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A review by kelizakreads
The Ragged Valley by Joanne Clague
4.0
From the wreckage, they must piece together new lives for themselves...
Determined not to waste his life toiling for his cruel brother, Silas, the second son of a farmer, arrives in town to seek his fortune. Harriet has reconciled herself to a life no better than domestic service for her austere uncle. And John Gunson, Chief Engineer at the Sheffield Waterworks Company, has just completed his crowning glory – the Dale Dyke dam.
But one stormy night, the unthinkable happens. The dam bursts. A wall of water is unleashed, destroying everything in its path.
The aftershocks of the flood reach far beyond that night, with consequences that could never have been foreseen. Fatefully brought together, Silas and Harriet must now contend with their families as new love blooms. Meanwhile, Gunson faces not only an angry community but also a court of inquest looking for a scapegoat.
Can any good come from the disaster, and will justice be served for those who lost everything?
•••
A thrilling saga inspired by the real events of the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Emma Hornby and Elisabeth McNeill.
•••
The story is told from 3 points of view, Silas, Harriet, and John Gunson. This books brings forward the heartbreaking truth of the people who survived the flood and the aftermath they endured from different class levels. At times, it was difficult to read due to the harsh reality of how women were seen and spoken to and the challenges some people were faced with. The old English style writing at times was difficult to follow, as well. As the story progressed, I really warmed up to the characters and enjoyed the romance between Silas and Harriet-it left me wanting to know what happened next.
•••
Thank you @lovebookstours @jo.clague @canelo_co for the #gifted copy of Ragged Valley.
Determined not to waste his life toiling for his cruel brother, Silas, the second son of a farmer, arrives in town to seek his fortune. Harriet has reconciled herself to a life no better than domestic service for her austere uncle. And John Gunson, Chief Engineer at the Sheffield Waterworks Company, has just completed his crowning glory – the Dale Dyke dam.
But one stormy night, the unthinkable happens. The dam bursts. A wall of water is unleashed, destroying everything in its path.
The aftershocks of the flood reach far beyond that night, with consequences that could never have been foreseen. Fatefully brought together, Silas and Harriet must now contend with their families as new love blooms. Meanwhile, Gunson faces not only an angry community but also a court of inquest looking for a scapegoat.
Can any good come from the disaster, and will justice be served for those who lost everything?
•••
A thrilling saga inspired by the real events of the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Emma Hornby and Elisabeth McNeill.
•••
The story is told from 3 points of view, Silas, Harriet, and John Gunson. This books brings forward the heartbreaking truth of the people who survived the flood and the aftermath they endured from different class levels. At times, it was difficult to read due to the harsh reality of how women were seen and spoken to and the challenges some people were faced with. The old English style writing at times was difficult to follow, as well. As the story progressed, I really warmed up to the characters and enjoyed the romance between Silas and Harriet-it left me wanting to know what happened next.
•••
Thank you @lovebookstours @jo.clague @canelo_co for the #gifted copy of Ragged Valley.