*cue voice of movie voice over guy* Epic saga. Journey of one girl's struggle to survive against all of London's underbelly and still find love. (End voice-over). If you enjoyed Thornbirds (I did), Pillars of the Earth (I did), or even Les Miserables (I really did), then you will probably enjoy this long book. It was long, I will not lie, and there were many characters that were introduced during the entire book, making it sometimes confusing, but it guess that's real life.
Fiona's Irish family lives in London. They somewhat struggle to make ends meet, but they are content and happy, until Dad decides to start a Union league at the dock. Everything unravels, including the love of her life, Joe. And the entire backdrop is in the danger of Jack the Ripper. I honestly don't know what else to write at each 100 pages or so changes the direction of Fiona and I don't want to be that person who spoils it.
This is an invested read, but if you enjoy sagas, then this is a pretty good one. A little racy, so don't read it to your 5 year old.