Black Velvet Gown

By Catherine Cookson

Book Overview

There would be times when Riah Millican came to regret that her husband had learned to read and write, and then shared his knowledge with her and their children. For this was Durham in the 1830's,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0552124737
• ISBN13: 9780552124737
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Bantam Uk
• Length: 475 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Somber but So Readable!!

I love Catherine Cookson and found this book to be just as enchanting and enjoyable as her others. She is such a wonderful storyteller and this story, though somewhat dark, is comparable to the other books of hers. Poor Riah with so much of the world on her shoulders, is a memorable character indeed. As in most of Catherine Cookson's books, this you will want to save to your bookshelf!

pleasantly surprising

I picked this book up for 50 cents at a library used book sale. I read it on a whim and was so enchanted with it, i couldn't put it down until finished. I found myself at work, wondering about what would happend to Riah when I got home and started to read it again. The story: Recently widowed Riah picks up her four children in search of work in the 1830's. She finds herself housekeeper and caretaker to an eccentric single master. He teaches her four children, not only to read, but all the classical learning well above their class level. It brings more trouble..... i don't want to give away the story, but i didn't think all that happened in the 1830's. Catherine Cookson made me believe. Definitely a good read.... a little sappy because i guess eveything kind of ends for the most part happily.