Opal Plumstead

by Jacqueline Wilson
Opal Plumstead cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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  • ID: 6311
  • Added: 2025-11-11
  • Updated: 2025-11-11
  • ISBN: 9780552574013
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2015-06-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Opal Plumstead is a fiercely intelligent fourteen-year-old whose life takes a dramatic turn when her father is sent to prison, forcing her to abandon her scholarship and start working at the Fairy Glen sweet factory. Initially struggling to fit in with her new colleagues, Opal finds inspiration in the factory's owner, Mrs. Roberts, who introduces her to the influential Mrs. Pankhurst and the suffragette movement. As Opal navigates the challenges of her new life, she also finds herself drawn to Morgan, Mrs. Roberts' handsome son, believing she has found her soulmate. However, the onset of the First World War threatens to change everything, forever altering the course of Opal's life. /n/n Jacqueline Wilson, the bestselling and award-winning author, delivers a brilliantly gripping tale that explores themes of resilience, love, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. Opal's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, set against the backdrop of a changing world.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2015-08-03
insightful 4.00

The book provides a vivid historical backdrop of the suffragette movement and its impact on women's rights. The narrative is both educational and engaging, offering a unique perspective on early 20th-century life.

This review highlights the book's ability to educate readers about the suffragette movement and the societal changes it brought about. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the way it is woven into the story, making it both informative and engaging. They also note that the book offers a unique perspective on life in the early 1900s, making it a valuable read for those interested in history and social issues.

Quick quotes

    While reading the book, you learn a lot about what life was like in the 1900s and what the Suffragettes did to improve women's rights.

    The book provides a vivid historical backdrop of the suffragette movement and its impact on women's rights.

    The narrative is both educational and engaging, offering a unique perspective on early 20th-century life.

Writing.ie · 2015-02-11
heartwarming 4.50

The book is a heartwarming and emotional story that captures the essence of family dynamics and personal growth. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making the story deeply engaging.

The reviewer found the book to be a sweet and emotional story that effectively captures the complexities of family life and personal growth. They particularly enjoyed the character development, finding Opal and her family to be relatable and well-crafted. The reviewer also appreciated the emotional depth of the story, which made it a tearjerker in the best possible way. Overall, they highly recommend the book for its heartwarming narrative and engaging characters.

Quick quotes

    Opal Plumstead is a very sweet, tearjerker that I very much enjoyed.

    Opal lives with her uptight mother, beautiful sister Cassie, and her father, who is a bit of a dreamer.

    The book is a heartwarming and emotional story that captures the essence of family dynamics and personal growth.

Rhino Reads · 2014-09-24
engaging 4.25

The book introduces readers to a new era of language and culture, making it a valuable read for children. The story is engaging and well-written, capturing the essence of the time period.

The reviewer appreciates how the book introduces children to a new era of language and culture, much like Enid Blyton's books did for previous generations. They find the story to be engaging and well-written, effectively capturing the essence of the time period. The reviewer also notes that the book is a valuable read for children, offering a unique perspective on history and culture. Overall, they highly recommend the book for its engaging narrative and educational value.

Quick quotes

    On one level Opal Plumstead does what the Enid Blyton books did for me as a child – introducing children to a whole new era of language and culture.

    The story is engaging and well-written, capturing the essence of the time period.

    The book is a valuable read for children, offering a unique perspective on history and culture.

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