The Dwelling Place by Catherine Cookson

When fifteen-year-old Cissie Brodie loses her parents to cholera, she is forced out of the family cottage and left to raise her nine siblings alone. Although desperately poor, the strong-willed Cissie determines to build a new home for the Brodies. It is only a rough stone shelter, but to Cissie and her family it is enough to keep them from the workhouse.

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 This is a story which I thought I knew so well. It has been a staple in my television life for years. I have watched the televised drama of the book probably every time it has been shown on television since I was about 10. I am not sure what drew me to this story from such a young age but I have always loved it. I've been meaning to read the book for some time and was thrilled when I was finally able to get my hands on a copy.

Another reason I thoroughly enjoyed this book was the fact it was based in the North East of England where I was born and raised. As a young adult I also lived in both Newcastle and South Shields for many years and so I knew the names and places that were mentioned well. It was thrilling to read the book and be able to picture the streets mentioned in there current state; while also imagining them as they once were and how Cookson described them in the book. 

 The story follows Cissie as she attempts to keep her younger siblings from the workhouse after both her parents die suddenly. Cissie is little more than a child herself at fifteen years of age and yet she takes on such a mammoth task with real determination. Unable to stay in there current home she is left with no choice but to take the children  into the surrounding hills and live out in the open. The home she finds is little more than a cave and yet this strong willed young woman makes it work. The writing was very descriptive and really portrayed the cold, desolate weather and the utter isolation of the dwelling place.

Cissie is a remarkable character, independent, strong willed, kind, caring and compassionate. I truly love her in every way. Even during the hardest and cruelest moments she was able to hold her head high and remain strong. After a rape against her committed by an alleged nobleman and the subsequent birth of his child she showed amazing inner strength and bravery.  I enjoyed her determination against those richer and more powerful than she could ever dream of being. 

Overall it is an intricate story spanning many years - from Cissie at fifteen to well into her forties. It has many twists and turns and two very different love interests. It was a very engaging story which I really loved and would recommend to anyone who enjoys not only classics but also romance. 

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful story that really captivates the reader. I found it entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. The ending honestly shocked me and made me love the book all the more. A great read.