The Family from One End Street

The Family from One End Street talks about the every day life in the big, happy Ruggles family who live in the small town of Otwell. The father of the family is a dustman, and the mother works as a washerwoman. Because the family is not financially strong, their children do not have access to activities like others. This leaves them with time on their hands to carry out their adventures.
This book was a delight to read. The scenes are so evocative, and the children so perfectly drawn. It’s the classic story of life in a big, happy family! And with seven children, you know there won’t be a dull moment. Each chapter introduces you to a different child and narrates their adventures. From Lily Rose’s plans to assist her mother with the laundering, to the twin’s joining a “gang”, to baby William being entered in a baby contest, it has fun, twists, and laughs ahead for every age group.
There is a beauty and timelessness about the story. The writing captures the freedom and fears of childhood in an exceptional manner and conveys the strong sense of class boundaries which existed back then. The book is very well written and is definitely one of my top favorites.
I am very pleased I read this book and would highly recommend children above the age of 12 to give it a read for leisure.