Product Description

When Charlie Higgins is unfairly dismissed from his job in a Leicester shoe factory his family become crippled by poverty. Refusing to surrender to her husband's misfortunes, Annie manages to keep food on the table and faith in their hearts. Until tragedy strikes again.

With the threat of the workhouse looming over them, Annie and her young son Georgie seek refuge with their only relatives: the Burbages - a family they have never met and know nothing about. Adapting to farmlife is a gruelling experience for Annie and Georgie, but hard work and cheerfulness earn them respect. But at the back of Annie's mind, she knows that one day she must return to Leicester to confront the memories she has left behind and begin a new life for herself and her son...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #62547 in Books
• Published on: 1993-11-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

About the Author
Lynda Page was born and brought up in Leicester. The eldest of four daughters, she left home at seventeen and has had a wide variety of office jobs. She lives in Leicester.

Customer Reviews

Annie is an undemanding read, ideal for holiday time.
Set in Leicester in the early years of the 20th century, 'Annie' tells the story of a young widow who, after the death of her husband and desperate to make a life for herself and her young son, goes to live with distant relatives.

The unlikely events which subsequently occur include the death of an old woman from a fall which broke her legs but which Annie is somehow able to pass off as 'natural' even to the doctor who signs the death certificate!!!
And in the search for a missing will, the discovery of hundreds of gold sovereigns.

The tale jumps about rather a lot and leaves loose ends which can be annoying, nor does it show much regard for the way life was actually lived in Leicester those days.

For instance, an old, almost destitute farmer in hobnail boots is taken into the library with it's polished floor, by the Lord of the Manor for a little chat. This simply wasn't done.

It is only one of several glaring factual mistakes which spoiled (for me) an otherwise pleasant book. Others may not agree.

Annie has many unlikely adventures, including running a pub and falling in love with a married man, two events guaranteed to have her ostracised by that time's society - but somehow it doesn't happen, in fact it's hardly even remarked upon - and she pulls through unscathed!

If you can forgive the many uses of phrases which simply did not exist in 1903, "OK" for instance,
and the factual mistakes which seem to indicate the writer has done little research on the mores of society at that time, you will probably enjoy this book.

Lynda Page writes for those who enjoy a calm, undemanding read with a story which doesn't involve the reader too much, nor get them too close to the characters.
That's not a fault, on the contrary, it is a popular misconception that one must 'empathise' with characters in order to enjoy a book.
'Annie' will appeal to those many fans of Ms.Page who just want an hours escapism and couldn't care less whether the book makes accurate social commentary or not.
Recommended for reading in the garden, on a journey or before bed.