When Dreams Come True

"When Dreams Come True" begins on a sad note when Brian McKenzie, the head gardener on a Scottish west coast estate, finds himself unemployed. After finding a job as gardener at Glasgow Green, he must move his wife and 3 daughters to a tenement in the Bridgeton section of Glasgow. But from day one of their arrival, the McKenzies find warmth and friendship among the residents of their Bridgeton close. The story centers on Norma, the oldest daughter, as she and neighbor, Midge Henderson, develop their ballroom dancing talents to the point of becoming the sweethearts of the Glasgow dance hall scene. Heartbroken when Midge deserts her, indefatigable Norma trains as a radio specialist with the allied forces during World War II. On an overseas mission, Norma falls in love with a fellow Scot. But, on their return to Glasgow, the class distinction so prevalent in those years threatens to split them apart. The analysis of characters and the value systems of the tenement areas of Glasgow make this book one you will be loathe to see end. All Glaswegians will be proud to know that out of the grime of Bridgeton a colourful panorama has been painted by Emma Blair.