I defy anyone to read this and not be charmed by Mary Ann, it's just impossible. The book is a story of hardship, as well as of family and most of all, about the love a little girl has for her father, who, despite his faults, will always be "a grand man" to her. And she'll let anyone know who tries to deny it, always there to defend him, even when it's her own mother and brother who may beg to differ at times.

This book could be called a British "Tree grows in Brooklyn", because it tells kind of the same story: an alcoholic father, a mother who works hard to keep the family together, a girl who loves her father and always sees the good in him when others have trouble with that, and of course, minor characters thrown in to keep things lively. The difference is, Catherine Cookson is less depressing than Betty Smith, Mary Ann is a lot more cheerful than the somber Francie, and there's enough laughter to make up for the sad parts. Also, Mike and Liz, despite all their troubles, really love each other, lack of money, his drinking, interference from others, and even going their separate ways for a time, never changes that. You know they belong together, which was not the case with Katie and Johnny, who never should have gotten together from the start. Also, while it's clear her "da" has a special place in her heart, that doesn't take away from Mary Ann's love for her "ma", and Liz loves both her daughter and son equally, whereas Francie knew she was second best and could never get close to Katie.

But enough comparisons. Just read the book, and then the next in the series, another winner. ( )