Manchester 1819: Prices are high and wages are low, but as the poor become poorer, the rich are alarmed by their calls for reform.
Mill-worker Nancy Kay struggles to support her ailing mother and sensitive son. Desperate to provide for them, she is inspired to join the growing agitation. But, as she risks everything to attend a great assembly on St Peter's Field, Nancy is unaware the day will go down in history, not as a triumph but as tragedy; the Peterloo massacre.
This is one woman's story of belief in change, pieced together by her family and friends and the two men who share her momentous summer. A story of hope, and sacrifice, and above all, courage.
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[A lot of folk are talking about it again, though talking's never really been for me]***
(@Legend_Press, 1 August 2019, 288 pages, ebook, copy from @Legend_Press and voluntarily reviewed, #blogtour 5 August #Legend100)
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I'm not familiar with the events at Peterloo so came to this book with no prior knowledge or expectations. It's usually better that way. This book combines historical events within a fictional story. I was impressed by the author's attention to detail. The book has multiple narrators and we get to see the massacre and events leading up to it and after it from different POV's. This works really well. I like book that do this rather than stick you with the same POV constantly. The characters and city of Manchester are brought to life on every page. There are so dark moments in the book as the peaceful demonstration is turned into bloody chaos but those in charge who don't like their position and decisions being questioned by those perceived as lesser.