| Description |
336 p. ; 20 cm. |
| Note |
"Aged thirteen, Martha is rescued by the courts from the clutches of her evil stepfather, Jackser, and her feckless mother, Sally. After numerous arrests for shoplifting, a judge rules that she is to be sent to a convent school with the instruction that she is to get an education. Her initial relief at escaping the abuse and neglect she suffered at home is, however, short-lived, as she soon realises that there are many forms of cruelty in this life. As she says, 'You can have a full belly, but your heart can be very empty.' Ostracised by the other children for being a 'street kid' and put to back-breaking work by the nuns, she leads a lonely existence, her only joy coming from the books she devours and her mischievous sense of humour. Desperate for love and a little place where she feels she belongs, despite all that she has suffered Martha retains her compassion for others and still continues to hope for a brighter future when she will be free to make her own way in life."--Publisher's description. |
| Subject |
Long, Martha.
|
|
Women -- Ireland -- Biography.
|
|
Poor -- Ireland -- Biography.
|
|
Families -- Ireland -- Biography.
|
|
Dublin (Ireland) -- Social life and customs -- 20th century.
|
|
Ireland -- Biography.
|
| ISBN |
9781845964498 |
|
1845964497 |
|
