Book Review: Prize Possessions

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Prize Possessions    
Jessica Stirling
Class/Genre:   Romance   Fiction   Historical
St. Martin’s, Jul 2001, $6.50, 256 pp.

Her husband probably died during World War I though officially he is listed as missing in action. For the last decade or so, Liz Conway has raised her three precious daughters by herself. Being a single mother is hard enough, but Liz also owes a lot of money, the debt being the inheritance from her missing spouse.

Liz gives up her life sacrificing everything so that her three children can begin the climb out of poverty. Somehow love blossoms with Bernard Peabody even if Liz is reluctant to allow her heart to call the shots at least until she knows her three darlings are happily settled. Still, the girls follow her lead as they too begin to fall in love with what Liz prays are responsible caring men.

Though there is some romance in PRIZED POSSESSIONS, the story line focuses on life in Glasgow during the Great depression. Much of the moving plot occurs in slums teeming with abject poverty and hopelessness. Against that backdrop, Liz manages to keep her beloved family safe and secure. She is a heroine in her quiet way, which is why historical fiction fans will have a field day with this leisurely drawn character study of 1930s Glasgow.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner