The Empty Hearth - Softcover

Neale, Kitty

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0752880926 ISBN 13: 9780752880921

Publisher: Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd ), 2007

Synopsis

A wonderfully gritty, heart-warming novel in the vein of Maureen Lee from the author of OUTCAST CHILD

'Dad loves Mum - loves her to the point of obsession. He's jealous when she shows us any affection.'

Set in Battersea in the Fifties and Sixties, the Pratchett family have to contend with coalman Alfie Pratchett's obsessive jealousy. Although Alfie is a bully, his two teenage children, John and Millie, have learned to dodge him and his moods. The main concern of ugly duckling Millie - who looks nothing like her handsome brother John - is to protect their mum, Eileen.

When a serious crisis occurs at the Pratchetts' home, Alfie is forced to watch his whole world gradually collapse around him. Their old life has gone forever, and a new one has begun - one in which rape, debt, alcoholism and insanity play their parts. And redemption is a long time coming¿

Kitty Neale is a storyteller of rare power, unafraid to uncover the dark secrets that lie behind the well-scrubbed doorsteps of family homes.

About this title

About the Author

Kitty Neale was brought up in Battersea, a child born during WW2. She wrote gritty sagas for many years, drawing on her experiences of growing up in London. Her daughter, Sam, now carries on the Kitty Neale legacy. She lives in Spain.

Edition details

• Publisher: Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0752880926
• ISBN 13: 9780752880921
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352