Friends and Families

By Margaret Kaine

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Josie and Georgina live in the same street, but while Georgina is the only child of William, a rich builder, and lives in the ‘big house’, Josie lives with three older brothers in one of the small terrace houses owned by William. Despite this, the girls become fast friends, and this friendship survives even when Georgina is sent away to school.

When Georgina falls in love with Dominic, who abruptly deserts her, and Josie with Nick, who is only a market trader, and can’t give her the wealthy life she craves, their friendship sustains them.

The author brings to life with great skill the emotions of young girls growing up in the 1950s. She traces their very different teenage years, their studies, first jobs, and first loves, with unsentimental understanding. This is a compelling love story, set firmly in the Potteries, and Margaret Kaine moves with ease between the two different worlds. A cast of minor characters, each well-drawn, surround the girls. It’s a feel-good book.