The third saga of life in Victorian Portsmouth is the story of a girl who is rescued from the sea when just a child. Beatrice Salter has never known who her family is or where she truly belongs. Passed from family to workhouse, she finally finds a home and a place to feel accepted at the Mariner’s Home for Children.
She finds an unlikely friend in Dr Pragnell, the kindly gentleman who rescued her when she was a child. Working in his household, Beatrice observes the love Augusta Pragnell showers on her two sons, Albert and Samuel and realises what she has missed.
Meanwhile Augusta, learning to accept her husband and the life she has chosen, puts aside her ‘fripperies’ and learns things about herself that she never knew. As the Pragnell household comes ever closer together, Beatrice and Albert find themselves thrown together in a situation which can only cause heartbreak to those they love the most.
She finds an unlikely friend in Dr Pragnell, the kindly gentleman who rescued her when she was a child. Working in his household, Beatrice observes the love Augusta Pragnell showers on her two sons, Albert and Samuel and realises what she has missed.
Meanwhile Augusta, learning to accept her husband and the life she has chosen, puts aside her ‘fripperies’ and learns things about herself that she never knew. As the Pragnell household comes ever closer together, Beatrice and Albert find themselves thrown together in a situation which can only cause heartbreak to those they love the most.
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Reviews
A pulsating and heart-warming saga peopled with human and compelling characters and with convincing dialogue . . . a rich first novel.
Julia Bryant creates a vivid picture of Portsmouth in the final years and aftermath of the "Great" War of 1914-1918, weaving it into a story that pulses with the warm blood of humanity.
A rich first novel . . . packed with interesting people living what might appear to be mundane lives, but of course they are not. We get an insight into the lives of the families of sailors, their good and bad fortune, their ups and downs. Decent people who we want to win through.
Here's a great excuse to put your feet up and escape into a world which celebrates Portsmouth's past...It's really well worth the read
Fresh and thoughtful.
A vividly told and heartwarming saga.