Set in Liverpool in 1861 we are treated to a historical novel with a strong female lead seeking her own independence but also looking out for those less fortunate than herself.
Annie is 14 years old and desperately wants to create her own life rather than being stuck helping her older sister Delilah around the home. Unexpectedly, Annie gets her chance when her old friend Clara comes for a visit. Clara has been working at the cotton mill outside town for a while and Annie is lured by her tales and the possibility of making her own money.
Arriving at the mill Annie is put to work, hard work, and soon learns that money is the driver for the mill owners and children as young as young as eight are working at the mill.
With events in the US affecting the supply of cotton to Europe, Annie, Clara and the other workers are suddenly fighting for their jobs. The mill owners are keeping the younger workers on (as they cost less!) and those lucky to have a job are keeping their heads down and getting on with it.
Without giving any spoilers, I liked the strength of Annies family, and the courage of some of the workers, and how they tried to make it better for everyone despite risking, and losing, their own jobs.
A fantastic historical novel!
#ADaughtersPromise #NetGalley
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