Nancy Carson

Poppy Silk is an endearing character who attempts to drag herself up out of the poverty of the railroad shanty town and to a better life through education. We follow Poppy as she follows her dreams. She finds a way to get educated and move away, but in the process falls in love with Robert Crawford, a young engineer who unfortunately is engaged to someone else.

The male characters in this novel are somewhat of a let down. Robert is absent for much of the story and when he reappears towards show more the end he hasn't changed at all! He is still weak willed and a complete bore. I could only muster lukewarm feelings towards him and their relationship. The men in the shanty town are heaps more interesting but completely unsuitable and unworthy of Poppy. Not because they are poor but because they are all portrayed as nasty pieces of work.

I enjoyed reading about Poppy and her friends but I wish there had been more to Robert.

Interesting but not as good as a Catherine Cookson. show less

Poppy’s Dilemma is a well written introduction to British history. The author portrays the navvies way of life with such feeling and detail you could almost smell what must have been a strong odor. I also thought Nancy’s portrayal of prostitution was very tasteful covered.

I have never read a book by Nancy Carson before, but do intend to look at her other offerings. Her writing is well researched, tastefully portrayed, and a good pace. Be warned though, every page is a page turner, so you show more may find it difficult to put down!

Poppy’s character is so well-developed that I could imagine her being my great grandparent (or more). Her feelings came through, that I can actually relate to everything she went through, from love, to confusion, to fear, to excitement, etc. All the other characters are well thought out too.

What about Millie and the officer, that was one big surprise! But you’ll have to read the book to figure out what I mean! Enjoy.

NB. I received this book free for an honest review. show less

Poppy’s Dilemma is a well written introduction to British history. The author portrays the navvies way of life with such feeling and detail you could almost smell what must have been a strong odor. I also thought Nancy’s portrayal of prostitution was very tasteful covered.

I have never read a book by Nancy Carson before, but do intend to look at her other offerings. Her writing is well researched, tastefully portrayed, and a good pace. Be warned though, every page is a page turner, so you show more may find it difficult to put down!

Poppy’s character is so well-developed that I could imagine her being my great grandparent (or more). Her feelings came through, that I can actually relate to everything she went through, from love, to confusion, to fear, to excitement, etc. All the other characters are well thought out too.

What about Millie and the officer, that was one big surprise! But you’ll have to read the book to figure out what I mean! Enjoy.


NB. I received this book free for an honest review. show less

Very short and sweet story about a girl (Millie) who works in the box office of the opera house and the romance/men in her life. Enjoyable read set in the 1920's.