The Upstart: A Novel

Catherine Cookson never fails to get you right into the story, as if you're living there with the characters. The Upstart is no different, it is a very powerful and down to earth story. Couldn't put it down.

Not her best.

Somewhat predictable. Nothing unusual about story line although it is dated and depicts life styles and mores of the day.Dee

One of the best things about Catherine Cooksons family saga novels is the way she points out the vast differences in person- ality that the children have. Siblings are usually more different than alike. Parents discover that not only do they sometimes not love their children, they often actively dislike them, and vice-versa.Cookson's novels aren't afraid to be brutally honest when it comes to the reality of the nuclear family. I find that quite refreshing.The Upstart is about surviving in the class system and the effects family members have on each other. Janet Fairbrother and Roger Maitland are the obvious good-guys to root for here, we're very happy for them when they finally come together. I found the concept of the perfect butler who's still very human quite interesting. The misguided workaholic Dad was also somewhat sympathetic. I didn't know what to make of Alice the mother though, her cruelty to Janet threw me.The wealthy have problems too, and Catherine Cookson tends to deal out an equal amount of unhappiness to her rich, middle- class and poor characters alike. This common touch graces her books with heart and believability.