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: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 20 July 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, sought 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 assume the role of the primary caregiver for her younger siblings. Her dreams of education were temporarily put on hold as she faced the daunting challenge of providing for her family.

In the face of adversity, Saffie's resilience shone through. She took on the responsibility of caring for her siblings with unwavering determination, working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Despite the financial struggles and the emotional toll of losing her father and brother, Saffie remained steadfast in her pursuit of education. She sought out alternative learning opportunities, using whatever resources she could find to continue her studies.

With time, Saffie's hard work and perseverance paid off. She managed to secure a scholarship to a prestigious university, where she pursued her passion for teaching. Through her education, Saffie not only gained knowledge and skills but also became an inspiration to others in her community. She became a role model, showing that despite difficult circumstances, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve one's dreams.

Saffie's story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the support of loved ones. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of hardship, there is always hope for a better future. Saffie's journey teaches us that with hard work, perseverance, and the support of those who believe in us, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838773632