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Queenie of Norwich
"You're Nellie Westrop and don't you forget it.
We'll see each other again one day, but until we do, take good care of yourself.
Live a good life.
Now go, my love."
From the author of Silver Darlings comes LK Wilde's captivating portrayal of the life of Queenie Read.
Heart warming and breaking in equal measure, Queenie of Norwich is perfect for fans of The Foundling, Where the Crawdads Sing, and The Smallest Man.
People say you get one life, but I've lived three.
I was born Ellen Hardy in 1900, dragged up in Queen Caroline's Yard, Norwich.
There was nothing royal about our yard, and Mum was no queen.
At six years old Mum sold me. I became Nellie Westrop, roaming the country in a showman's wagon, learning the art of the fair.
And I've been the infamous Queenie of Norwich, moving up in the world by any means, legal or not.
I've been heart broken, abandoned, bought and sold, but I've never, ever given up.
After all, it's not where you start that's important, but where you end up.
Based on a true story, Queenie of Norwich is the compelling tale of one remarkable girl's journey to womanhood.
Spanning the first half of the 20th century, Queenie's story is one of heartbreak and triumph, love and loss and the power of family.
It is a story of redemption, and how, with grit and determination, anything is possible.
We'll see each other again one day, but until we do, take good care of yourself.
Live a good life.
Now go, my love."
From the author of Silver Darlings comes LK Wilde's captivating portrayal of the life of Queenie Read.
Heart warming and breaking in equal measure, Queenie of Norwich is perfect for fans of The Foundling, Where the Crawdads Sing, and The Smallest Man.
People say you get one life, but I've lived three.
I was born Ellen Hardy in 1900, dragged up in Queen Caroline's Yard, Norwich.
There was nothing royal about our yard, and Mum was no queen.
At six years old Mum sold me. I became Nellie Westrop, roaming the country in a showman's wagon, learning the art of the fair.
And I've been the infamous Queenie of Norwich, moving up in the world by any means, legal or not.
I've been heart broken, abandoned, bought and sold, but I've never, ever given up.
After all, it's not where you start that's important, but where you end up.
Based on a true story, Queenie of Norwich is the compelling tale of one remarkable girl's journey to womanhood.
Spanning the first half of the 20th century, Queenie's story is one of heartbreak and triumph, love and loss and the power of family.
It is a story of redemption, and how, with grit and determination, anything is possible.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2022
About the author
L.K. Wilde
8 books41 followersAuthor and musician LK Wilde was born in Norwich, but spent her teenage years living on a Northumbrian island. She left the island to study Music, and after a few years of wandering settled in Cornwall, where she raises her two crazy, delightful boys.
Her exquisite debut novel Silver Darlings captures the glory days of the herring industry, when coastal towns were prosperous, and women had independence like never before.
She juggles writing with motherhood, teaching and work as a musician, but still finds time to explore the beautiful countryside of her adoptive home, Cornwall.
Her exquisite debut novel Silver Darlings captures the glory days of the herring industry, when coastal towns were prosperous, and women had independence like never before.
She juggles writing with motherhood, teaching and work as a musician, but still finds time to explore the beautiful countryside of her adoptive home, Cornwall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
February 28, 2023
I read a lot and I enjoy many of the books I read. However, there are times when a book becomes more than a read, it becomes part of you. Whether it be from the messages in the book, a character that resonates with you or an author writing so beautifully that it touches your heart. Queenie of Norwich is one of these books. I loved it, I adored Queenie and I was left feeling connected to her and her family. Poignant, memorable, stunningly written. This book will stay with me, for a very long time and has to be one of the best I’ve ever read.
May 29, 2024
Such a great story!!! I felt so bad for her being sold. But she had a better time with Julia and Henry. Barny was a good man too. I'm glad Queenie's story was shared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
What a wonderful story! The character of Queenie jumps off the pages from the very start, full of life and with a sharp wit (and even sharper tongue!). This is life in another era, much tougher than anything most of us will experience, and at times it is heartbreaking.
Based on a true story, I didn't realise just how much it meant to the author until I saw the photo at the end. It is written with passion and love, and you can tell the author has poured her soul into every word. She has brought Queenie to life for a new generation of readers, and given us an insight into times gone by. I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, but I didn't imagine to be quite so affected by these wonderful characters. Highly recommend.
