Review: Martha's Journey By Maureen Lee

Print Length: 301 pages
ISBN: 075287666X
Publisher: Orion
Publication Date: April 1, 2010
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
Language: English

A powerful First World War story of a woman's quest for justice, from the bestselling author of NOTHING LASTS FOREVER and THE LEAVING OF LIVERPOOL.

Liverpool 1915. Martha Rossi lives in a tenement with her husband and their five children. Despite working all the hours she can, the family don't have much to get by on. When Martha's fourteen-year-old son, Joe, proudly enlists to fight for his country just to earn his mother an extra shilling, Martha is horrified. She realises the government is turning a blind eye to the scores of young boys who are joining the army. Despite her pleas and protests, Joe is dispatched to France within weeks.

Unbeknown to them all, Joe's act of selfless heroism will have huge implications for Martha and all the family. As the dreaded telegrams begin to arrive from the front in France, mothers' hearts are broken across the country. Spurred on by grief of her own, Martha Rossi begins a quest that will take her right to the doors of No. 10 Downing Street. Martha's journey there will be a tough one, but with courage and the support of her friends and family, it will be the most important undertaking of her life.

My Thoughts:

In Maureen Lee's novel, Martha's Journey, the character, Martha Rossi, and her unwavering devotion and determination will remain within your heart long after the last page has been read!  Burdened with the responsibility of being the sole wage earner in the midst of poverty and caring for her children, Martha Rossi's life is anything but easy.  However, she wouldn't change any aspect of her life if she could just have her son, Joe, home safe and sound. Martha proves there is no greater strength than a mother's love for her children.  Although his intentions were admirable, Joe quickly finds himself face to face with the ugliness of war that no one should ever have to bear witness to, especially not a fourteen year old boy from Liverpool.  Filled with tragedy, triumph, and a cast of characters that will quickly find a way into your heart, Martha's Journey, is sure to appeal to any reader. I was quickly pulled into this book and found it difficult to put it aside...and of course, a box of tissue was close at hand!  Maureen Lee is a truly gifted storyteller and one that I look forward to reading more from in the very near future. FIVE stars.