Thursday Friend

Uncover a tale of hidden desires and quiet rebellion in Catherine Cookson's "Thursday Friend," a captivating family saga set against the backdrop of early 20th-century England. This New Edition paperback, published by Corgi in 2000, invites you into the seemingly idyllic, yet ultimately suffocating, marriage of Hannah and Humphrey Drayton. Beneath the veneer of respectability lies a deep well of unhappiness. Hannah, weary of her husband Humphrey's overbearing nature and emotional distance, feels trapped in a life devoid of genuine connection. Humphrey, a stuffy City broker, offers her little comfort or companionship, leaving her isolated and yearning for something more. Her only solace is found in the fleeting moments of freedom she experiences on Thursday evenings, when Humphrey routinely plays bridge, and during weekends supposedly spent visiting elderly relatives. These stolen moments offer a temporary escape from the stifling atmosphere of her marriage, a chance to breathe and contemplate a life beyond the gilded cage. But what does Humphrey *really* do during those Thursdays and weekends? The seeds of suspicion begin to sprout in Hannah's mind, adding another layer of complexity to her already strained relationship. Is Humphrey truly the man she believes him to be, or is he harboring secrets of his own? As Hannah's desperation grows, she begins to question the very foundations of her marriage and her role in society. Will she remain trapped in a loveless union, or will she find the courage to break free and forge her own path? "Thursday Friend" delves into the complexities of love, marriage, and social expectations, exploring the inner lives of women constrained by the conventions of their time. Catherine Cookson, a master storyteller renowned for her evocative prose and compelling characters, weaves a rich tapestry of emotion and intrigue in "Thursday Friend." With 380 pages of gripping narrative, this novel will transport you to a bygone era and leave you pondering the enduring power of the human spirit. This story is categorized into Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Family Saga, Contemporary, Romance, and Historical. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a classic tale of love, betrayal, and self-discovery from one of the world's most beloved authors. The ISBNs for this edition are ISBN-10: 055214438X and ISBN-13: 9780552144384.