Absolutely Heartbreaking

The Doorstep Child by Annie Murray is the third book in a fabulous historical series set in Birmingham. This novel has Evie at its heart and covers the years from 1950’s- 1970’s. It is absolutely heart breaking. My emotions have been torn apart.

Evie, whom the reader met in War Babies, was born in 1943, always unwanted and uncared for (she was the ‘wrong’ sex), Evie has searched to belong and be loved. Evie is a delightful character with a good heart, full of love. I know it’s just a story but I really wanted to give Evie a home!

The Doorstep Child is about family, community and love. It has the heart wrenching topics of illegitimate children and unmarried mothers and all the stigma that brings, homosexuality and mental health. The 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s really seem like the dark ages to the modern reader who is horrified at the attitudes and treatments.

Community begun in the back to back housing has been fractured with the knocking down of the slums and the move to nicer houses in suburbia. However bonds formed years ago cannot be broken and the reader rejoices at the hearts that reach out in love.

Much of the novel is set in Birmingham. As a native of Birmingham, I loved the familiarity of the locations. I did not so much read this book, as walk through it.

The Doorstep Child can be read as a stand-alone however for maximum enjoyment I recommend reading War Babies and Now The War Is Over first, as you will be able to track the character development.

I have adored this series and the characters. Little (and later grown up) Evie, Gary and Carl all broke my heart. Thank you Annie Murray for another cracking read.

JULIA WILSON