Amelia

Review
'This is the first book about Amelia Pim, a wilful, intelligent, resilient
character with real capacity for growth and moral strength.' -- The Big Guide
to Irish Children's Books 'Amelia gives a tremendous insight into the way
things were for the well off and the not quite so well off. It presents clearly
the difficulties that arise when one is suddenly thrown into a new situation.
But Amelia learns fast. A well-written and sensitive story.' -- Books Ireland
Books Ireland 'A very substantial novel set in the Dublin south of 1914,
encompassing the place of the Quakers in the society of the time, the imminence
of war, the manner in which people can be dropped when their fortunes diminish,
and the resoluteness of the main character, young Amelia Pim, in the face of
adversity.' -- Sunday Press 'Parkinson's greatest achievement ... other than
her ability to create credible characters and to tell a well paced story ... is
to provide, as backcloth, a portrait of an era in Irish social life when all
former certainties are under threat.' -- Children's Books in Ireland Children's
Books in Ireland

The year is 1914 and Amelia Pim will soon be thirteen. There are rumours of
war and rebellion, and Dublin is holding its breath for major, dramatic events.
But all that matters to Amelia is what she will wear to her birthday party and
how she can be the envy of her friends. But where are Amelia's friends when
disaster strikes her family? Now that the Pims have come down in the world,
what use will Amelia have for a shimmering emerald-green dress? When Mama's
political activities bring the final disgrace, it is Amelia who must hold the
family together. Only the friendship of the servant girl Mary Ann seems to
promise any hope."