An Imperilled Dream

Set in the nineteenth century, first in London and then in America, the story follows the adventures of Ellen. Only a child when she and her parents emigrate, she faces the trauma of her mother's death on board ship and her father's subsequent inability to cope. The story leads in unexpected directions with endearing, strong, female characters that help to instil in Ellen a resilience which guides her through some agonizing times. Her suffering is portrayed sensitively and is balanced...
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Set in the nineteenth century, first in London and then in America, the story follows the adventures of Ellen. Only a child when she and her parents emigrate, she faces the trauma of her mother's death on board ship and her father's subsequent inability to cope. The story leads in unexpected directions with endearing, strong, female characters that help to instil in Ellen a resilience which guides her through some agonizing times. Her suffering is portrayed sensitively and is balanced with humour, although some aspects of the story are brutal as it depicts the reality of life in the New World. However, the story is not a tragedy.The tale begins in 1868. Ellen, a 10 year old girl lives with her parents George and Belle, in abject poverty because every penny is saved for her parent's dream of a new life in America. Their voyage to America is a disaster. The vessel, an old sailing ship, is overcrowded with poor facilities. Belle, her mother, has an accident and dies before they reach their destination. Her burial at sea is a traumatic event for Ellen and her father, George. Father and daughter head for Ohio, homeless, jobless and penniless. They find temporary accommodation in a brothel, although initially, this trade is not evident. They live in an annex behind the whore house where they stay longer than intended because George, unable to let go his feelings of guilt over the death of his wife, becomes a drunk. Ellen on the other hand learns to suppress her feelings while trying to keep the dream alive in her mind. She cares for her father while emulating her mother's resolve for order and cleanliness. Ellen is devoid of friends of her own age because of the bigoted attitude of townsfolk about where she lives, which results in her being sheltered from the outside world. Peggy, the owner of the house is a strong character who develops an attachment to Ellen and undertakes responsibility for her since Ellen's father becomes increasingly incapacitated. The women in the house are colourful, outrageous and worldly. They tolerate George but they come to love Ellen. While they and Peggy strive to protect her from the seedy side of the business, there are others who would relish an opportunity to corrupt Ellen. When she develops into a pretty fifteen year old her father is murdered and Peggy too is killed before she is able to take Ellen to safety. Ellen suspects the menace around her and runs away which brings its own dangers, as she is now totally alone and unprotected. Changing her identity when she arrives in a new town provides an opportunity for her to establish a new life but alas, her lies bring more torment when her deceit is discovered. Ellen is a remarkably resilient girl and she faces more than any girl of her age should have to. However, her resilience does have limits! Her biggest fear is being sent back to England by boat which continues to haunt her. Her determination and tenacity belies her age and self -preservation becomes her driving force. Ellen becomes stronger, when out of necessity; she unwittingly harnesses the vivacity of the strong women around her who are evident throughout this tale.There are some extremely sad and sometimes brutal episodes but these are balanced with humour and insight to her strength and emotional development. It is a gritty story with some colourful, endearing characters. The story would suit a wide range of readers who enjoy strong characterisation and following the adventures of a heroine against an historical background.