Showing results for "water gypsies" in Literature & Fiction

It is 1942, and after a childhood of suffering in Birmingham, Maryann Bartholomew has built a life of happiness and safety with her husband, Joel, and their children, working the canals on his narrowboat, the Esther Jane. But the backbreaking work and constant childbearing take their toll on Maryann, and the tragic loss of her old friend, Nancy, followed by a further pregnancy lead her to a desperate act which nearly costs her her life.

When Tilly Thompson, a girl from the canal, is caught stealing a pie from the terrace of The Imperial Hotel, Athelstone, the intervention of Captain Charles Thackery saves her from prison. Tilly soon finds out the real reason for the rescue. With the captain, Tilly sees life away from the poverty and hardships of the waterways, but his favor stirs up jealousy and hatred among the hotel staff, especially Freddie, the stable boy who harbors desires of his own.