On New Year’s Day 1925 Ivy Rose Murphy awakes to find her world changed forever. Her irresponsible Da is dead. She is grief-stricken and alone – but for the first time in her life free to please herself. After her mother deserted the family, Ivy became the sole provider for her da and three brothers. Pushing a pram around the well-to-do areas of Dublin every day, she begged for the discards of … discards of the wealthy which she then turned into items she could sell around Dublin’s markets.
As she visits the morgue to pay her respects to her Da, a chance meeting introduces Ivy to a new world of money and privilege, her mother’s world. Ivy is suddenly a woman on a mission to improve herself and her lot in life.
Jem Ryan is the owner of a livery near Ivy’s tenement. When an accident occurs in one of his carriages, leaving a young girl homeless, it is Ivy he turns to. With Jem and the people she meets in her travels around Dublin, Ivy begins to break out of the poverty-ridden world that is all she has ever known.
Through Streets Broad and Narrow is a story of strength and determination in the unrelenting world that was Dublin tenement life.
more
The setting in Ireland’s slums shows the struggle and ingenuity that allowed young people to survive during the historical exit of the British and destabilization of the Irish government while it was forming in the void left by the British.
This book was a wonderful read and I immediately ordered all the others in the series, though it stands alone quite well. Ivy is strong, opinionated, intelligent and creative; a woman we would all aspire to be! I recommend this with at least 10 stars, even though I can only give five. A must-read!
I read the the complete series. The main character is inspiring.
Enjoyed will read more from author
I felt like I could see the people and setting. Fantastic! I also bought the remaining books in the series.
Well developed characters show the broad distance between upper class and servants in early 20th Century Ireland. Ivy Rose Murphy has her world upended when her da dies suddenly on New Year’s Day. The twists and turns that follow his unexpected demise make for a lively demonstration of determination, grit, and an amazing ability to see solutions to problems she didn’t expect to face. Left on her own after her da’s death, Ivy Rose fiercely decides to make her own way and takes a whole lot of folks along with her! Her creative mind sees possibilities where others saw roadblocks. A delightful tale of female intuition steering a path of prosperity using castoffs from the rich to enrich her own life and her friends.
Lovedit, couldn’t put it down
I very much enjoyed this book.
Another look into Ireland’s early years, and difference between classes and how the lower class tried to make a life for themselves.
Paints a picture of the living conditions for the poor in early 20th century Ireland.
I thought it was a mystery novel. It wasn’t.
On my “books read list” I would put down (excellent series – can’t wait to read every one of these books)!!!!!!
This book has good characters development as well .as story development
Great way to learn about Irish history.
What an amazing read this book is, peopled with vivid, credible characters inhabiting London’s impoverished streets. A shining, admirable woman is its main character, and she is determined to succeed, even against formidable obstacles like a drunken father, disapproving clergy and small-minded neighbors who blame her for her worthless parent’s failings. She uses her wits, courage and creativity to make the best of every situation. The reader cannot help but root for her, and her ultimate triumph is both gratifying and satisfying.
GREAT! Page turner! Purchased books 2,3 & 4!!! Now I want to see a mini series!!
So good I can’t seem to get into a new story!
Loved it!
I truly loved the characters in this book. The writer was able to infuse personality & humor into hard circumstances while creating an action packed scenario. I really enjoyed it, and hope this writer has more!
Loved Ivy’s caring and indomitable spirit. She wouldn’t be a victim and encouraged and aided others. Ann Marie’s compassion and friendship gave Ivy the seed to begin.
Although the conditions and events in the tenements of Dublin are grim this story is hopeful and triumphant. It is so much better than Angela’s Ashes.
As someone with ancestors all coming from Ireland, I always knew of the potato famine and the fact those who immigrated did so because their living conditions were terrible. But I knew almost nothing about those who lived in the city. This novel is set in Dublin and literally brings you into the life of a young woman abandoned by her mother and brothers, who had a drunk for a father. She supported her father but almost starved to death herself. The story draws you into her life, makes you cheer for her, this very young woman who had known no love or care, only dire poverty, hunger and cold. You won’t want to put this book down. My only disappointment was the ending left me wanting more!