The Silent Lady by Catherine Cookson (2002-08-01) Paperback – 1755

The best thing about Catherine Cookson's books is how she brings characters alive within moments. I love the way they are 'real' - whether good or bad.From the very start, this story had me hooked and although we don't see much from Irene's point of view, it is about her - and what a wonderful hero she is. We see her faced with an unbearable life and how she survives...I don't give spoilers. However, the rest of the characters are all influenced by her in many ways - from love to hate to sorrow to adoration. She is an amazing character and although she is 'silent' she has a very strong voice.This story is a compelling read - one of her best - and it's difficult to say much without giving too much away. The author's writing style is fantastic and touching genius as the characters pull along the reader to the very end.Extremely well done and highly recommended.

Emotional and touches the heart as you read. A story of a down trodden woman of class, yet the very class of people she is thrown into by her troubled need to escape her home life, takes care of her and shows her not all people are cruel, but kind and caring.

I have always loved Catherine Cookson but strangely, I was unaware of this book. It was wonderful to get back to reading one of her stories, & this one just shows how much better she was from so many of the authors of today. Too many of them are churning out the same stories with just the title, names of characters & locations differing.This is a great final book. The storyline so different. You really feel for the main character. I couldn't get enough & the ending was just right.Definitely recommend.

Catherine Cookson is a talented storyteller but they s book in my opinion surpasses the others. There are good and bad in all walks of life and this tale draws the reader into the good both poor and wealthy and the wonderful cement of kindness in troubled times.

`Good read, good sad story filled with many likeable characters like some of bella's boys.The story covers many years but still remains coherent in facts/ space...From Bella's place to the royal hospital or to the Armstrong solicitors, annoyingly, it looks ike everything is happening in the same street! For someone who doesn't know the map of central London, it wouldn't matter though.

This was my first Catherine Cookson book.I found it was thoroughly well written with such characters that enticed you to read more. Having read 1.5 more of her books, I feel this was a very good story and made you feel grateful for all the luxuries you now realize you have!So far my favourite story of hers has been the dwelling place, however this story was well written and I found that I wanted to read more and more each night. I recommend this story.It was a wee bit long winded at times, but this was to thoroughly describe characters and scenes which I feel lent to the book in the end.

Tried my best get in to this book,too many characters being introduced too soon.writing a review I always find difficult as what I find boring and uninteresting might be suitable for someone else,it's all a matter of taste. If you think this type of book what you fancy don't just go on this review. I tend to read all reviews and end up not finding a book that I think will be my thing.I have read several books written by the same author,not always a good idea as they don't always it right either.

I purchased this book ages ago when it was on offer but have only recently got round to reading it. I wish I had read it sooner!! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is set in London, which is a change for Cookson books. The main character doesn't speak and suffers terrible hardship, but makes many friends along the way. She has lost her memory but after a shock starts to remember her life. Very good book.