Thrilling novel set in WW1 LONDON
Historical novel set in mid 19th Century BIRMINGHAM
2nd March 2026
Dora’s Dream by Annie Murray, historical novel set in mid 19th Century BIRMINGHAM.
Dora is rescued from the Work House and ends up working as a maid in the Gordon household. It is certainly a change from the life she has led to date.
She is charged with her tasks, she stumbles upon the library and is bowled over by the books on display. She can already read and write well enough and she has a deep yearning to write herself. Words fascinate and enthral her and for now, she has to put her ambitions on the back burner.
Gradually a relationship builds between her and Robert, a son in the household. It seems to be on an even keel and they become romantically involved. He is then despatched into the army leaving her not only heartbroken but having to manage a lasting legacy.
This is very much a story of one woman fighting to find her place in life so that she can at find a way to achieve her ambitions. She is plucky and stoic in adversity.
The author expands her story to include more characters and on occasion it is a little hard to understand how all the strands combine – which, of course they do as the storyline evolves and comes to an end.
An immersive trip back in time to hard times in Birmingham.
This is no. 2 in the Children of Birmingham series. The author has set innumerable novels – well over 30 – in the area.
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There is just so much interesting and informative social history packed in this author’s books. I can always use her writing as a great example when my husband comments that reading fiction does nothing to expand my mind or knowledge, unlike the non-fiction material which he avidly devours!