Based on a true story, I didn't realise just how much it meant to the author until I saw the photo at the end. It is written with passion and love, and you can tell the author has poured her soul into every word. She has brought Queenie to life for a new generation of readers, and given us an insight into times gone by. I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, but I didn't imagine to be quite so affected by these wonderful characters. Highly recommend.
March 2, 2024
[3.25] This was an odd reading experience. “Queenie” kept me marginally interested throughout the entire journey but failed to truly engage me. For lack of a better term, there wasn’t quite enough “bang for book” here. That’s surprising given the fact that I’m typically a pushover for coming-of-age sagas that place memorable characters in unique historical eras. The fact that this was a fictionalized look at a real figure in Norwich’s history added to the intrigue. True, the feisty protagonist was impressive. However, the book’s overall structure didn’t quite work for me. One astute reviewer aptly described it as “more like lots of mini-stories.”
February 2, 2024
Enjoyed it on the whole but it wasn't the normal story where it builds towards the end...more like lots of mini stories.
July 10, 2022
A fascinating historical novel which combines an education about the lives of England's poor working class and, most interestingly, the travelling fair folk of the early 20th century, with an entertaining tale.
By turning her great-grandmother's life into a novel, LK Wilde has given Queenie immortality and a place in the hearts of many, many readers. What a character! Outgoing, a born leader, a showman (or show off), being sold to a travelling fair at the age of 6 turned out to be the best thing for our young heroine. First as Ellen, then Nell, then Queenie, our protagonist adapts and proves she is well able to take care of herself even in some very nasty situations. Yet there is a softness about her, a gentleness seen through her love for her siblings, and especially sister Florrie, which brings her close to us and makes us want the very best for her. There's pathos here, including in the plight of the mother, so often seen in those times, as well as in other tragedies that befall Queenie. But it's never sentimental and there's plenty of humour too.
Wilde writes very well, bringing her situations and characters to life. She has also ensured her book is well edited, which massively helped my enjoyment of the story. Thank you.
If I have a complaint, it's that I was surprised at how the book ended. My kindle refused to show me what percentage I'd read, so I had no idea where I was up to. I was expecting, hoping, for a little more so was taken aback when I swiped the page and it said The End. What? Perhaps a sequel, following Barbara's life, might be in order.
Highly recommended.
By turning her great-grandmother's life into a novel, LK Wilde has given Queenie immortality and a place in the hearts of many, many readers. What a character! Outgoing, a born leader, a showman (or show off), being sold to a travelling fair at the age of 6 turned out to be the best thing for our young heroine. First as Ellen, then Nell, then Queenie, our protagonist adapts and proves she is well able to take care of herself even in some very nasty situations. Yet there is a softness about her, a gentleness seen through her love for her siblings, and especially sister Florrie, which brings her close to us and makes us want the very best for her. There's pathos here, including in the plight of the mother, so often seen in those times, as well as in other tragedies that befall Queenie. But it's never sentimental and there's plenty of humour too.
Wilde writes very well, bringing her situations and characters to life. She has also ensured her book is well edited, which massively helped my enjoyment of the story. Thank you.
If I have a complaint, it's that I was surprised at how the book ended. My kindle refused to show me what percentage I'd read, so I had no idea where I was up to. I was expecting, hoping, for a little more so was taken aback when I swiped the page and it said The End. What? Perhaps a sequel, following Barbara's life, might be in order.
Highly recommended.
June 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much that at times I couldn’t put it down! It’s an incredible true story of someone who overcame the odds. Highly recommend!
July 2, 2024
Wonderful story based on the real life of Queenie Read. From an impoverished childhood, Ellen Hardy, then Nellie Westrop, and finally Queenie Read triumphs and overcomes each of life’s difficulties thrown in her path. It’s the story of life, love, struggles, torment, grief and more.
June 23, 2024
Thoroughly engaging story transporting the reader back in time along the eventful life of Queenie. Written so evocatively I could almost smell the scents (some not so sweet!) as well as hear the fairground banter and attractions.
June 3, 2024
What a fabulous story , I really enjoyed this one lots of familiar places , really tough moments full of joy and pain but I wonderful outcome , a great read
December 24, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book based on the real life of Queenie Read. From her hard life as a very young but determined child until her marriage, Queenie’s quick wit courage and intelligence enabled her to overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges.
