Isabella

Thoroughly enjoyed reading about what life was really like for some in the 1900's..Isabella was a survivor..treated harshly by an aunt and uncle who took her to live with them after losing both her mother and grandmother..Fortunately things improved for her when her long lost sister appeared at her door allowing life to be kinder to her..She married well having a loving husband and lived on to the ripe old age of 98..Victorian times were hard for many... working long hours in Dundee's jute Mills while the rich jute barrens enjoyed the luxury of the many mansion houses spread throughout Broughty Ferry and the west end of Dundee...Those properties still stand as a reminder of the inequality of Victorian Dundee..An interesting read which will allow you to realise how fortunate we are not to have suffered the hardship of Victorian living..

This story is about the author's grandmother and written in the Dundee dialect of the times. Isabella was brought up around the area where my husband's family lived so recognise all the street names.Poor Isa had a rough upbringing at times and at times was beaten and ill used.However, this story is really interesting, not just for the Dundee dialect or for words I haven't heard in years but because Isa is a survivor and although a short story, she is an endearing character.This book was purchased by my fatherfor my 12 year old granddaughter who was born in Dundee but now lives in London. What she will make of this, I really don't know. I suspect she will have to ask her mother or myself what certain words mean.I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Well writte. And thought out.

Enjoyed reading this albeit a short story wish it had been longer as it was compelling read and couldn't put it down.

I was very disappointed with this book. Very disjointed story, not consistent descriptions eg, her auntie and uncle lived in a flat but she was sent upstairs to bed! Who was the woman she was sent to live with? When Isa and her sister came out the swimming, they looked forward to ham and eggs at their brothers house. There were seven of them living in two rooms, I don’t think ham and eggs would be on the menu. I could go on. Maybe if it had been a bit longer it would have been better. Sorry but, as I said, very disappointing.