A Lesson Learned

Nuneaton, 1850
Saffie Doyle's life aboard a canal boat with her mother, Olivia, and her tyrannical father, Reuben, is fraught with challenges. The atmosphere is one of hardship and unrelenting struggle, shaping Saffie's aspirations. Despite her father's disdain for education, Saffie dreams of becoming a teacher, yearning to escape the confines of her tumultuous upbringing.

The Plot

As Olivia's health deteriorates, she is unable to connect Saffie with Marcus, a friend who runs a local free school, further complicating Saffie's quest for knowledge. Tragedy soon strikes when Saffie's brother and father mysteriously vanish during a job, leaving her with the heavy burden of caring for her younger siblings. This pivotal moment forces Saffie to confront her reality and reevaluate her dreams, as she grapples with the responsibilities that have been thrust upon her.

Themes

• Resilience: Saffie's journey embodies the struggle for self-determination amidst adversity.
• Family: The bonds and complexities of familial love and obligation shape Saffie's decisions.
• Education: The story highlights the transformative power of education and the barriers that can hinder personal growth.

Rosie Goodwin’s evocative prose captures the essence of 19th-century life, immersing readers in a world of both hardship and hope. Fans of Goodwin's previous works, as well as those who appreciate historical fiction with strong character development and emotional depth, will find much to engage with in A Lesson Learned.