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Whose Turn for the Stairs?

By Robert Douglas
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4.38 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 357 ratings, 19 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Whose Turn for the Stairs? by Robert Douglas is a heartwarming and poignant tale set in post-war Glasgow, focusing on the everyday lives of a diverse group of residents sharing a tenement building. Through their interactions and individual struggles, the novel explores themes of community, resilience, and change, painting a vivid picture of life in Scotland during the era.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in heartwarming stories exploring family dynamics and life's challenges in a mid-20th century working-class setting. The narrative offers poignant reflections and rich character development that brings an authentic portrayal of resilience amid social intricacies. Fans of nostalgic, character-driven fiction will likely find this book captivating.

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A tale of family, community and strength of spirit

A tale of family, community and strength of spirit

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This is an utterly charming story about twelve families and their tightly knit street in 1950s Maryhill. Following the end of the war, the close rebuilds its ties, and the strong sense of community and friendly neighbourhood bonds are soon back in place.

There is young love for Rhea and Robert; a surprising new start for James; a change of direction for George; and all overseen by the matriarch of the street - Granny Thomson. And of course, all buoyed up by a big helping of Scottish humour and strength of spirit.

Yet, it is not all perfect in their world: the families have to deal with poverty, religious bigotry, racism, heartbreak, lies, violence, and death.

But the powerful friendships cannot ultimately be broken. In Robert Douglas's first novel, he recreates a time and place particular to Glasgow but to which everyone will relate.

Whose Turn for the Stairs? is a story filled with both highs and lows, perfectly capturing the essence of a community resilient in the face of adversity.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Whose Turn for the Stairs? by Robert Douglas is lauded for its beautifully drawn characters that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The novel's simple and charming prose effectively captures the essence of life during the Forties and Fifties, resonating with readers familiar with that era. Its vivid depiction of the period's hardships, balanced by an abundance of humour, provides warmth akin to the comfort of a hot water bottle.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780755318926

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 March 2010

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hachette Books Scotland

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 27.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 298g

Pages: 416

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Robert Douglas

About the Author

Robert Douglas retired, aged fifty-five, in 1994. He intended to paint, write short stories and lie about the house watching old films. A one-off article he wrote about six weeks spent with a condemned man in Bristol prison led to him being told 'You should write.'

So he did, and became a bestselling author. He hasn't painted for years.

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