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poverty, family, survival, history, desperation, childhood innocence, class struggle, resilience, identity
In 1836 London, 10-year-old Ettie lives in a one-room packhouse with her mother and older brother, Joe. After her father died and they lost his income, Ettie and her family were forced to move to a smaller house. Ettie and her mum work over 12 hours a day sewing and repairing clothing. Joe works for a man named Mr Blake, and he is not happy about their living situation. On Ettie's 10th birthday, Joe brings her a biscuit. Their mother asks where he got the money, and Joe says his boss gave him some extra income. However, when their mother praises Mr Blake, Joe angrily reveals that Mr Blake beat him and fired him a week ago. After being pressed about where he got the money, Joe storms out, and they don't see him for five months. In that time, Ettie's mother dies. Ettie thinks she will have to go to the workhouse but instead decides to sleep in a bush and make money as a street sweeper. Unfortunately, the rich don't pay street sweepers well, and Ettie is at a loss when she finds Joe. However, Joe's new job might not be the solution Ettie hoped for. A sweet story about desperation and the impact of history.