Written by Queenie’s great granddaughter with factual accounts of her life made this a compelling read.
Written by Queenie’s great granddaughter with factual accounts of her life made this a compelling read.
July 12, 2024
I loved this book! Picked it up at a free little library at the park across the street! I had a hard time putting it down every time I picked it up. Based on a true story about a girl overcoming so many obstacles in her life. Great read and definitely recommend it!!
April 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I loved that it’s based on a real person too
June 20, 2024
From the very beginning, I was captivated by this amazing young girl of 6 years old, Ellen Harding, raise in the worst possible circumstances. We each go through chapters in our lives; however, Ellen closes one book and begins another with a new name and a new life. Nellie Westrop and Queenie Read, two of Ellen’s new names, each challenge the existing norms of women at the beginning of the 20th century. She shows grit and determination in the trials she faces and loves others along the way. What an amazing life!
March 8, 2024
Outstanding ❤️
May 9, 2024
The writing really puts you there. This is an empowering story. Also makes me happy for modern conveniences. Mainly, soap. And clean water.
May 25, 2024
A well written true story about Queenie’s life.
May 31, 2024
I loved Queenie so much 🥹 despite the terrible things she endured throughout her life she remained determined to build better for herself and for those she loved. I am so glad her story was shared!
May 8, 2024
This book was not the story I was expecting - better and very good..
June 24, 2024
I loved this book. Brilliantly written so each phase of Queenie's story was brought to life. It was uplifting at times and devastating at others and totally absorbing from start to finish.1
February 3, 2024
It may be a good story but the descriptive lack of hygiene made me sick to my stomach. Just couldn’t hack it.
July 19, 2023
Queenie
It was a good story but it didn’t grab me like I thought it would it took a long time for me to finish but I did .
It was a good story but it didn’t grab me like I thought it would it took a long time for me to finish but I did .
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 24, 2024I really wanted to like this book. But the pacing and the MC made it a DNF at 70%.
Despite the many maaaaany negative events that happen (), there are barely any moments when the MC emotionally reacts.
For example, we have a massive time-skip where she's fine and happy. Or even after the death of it leaves no impact on her. Why not have it haunt her more and confront that fear when she learns her sister's pregnant?
This happens a couple of times.
Even during the there's really not much of a reaction from her.
And she acts like a brat so many times. She has to get a job to earn her keep and despite warnings from people, she continues to act like a brat and (surprise!) she loses her job. She has to get apples and, when she doesn't want to pay full price for them, she acts out against the shopkeeper. I was rolling my eyes so many times at her responses.
Despite the many maaaaany negative events that happen (), there are barely any moments when the MC emotionally reacts.
For example, we have a massive time-skip where she's fine and happy. Or even after the death of it leaves no impact on her. Why not have it haunt her more and confront that fear when she learns her sister's pregnant?
This happens a couple of times.
Even during the there's really not much of a reaction from her.
And she acts like a brat so many times. She has to get a job to earn her keep and despite warnings from people, she continues to act like a brat and (surprise!) she loses her job. She has to get apples and, when she doesn't want to pay full price for them, she acts out against the shopkeeper. I was rolling my eyes so many times at her responses.
March 20, 2024
Queenie of Norwich by LK Wilde audiobook narrated by LK Wilde. Published by Laura Garcia, listened to using Libby via Norfolk County Library 4 stars.
After a very long wait I finally got to listen to this book and I wasn’t disappointed. I wanted to listen to this as the main character, known as Ellen, Nellie, and then Queenie came from Norwich. Although I wasn’t born in Norwich I always feel like it is home as it is where my Nan and all her family was from. Also she spends time in a travelling family and my Dad’s family were born into this.
Born in 1900 into a family that was poor and to a mother who didn’t even seem to like her let alone love her, life was hard. She only had her sister Florrie who seemed to love and care for her. One day Ellen Hardy found she had been sold and was now Nellie Westrop and roaming the country and learning the art of the fair and being a showman, but this is where Nellie found love. With a new mum and dad who loved and cared for her as if she was their own.
If you enjoy a family saga type story you will enjoy this one, or fi you have an affinity to Norwich of travelling fair’s then I think you will enjoy this one too.
