Three sisters in 1920s Bermondsey struggle to make ends meet and protect their mother from the violence of their father. Milly, the eldest, works in Southwells jam factory. Elsie dreams of a career on the stage, while little Amy runs wild with her friends on the streets. As summer draws to a close, they join the hop pickers in Kent for a short, blissful respite from a life of work and hardship. All three of the girls fear the terrible, unforgiving temper of their father, the old man, and their courageous attempts to protect their defenseless mother will have dramatic—sometimes disastrous—consequences for them all. From 1923, through the General Strike, this gripping saga is a wonderful second novel from the author of Custard Tarts and Broken Hearts.