Frances Wilson asked Hazel Gaynor:

Just finished reading A Memory of Violets which I loved and could not put down. I am reading "about the book" Are the Memoirs of Albert Shaw fiction, were the sisters on the novel based on real children? Thank you, Fran Wilson

Hazel Gaynor Hi Frances! Thank you so much for reading A Memory of Violets, and for your question. Yes, the 'Memoirs of Albert Shaw' are fictional. I wanted to give him a chance to share an insight into his experience with the flower girls in his own voice, and also allow the reader to consider things from his point of view. Florrie and Rosie are products of my imagination, although inspired by many accounts of children living and working on the streets of London, and especially an account of two orphaned sisters that I read about during my research. Hope that helps! Best wishes, Hazel.

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