After a very long wait I finally got to listen to this book and I wasn’t disappointed. I wanted to listen to this as the main character, known as Ellen, Nellie, and then Queenie came from Norwich. Although I wasn’t born in Norwich I always feel like it is home as it is where my Nan and all her family was from. Also she spends time in a travelling family and my Dad’s family were born into this.
Born in 1900 into a family that was poor and to a mother who didn’t even seem to like her let alone love her, life was hard. She only had her sister Florrie who seemed to love and care for her. One day Ellen Hardy found she had been sold and was now Nellie Westrop and roaming the country and learning the art of the fair and being a showman, but this is where Nellie found love. With a new mum and dad who loved and cared for her as if she was their own.
If you enjoy a family saga type story you will enjoy this one, or fi you have an affinity to Norwich of travelling fair’s then I think you will enjoy this one too.
May 3, 2024
Not at all what I was expecting.
This one broke my heart, time and time again…but then…built it up as well!
Ellen was a little girl with A LOT of siblings, and a mean mother (to say the least…) One day Mom told her to pack a suitcase as she was going to meet a woman to go help her out with work (she was 6 [SIX] at the time!!)
Ends up, her Mom SOLD her to a couple. 😮
But, that just might be the best thing that ever happened to her. (That’s even more scary!!)
Her name changed (Nellie now) and so did her life…. But that’s the thing…it’s always changing…
After many years, and many types of work, she meets a man, and they decide to make a go of a relationship…and basically, she starts over …. AGAIN!
And, I was shocked to find that this was actually based on a true story too!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#QueenieOfNorwich by #LKWilde (and read nicely by the author!)
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you 'liked' my review, please share with your friends!! 📚⭐️
This one broke my heart, time and time again…but then…built it up as well!
Ellen was a little girl with A LOT of siblings, and a mean mother (to say the least…) One day Mom told her to pack a suitcase as she was going to meet a woman to go help her out with work (she was 6 [SIX] at the time!!)
Ends up, her Mom SOLD her to a couple. 😮
But, that just might be the best thing that ever happened to her. (That’s even more scary!!)
Her name changed (Nellie now) and so did her life…. But that’s the thing…it’s always changing…
After many years, and many types of work, she meets a man, and they decide to make a go of a relationship…and basically, she starts over …. AGAIN!
And, I was shocked to find that this was actually based on a true story too!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#QueenieOfNorwich by #LKWilde (and read nicely by the author!)
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you 'liked' my review, please share with your friends!! 📚⭐️
February 18, 2024
A sweet story based off a true story that was passed down from generation to generation!
Queens of Norwich is a sweet story that is based off a true story. It shows the story of a woman that despite growing up in extreme poverty, she grew up determined to change the life into one with less struggles. Ellen’s life started out rough. She grew up in a home that was not fit for living. The house was full of mold and is probably what caused her mother to be sick. Her mother never seemed to love or cherish Queenie and was often downright cruel to her. When Queenie was six years old her mother sold her to another family. The family that she went to live with were unable to have children, so they welcomed her with open arms. They taught her many life lessons and loved her unconditionally. After the death of her new father, she was forced to go back to her childhood home to care for younger her brother and her sick mother. She and one of her sister remained close thru the years and she was able to help her sister when she needed it the most. You will enjoy reading this book if you enjoy books that are based off of stories passed down from generation to generation.
Queens of Norwich is a sweet story that is based off a true story. It shows the story of a woman that despite growing up in extreme poverty, she grew up determined to change the life into one with less struggles. Ellen’s life started out rough. She grew up in a home that was not fit for living. The house was full of mold and is probably what caused her mother to be sick. Her mother never seemed to love or cherish Queenie and was often downright cruel to her. When Queenie was six years old her mother sold her to another family. The family that she went to live with were unable to have children, so they welcomed her with open arms. They taught her many life lessons and loved her unconditionally. After the death of her new father, she was forced to go back to her childhood home to care for younger her brother and her sick mother. She and one of her sister remained close thru the years and she was able to help her sister when she needed it the most. You will enjoy reading this book if you enjoy books that are based off of stories passed down from generation to generation.
March 4, 2023
Yes! this was a book written for me!
There are quite some reviews here on GR which I would love to just copy and paste because they say what I totally agree with.
For example that Queenie jumps off the pages right away.. may it be in her "first" life, second or third - she was always vivid and so very likeable!
