By the Waters of Liverpool (original 1981; edition 2002)

by Helen Forrester

Series: Helen Forrester's Autobiography (3)

Members	Reviews	Popularity	Average rating	Mentions
150	4	181,730	(3.96)	7
The third volume in the classic story of Helen Forrester's childhood and adolescence in poverty-stricken Liverpool during the 1930s. Helen Forrester continues the moving story of her early poverty-stricken life with an account of her teenage years and the devastating effect of the Second World War on her hometown of Liverpool. At seventeen, Helen Forrester's parents are still as irresponsible as ever, wasting money while their children still lack adequate food and clothing. But for Helen, having won a small measure of independence, things are looking up. Having educated herself at night school and now making friends in her first proper job, she meets a handsome seaman and falls in love for the first time. But the storm clouds of war are gathering and Helen will experience at first hand the horror of the blitz and the terrible toll that the war exacted on ordinary people. As ever, Helen faces the future with courage and determination.… (more)

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Member:	gforce7
Title:	By the Waters of Liverpool
Authors:	Helen Forrester
Info:	HarperCollins (2002), Paperback
Collections:	Your library
Rating:
Tags:	Autobiography, British, Liverpool

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By the Waters of Liverpool by Helen Forrester (1981)

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Third in a moving and well-written autobiographical series that started with 'Twopence to cross the Mersey'. Helen is now an adult, still living with her impoverished family although not in quite such dire straits as previously. The war, ironically, eases her burden as her youngre siblings are evacuated. For the first time she starts to think of herself as a human being... Excellent (

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SueinCyprus | Jan 26, 2016 |

she is depressed for most of this book, feeling unloved, unattractive, overwhelmed at work, unable to express her feelings and needs.no-one seems to notice. the book ends very suddenly. i would like to hear more. (

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mahallett | Dec 23, 2012 |

Synopsis: Helen tells of her life growing into adulthood with constant battles over her money with her Mother who has continued with her indulgent spending habits from when they were a wealthy family. Hungry and depressed, Helen diligently goes to work everyday to come to more work in her home. When war breaks out, we see the effects it had on Helen's family and other ordinary people.
My Opinion: A book written by someone who was depressed it not particularly easy to read, however as she learns to stand up for herself and put time into her own personal well-being, the changes she sees in her life are positive and encouraging. (

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Moniica | Nov 9, 2011 |

This is the third volume of Helen Forrester's autobiography.

Back Cover Blurb:
Helen has managed to achieve a small measure of independence. At seventeen, she has fought and won two bitter battles with her parents, the first for the right to educate herself at evening classes, the second for the right to go out to work. Her parents are still as financially irresponsible as ever, wasting money while their children lack blankets, let alone proper beds, but for Helen the future is brightening as she begins to make friends her own age and to develop some social life outside the home. At twenty, still never kissed by a lover, Helen meets Harry, a strong, tall seaman, and falls in love. (

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mazda502001 | Nov 21, 2008 |

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1981

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Liverpool, England, UK

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Helen Forrester

▾Book descriptions

The third volume in the classic story of Helen Forrester's childhood and adolescence in poverty-stricken Liverpool during the 1930s. Helen Forrester continues the moving story of her early poverty-stricken life with an account of her teenage years and the devastating effect of the Second World War on her hometown of Liverpool. At seventeen, Helen Forrester's parents are still as irresponsible as ever, wasting money while their children still lack adequate food and clothing. But for Helen, having won a small measure of independence, things are looking up. Having educated herself at night school and now making friends in her first proper job, she meets a handsome seaman and falls in love for the first time. But the storm clouds of war are gathering and Helen will experience at first hand the horror of the blitz and the terrible toll that the war exacted on ordinary people. As ever, Helen faces the future with courage and determination.

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The third volume in the classic story of Helen Forrester's childhood and adolescence in Liverpool during the 1930s, By the Waters of Liverpool recounts Helen's transition from abject poverty to fledgling romance and personal liberty.Helen has managed to achieve a small measure of independence. At seventeen, she has fought and won two bitter battles with her parents, the first for the right to educate herself at evening classes, the second for the right to go out to work. Her parents are still as financially irresponsible as ever, wasting money while their children lack blankets, let alone proper beds, but for Helen the future is brightening as she begins to make friends of her own age and to develop some social life outside the home. At twenty still never kissed by a lover, Helen meets a strong, tall seaman and falls in love--Back cover.

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