The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown

By Elizabeth Laird

A mysterious inheritance disrupts Charity's sheltered life, inviting strangers and misunderstandings into her world.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 105 ratings

352 pages

$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Charity Brown's world shifts when her family inherits a sprawling house and invites strangers to live with them. Recently recovered from polio, Charity is both eager and anxious about this new chapter. Her religious family, including siblings Faith, Hope, and Ted, adds to the complexity. As they welcome an Austrian family with a daughter her age, Charity navigates a maze of misunderstandings and budding friendships. Will this new life bring the joy she craves or more confusion? Discover the challenges and surprises that await in this heartwarming coming-of-age tale.

From the publisher

“An atmospheric tale told in sparkling prose.” Kirkus Starred Review “A novel that is at once entertaining and thought-provoking.” Publishers WeeklyInspired by award-winning author’s Elizabeth Laird’s own childhood growing up in post-war London, The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown is a classic coming-of-age story, perfect for fans of The Skylarks’ War and I Capture the Castle. Charity Brown’s life is about to change - her family have been left a huge, rambling house by a mysterious benefactor, and her parents want to move in and throw open its doors to the needy. Only recently back from hospital after months of isolation with polio, Charity is over-protected and lonely as the only child still at home. Her family are very religious - her sisters are called Faith and Hope, and her brother Ted is studying to be a preacher - so she’s both excited and nervous at the thought of sharing her family and new home with strangers. It’s a recipe for confusion, joy and endless misunderstandings, including with the new neighbours, an Austrian family with a daughter just Charity’s age . . .

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