The fortune maker by Catherine Norton

I was quickly enthralled by this exciting story of Maude Mulligan. She and her father are barely surviving in 1913 London. They live in a squalid flat which is sinking into the Thames bog. Her father is killed in an accident at his work on the docks and things become even more grim for Maude. Maude picks up a yellow ribbon that falls from the hair of a wealthy girl called Eleanor and Maude’s life changes. It becomes a mystery as to why Eleanor’s mother and the villainous manager of their failing family business are so keen to capture Maude. The villains pursue her and are nearly successful in catching her on several occasions but luckily Maude escapes. She is cared for and helped by some young politically active suffragists. To Maude’s surprise Eleanor gets involved in trying to uncover the mystery and the two girls travel to Manchester. Enriching the plot is the way Maude keeps experiencing unsettling, strange visions. It transpires that she is a seer and can foretell the future. A skill that is both a curse and a blessing.

Catherine Norton successfully creates a grimy, grotty London prior to World War 1. The suffragettes, precarious unsafe working conditions and poverty add authenticity to this historical fiction. Through Eleanor’s point of view the reader understands the frustration of a girl whose interest in science and learning is considered ridiculous. And from Maude’s point of view, we also learn about Maude’s precarious existence and poor conditions for the working class. There is considerable foreboding about World War I in her visions. I was intrigued by the popular phenomena of the time where people of all backgrounds believed in fortune telling. Fortunately, the story has lighter moments and Maude is a strong heroic character unflinching in her risk taking and positive, despite her many years of hardship. It finishes with an ending suitable for a sequel. I was reminded of a past CBCA Book of the Year winner by Catherine Jinks called A Very Unusual Pursuit which was also a successful blend of historical fiction and fantasy.

Themes: Fortune-telling, Women's suffrage, worker's rights, risk taking, bravery.

Jo Marshall