A Lesson Learned: The new heartwarming novel from Sunday Times bestseller Rosie Goodwin

Saffie Doyle grew up on a canal boat with her mother, Olivia, who was cast out by her well-to-do family for falling in love with her father, Reuben. Reuben has become a bitter and cruel drunk, forcing Saffie to work for Seth Black to keep their family afloat. Saffie always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but Olivia was unable to introduce her to a childhood friend, Marcus, who runs a free school for local children. When Saffie's brother and father go out on a job with Seth Black, they never return home, forcing Saffie to place her dreams on hold and look after her family.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Zaffre

Growing up on a canal boat has been a challenging experience for young Saffie Doyle. Her mother, Olivia, faced rejection from her well-to-do family when she fell in love with Saffie's father, a lowly boatman named Reuben. Over time, Reuben's life took a downward turn as he became an abusive and alcoholic, forced to work for the local crook, Seth Black, to maintain their family's survival. Despite her father's discouragement, Saffie had a burning desire to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Olivia, driven by her love and determination, aimed to introduce Saffie to a childhood friend, Marcus, a kind-hearted and wealthy individual who operated a free school for the local children. However, when Olivia fell ill, her plans were disrupted, leaving Saffie to shoulder the responsibility of caring for her family.

One tragic night, Saffie's 17-year-old brother and her father embarked on a job with Seth Black, never to return. Saffie was left to pick up the pieces and face the daunting challenge of being the sole caregiver for her younger siblings. As she took on this responsibility, Saffie's dreams were temporarily put on hold. However, she remained steadfast in her determination to create a better future for herself and her family.

With her siblings relying on her, Saffie faced numerous obstacles and setbacks. She worked tirelessly to provide for them, taking on odd jobs and doing whatever it took to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, Saffie never lost sight of her aspirations. She continued to study and learn, using every opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills.

As the years passed, Saffie's hard work and resilience paid off. She graduated from high school with top honors, earning a scholarship to a prestigious university. With her education behind her, Saffie was able to secure a teaching position at a local school, fulfilling her lifelong dream.

Through her journey, Saffie learned the true meaning of strength, resilience, and perseverance. She had faced countless challenges and setbacks, but she had never given up on her dreams. Her determination and unwavering spirit had helped her overcome adversity and achieve success.

Saffie's story is a testament to the power of education and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. It reminds us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we have the power to shape our own futures and create a better life for ourselves and those around us.

Weight: 702g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838773625