Book Publishers
Before reading this delightful story, you should first acquaint yourself with the author, Allan Pritt who comes from the area where the story begins. Allan hails from Cumbria, went to school at Workington Grammar and later worked for the National Coal Board for eleven years. Allan is now living in Perth and enjoys painting. All I can say is if his artwork is anything like his writing, Allan Pritt is a very talented man and his career should have begun with writing, instead of working in a coal mine. Emily Wilson’s destiny starts in a very bleak way, not only is her existence as a ten year old bleak, but the town of Workington where she lives is bleak. The sky is blackened by the smoke coming from she and her mum leave, it is condemned as not suitable for human inhabitants. The Wilson family consists of three. There is George, the drunken father and Emily’s poor downtrodden mother who is subject to many beatings when George comes home from the pub. Emily’s life is tough before the night of an accident when George is killed. Life improves for mother and daughter, especially when their landlord installs electricity. They then have a little stove to cook on and an electric light to see by at night. Emily finishes her education and decides to have a break to take up a job in nearby Keswick, in an old book shop that sells valuable secondhand books. Now if you have read this review far enough to be thinking this book sounds very depressing, you would be wrong. Emily’s earlier life starts in a very depressing way, but love is coming her way in beautiful and romantic setting. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for Allan’s next one. “This very fine book soars from poverty to riches and is written through the eye of an artist”.
Set in Cumberland, before the start of the Second World War, the story moves from industrial Workington to picturesque Keswick in the heart of the English Lake district and tells of Emily Wilsonís journey to escape from a life of fear and poverty. Read more about “Emily's Destiny”