If I had to choose maybe I liked her second life the best. Henry and Julia are just wonderful. I must admit that I feared that there would be happening something really bad during their time together but thankfully it didn't happen. (Well, maybe except Henry's death).
I also found the description of life in the "yards" very interesting and sometimes horrifying. Just to think in which circumstances children had to grow up.
Her third life was a good ending to the story - and the icing on the cake was the whole book being based on a true story!
There are quite some reviews here on GR which I would love to just copy and paste because they say what I totally agree with.
For example that Queenie jumps off the pages right away.. may it be in her "first" life, second or third - she was always vivid and so very likeable!
If I had to choose maybe I liked her second life the best. Henry and Julia are just wonderful. I must admit that I feared that there would be happening something really bad during their time together but thankfully it didn't happen. (Well, maybe except Henry's death).
I also found the description of life in the "yards" very interesting and sometimes horrifying. Just to think in which circumstances children had to grow up.
Her third life was a good ending to the story - and the icing on the cake was the whole book being based on a true story!
Read
September 20, 2023I have marked this as recent-past, although it starts at the turn of the previous century, continuing on until the 1930s. I guess that could be counted as historical, but when you've known people who lived at that time, it seems strange to consign those stories to history. Realizing that I'm aging into a minority, I added historical.
This is here as a bookcrossing ring - I didn't really know what to expect, as I look into the books offered and then sign up for the ring or ray, but it's often months if not longer before they arrive in my hands. By then I've long since forgotten what I might have read about it.
So here I was stepping in blind. Little did I expect to discover more about the world of fair people and other lives as lived in factories, fields, tenements etc in the early 1900s.
A fascinating story with a strong heroine who it seems was a real person.
This is here as a bookcrossing ring - I didn't really know what to expect, as I look into the books offered and then sign up for the ring or ray, but it's often months if not longer before they arrive in my hands. By then I've long since forgotten what I might have read about it.
So here I was stepping in blind. Little did I expect to discover more about the world of fair people and other lives as lived in factories, fields, tenements etc in the early 1900s.
A fascinating story with a strong heroine who it seems was a real person.
June 21, 2023
A Really Heart Warming Story - Especially if you know Norwich!
It was like visiting the Norwich my Grandfather knew. He was born in 1902. He grew up in and around the same area as Queenie, but, fortunately, not in the Yards, but not far away, on the other side of the river. I was born in 1955, I can remember the fair in the 1950s/early 60s and Saturdays at the original cattle market as well as many of the other locations mentioned. Walking along St Giles everyday to work in an office on Prince of Wales Road. Queenie had a hard, hard life, but beat adversity and must have been a really interesting character to chat with. I look forward to reading another book by this author very soon!
It was like visiting the Norwich my Grandfather knew. He was born in 1902. He grew up in and around the same area as Queenie, but, fortunately, not in the Yards, but not far away, on the other side of the river. I was born in 1955, I can remember the fair in the 1950s/early 60s and Saturdays at the original cattle market as well as many of the other locations mentioned. Walking along St Giles everyday to work in an office on Prince of Wales Road. Queenie had a hard, hard life, but beat adversity and must have been a really interesting character to chat with. I look forward to reading another book by this author very soon!
April 21, 2024
Disappointing
This is the story of a girl who was born in the slums and was shown very little love. Her mother gives her away to a woman who offers her love and a much better life than she had before. The child, Ellen, grows up feisty and able to fend for herself. She ends up having a pretty nice life with all the amenities she had dreamt of while living in poverty. She has people she loves and who return that love. It is a story of triumph over adversity. Ellen, later known as Queenie, is a strong female character but the rest of the characters pale in comparison. The story loses direction and then has a very abrupt, lackluster ending. Seems like the author just ran out of ideas or lost interest in her own story.
This is the story of a girl who was born in the slums and was shown very little love. Her mother gives her away to a woman who offers her love and a much better life than she had before. The child, Ellen, grows up feisty and able to fend for herself. She ends up having a pretty nice life with all the amenities she had dreamt of while living in poverty. She has people she loves and who return that love. It is a story of triumph over adversity. Ellen, later known as Queenie, is a strong female character but the rest of the characters pale in comparison. The story loses direction and then has a very abrupt, lackluster ending. Seems like the author just ran out of ideas or lost interest in her own story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews