The Four Streets: Volume 1

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I claim no Parliamentary expenses and use my outside earnings from writing to subsidise my public role as an MP," Dorries has said. "I discovered writing very late and as a result I would encourage anyone, even people who claim not to be creative, to try and find a creative hobby. You never know where it may lead. For me, it led to a deep contentment and happiness that has helped me to fulfil so many other roles in my life and, without doubt, I am a better MP as a result of the enjoyment I derive from writing in my spare time." This was as intriguing and exciting as drama in written form can get. It is wonderful to have followed the tumultuous lives of the Four Streets families. I have really enjoyed all the drama of their lives. I myself have lived through growing up in a slum in London, and I found this series of books really special because of my own memories of wearing second hand clothes, and not having enough to eat. I feel a kinship to these characters and their difficult, drama filled lives.

I have read this entire series of The Four Streets, and I have to say that the author outdid herself on this last book. The story comes to a wonderful ending with a perfect conclusion. What a story.

This type of book is usually my genre of choice – I am a child of the 1950’s and raised in a Roman Catholic household. On the positive side: the book's cover is really sweet. Also, Ms. Dorries' writing style is easy and non-pretentious, though mostly narrative, with minimal dialogue. The story grabbed me immediately, and I couldn't put the book down... Stories are going on around the streets where she lived, but the heartache rests with her. Her next-door neighbours are good people. Maura always made sure that the boys had something to eat, but when good fortune fell on Maura, and her husband Tommy, they took the chance to move to Ireland, and the promise of a good life for their family. Peggy is in deep trouble. Maura and Tommy have gone to live in Ireland. Kathleen travels between the house in Liverpool and her family farm in Ireland, doing her best to keep her family well cared for and safe. But there is deceiving going on. Someone has said that there is a rumour that the Four Streets are to be torn down in a slum clearance scheme, but the families that live there, who are more like one big family, are naturally against the idea. They just want to live in peace and feed their families. When I chose this book to read I was oblivious to the fact it is written by Nadine Dorries, an MP known for taking part in some reality show I never watch, which was just as well as I was not influenced by the authors previous fame and did genuinely find the book engaging. The setting was well described and the hardships palpable. Dorries creates characters you learn to love and hate. The tragedy, laughter, spirit of community and religion are well depicted throughout the novel.

Clogs and shawls queen … the new secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA The dreadful secret being kept by one of the girls in this story is that she is being sexually abused by her parish priest. While I know sexual exploitation by one's spiritual leaders did and still does occur, I can read all about in my own local newspaper. I don't want my leisure-time reading to be filled with that type of storyline, and I certainly don't want the description of said abuse to be graphic and prolonged, as it was in The Four Streets.

In the books’ defence the author depicts life of the struggling working classes in the 1950’s very well and a number of emotive issues are covered. I will not go into further details fearing I may spoil the reading experience. The first problem is the time frame, it's not clear how long of a time period this book is supposed to cover. There is a 2 year time period from the point where we are introduced to Alice's character and when her role in the story really starts. But then that's followed by a mention of the child being in nappies to jumping to mentions of school. There is no clear indication of the differences in ages between Kitty and Nellie, but it's mentioned near the end that Kitty is 14 and they appear to both be caring for the other kids. There are no mentions of any big events like birthdays or Christmas to help explain.