Originally published in 1998, The Sailing Ship Tree is a semi-biographical tale, based on the diaries of the author's late father - a butler in a big merchant's house. Set in Merseyside in the early 20th Century, it tells of four children from very different social backgrounds and how their lives become entangled. Walter and Dorothy are twins whose father works at 'the Big House by the Mersey'.
They strike up a forbidden friendship with Master George, who lives as a virtual prisoner in the house, under the custody of his bitter older sister, while his father is away at sea. An even more unlikely ally is Tweeney, the lowliest servant at the house, who remains feisty and determined in the face of constant oppression. Skillfully dotted with a wealth of historical detail, this sweet story of friendship against the odds also serves as a fascinating social document.
They strike up a forbidden friendship with Master George, who lives as a virtual prisoner in the house, under the custody of his bitter older sister, while his father is away at sea. An even more unlikely ally is Tweeney, the lowliest servant at the house, who remains feisty and determined in the face of constant oppression. Skillfully dotted with a wealth of historical detail, this sweet story of friendship against the odds also serves as a fascinating social document.
No comments:
Post a Comment