the characters and circumstances draw you in and keep you entertained to the end.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this book from my grandma's stash without reading the back, and I'm glad I did! I absolutely loved it from start to finish. Cookson's characters are well-constructed, her scenes are vivid, and her writing is accessible and enjoyable.

[Melanie Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Catherine Cookson's best novel, but still an engrossing read. I enjoyed the pace of the first half of the book better than the second half, which seemed to rush into unlikely territory in terms of the plot and the behaviour of some characters.

[Tawallah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needed a book set on a farm. This historical romance had great set-up. Too bad the plot dissolved into a contrived HEA and had the worse conflict resolution seen to date. I want to blame this type of book for the tropes we see constantly in YA romance.

[Maylove18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story

Catherine Cookson is such a great author! I could not put this book down. I wish this one could have been made into a movie too.

[Jackie underwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring as usual.....I’ve read lots of cooksons books, but they are mostly all the same, so by the time I read this one I had read enough of them

[Oana-Maria Uliu · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seemed to have some potential in the beginning, but the evolution of the characters was quite disappointing.

[Chris Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book because it was a favourite of my mums. Wasn’t disappointed. Enjoyed it.

[Ptooties · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice story. 👌

[Shirley Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read. A typical CC story but her talent is undeniable.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book set in the North East. Poverty and the workhouse been just some of the trials back then and just lovable characters. Historical Fiction at its finest.

[Roha Mumtaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in 2025.

The characters I loved most were Bruce, Jinnie, and Max, Jinnie continuing to do everything despite Mrs. Shaleman’s awful and hateful behavior, just for Bruce, was one of the main reasons I kept reading.
That emotional strength stayed with me throughout the story. The other characters and the storyline also became beautifully gripping toward the end.

The characters I hated the most were Hal and, of course, Richard. This is one of my absolute favorites, and I know I’ll be rereading it until I practically know it by heart.

I highly recommend this one 5 star

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 stars.
I enjoyed reading this book even though it took me longer than usual to finish it, mainly because I read it while trying to prepare for Christmas. The characters were interesting and the story was suspenseful and easy to follow.

The story was set in the early 1870s. It was about a young girl Jinnie Howlett, who at of 14 years of age, left the workhouse to become a servant for a very poor family on a remote farm. The mistress of the farm Rose Shaleman was a cranky, demanding, sickly woman with a reputation for being lazy even during her youthful years. Rose was bed-ridden and needed to be waited upon hand and foot. Her husband was portrayed as being lazy and a drunk. Her eldest son Hal was also a drunk and an unlikeable character, although he was not lazy. He worked hard from a young age in the mines to help provide for the family's needs. Bruce, the younger son, although poor and uneducated was the nicest and hardest working character of them all. Bruce was the reason Jinnie persevered at her new workplace and put up with the horrible working conditions and Rose Shaleman's demanding and ungrateful ways.

Jinnie thought of Bruce like a brother and protector, but Bruce viewed Jinnie as a breath of fresh air in his stale environment. He started to fall in love with the beautiful young girl who was feisty and outspoken. She competently cooked and cleaned for Bruce's family. She brought some order into their dirty, untidy house which started to look and feel like a real home under Jinnie's care. Jinnie was always fearful of Bruce's father and brother who both tried to take advantage of the beautiful girl. Luckily Jinnie was not afraid to defend herself and exclaim to all the men in the household that she would "not be handled".

Jinnie had two special friends in the workhouse, Miss Caplin and Max, a giant of a man who although stammered and appeared "simple" in the mind, was a highly intelligent man. Max was a caring protector and father figure for the young girl. Miss Caplin taught Jinnie about life outside of the workhouse and how to protect herself against men. Her friendship with them continued whilst she worked for the Shaleman's.

Bruce had an uncommon friendship with a wealthy young man of good breeding, Richard Braxton-Powell. Bruce saved Richard's life when they were younger so Richard felt indebted to him. Richard's family did not look upon their son's friendship with Bruce favourably, but that did not deter him from meeting up regularly with Bruce. An opportunity came for Richard to save Bruce's life when he helped him fight off pneumonia. Jinnie became attracted to the handsome Richard and even though she knew he could not seriously be interested in a girl of her social class, it did not stop her from fantasizing that he liked her. Richard started showing an interest in Jinnie too therefore fuelling Jinnie's hopes and creating tension between him and Bruce. An unusual love triangle ensued with heartbreaking results for Jinnie and Bruce.

An unexpected series of events, including deaths within the family, led to Bruce's financial freedom and a happy ending for the deserving young man. Jinnie too found happiness in the end surrounded by the people she cared for the most in the world.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is the kind of story that, as a teenager, got me to enjoy reading, so I have a bit of nostalgia here. This story is very readable, quickly engaging, somewhat complex but easy to follow, absorbing, and sometimes poignant. I've only read a couple of Cookson's novels in the past but have seen the various well-made dramatizations. There is a surprising amount of reality in her depictions, particularly the relatable theme of unprotected vulnerable girls/young women inevitably encountering bad guys who regard them as chattel and casually ruin their lives sometimes in heinous ways. Cookson tackles the subjects of abuse, sexism, sex and pregnancy, addiction, and family dysfunction. I would recommend this book to girls/women since Jinny is a role model of sorts in terms of self-preservation. Despite the limiting low class status and being only age fourteen, she gains some respect within her small circle by standing up for herself, maintaining her principles and work ethics, and intelligently navigating difficult relationships. Despite frustrations, she hangs in there, managing to find some personal satisfaction in her accomplishments. The ending was a bit abrupt but a feel-good one.

Although idealistic at times, stories like this allow readers to gain awareness of other life situations often about individuals trapped in disadvantaged circumstances commonly subject to hard labor in order to survive. Cookson experienced these types of circumstances when younger, and her strength as a writer was to effectively describe those conditions. There is predictability and implausibility in her stories but also meaningful characterizations and a vivid sense of place. Indisputably, a talented storyteller.

[Sandra Sparkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book by Catherine Cookson about the class system in England and how Jinnie Howlett's life of hardship and drudgery as the Tinker's daughter is about to change when she is offered a position as a maid at Tollet's Ridge Farm...

[David]

A good insight into the life of a servant girl.
(Caution possible spoiler ahead).
When Jinnie first begins to work for the Shalemans she is faced with a sickly and demanding mistress (Rose), a lecherous master (Pug), and a particularly violent older son (Hal), with only the younger son (Bruce) showing any signs of compassion. While Rose can be less demanding on a good day, and even Pug seems a little more respectable when he's sober; Hal is a dangerous man, and even makes an attempt on Jinnie's life. Fortunatley his attempt is interuppted, and Jinnie has a powerful ally in her friend Max; a large man who stammers.
While Jinnie's situation improves in one respect, she falls pregnant to Richard Baxton-Powell, a young man who Bruce once saved and who repays the debt when Bruce falls ill. Jinnie cannot hide her 'baby-bump' forever and it's only a matter of time before a custody battle ensues.
What this book lacks in action, it makes up for in suspence, and the mysterious working of the mind.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jinnie Howlett, like all Cookson girls (Eg: Mary Ann) possess a great quality---A soft exterior of pure innocence but with a depth and thoughts beyond her age. To see and believe the world through her was a painful joy. It was amusing to feel her growing up. To see those innocent thoughts turning into something strong and defined. To hear her soft voice turning into something sharpened with determination. To feel her softness hardening into a roughness polished with beauty. Through all that, there are some things that never change. Some things that have been sculptured on her forever that even she is not aware of them. Beauty. Innocence. Love. Solitude. Void.