The Family from One End Street

The ten stories of "The Family from One End Street" (1937) shine like pearls on a strand. Each one, at its core, has the roughness of the simple life to which Eve Garnett adds layers of detail, humor, adventure and joy. Julia Eccleshare says in her introduction (Puffin Modern Classics, 2004) that the author "wanted to give ordinary children from the poorer areas of London some stories which reflected their own way of life." Perhaps, the children did see their own lives reflected in the luster of these lovingly crafted stories. The Christenings - The family is introduced. Mrs. Rosie Ruggles is a Washerwoman who runs the "Ideal Laundry." Her husband is Mr. Josiah "Jo" Ruggles, a Dustman. Their children, by age, are Lily Rose, Kate, the twins James and John, Jo, Peg and William. Lily Rose and the Green Silk Petticoat - Lily Rose's good deed is surprising her mother by ironing the customers' wash. But, alas, she presses a too-hot iron on an artificial dress silk and it becomes a doll's petticoat. Will Mrs. Beaseley, customer, be very cross? Kate is Eleven-Plus - and Minus! - Kate is the brain in the family and she wins a scholarship for Otwell Central School. She receives school clothes from an unexpected source, gets invited to a picnic at the beach and loses her school hat. Will she start the year with her looking very different from everyone at school? The Gang of the Black Hand - James (Jim) longs to see the world and have adventures like his comic book heroes. His adventures begin in an old lime kiln towards the river, but where will it end? The Adventure of the Parked Car - John looks for adventure at a parking lot and comes home in the evening with a box of eggs, some cakes and an amazing scout knife! Will this impress the Gang of the Black Hand? The Baby Show - William, the Ruggles know, is the best baby in Otwell. But will the Judges at the Otwell Feat agree? Adventure in a Cinema - Jo Jr. is a film buff, when it comes to Mickey Mouse. For the first time, the Majestic Cinema will be showing colored pictures but Jo doesn't have four pence for entrance. Will he have to wait another couple of weeks to earn money and see the next one? What Mr. Ruggles Found - Mr. Ruggles, dustman, finds a huge sum of money in the garbage. It's more than enough for his family's long-dreamed-of trip to London for a holiday. Should he present it to the police and if he does, will he get a reward? Cart Horse Parade - The Ruggles visit Mr. Ruggles brother and get a ride on the cart of his prize-winning horse. The children raise a ruckus at the park, ending with an upset boat and Peg being caught by a policeman. The Perfect Day - The Ruggles family end the perfect day at a Posh Tea Shop for posh icecream sundaes and a live orchestra.

I can't believe this book is no longer in print! Its a wonderful book about the Rugggles, a poor family with many children, yet so rich in love. Each chapter focuses on different kids and all the scrapes they get up to. It takes you back a time when life was much simpler and the littlest things brought the greatest joy.