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NOT ALL TARTS ARE APPLE by Pip Granger Poisoned Pen Press, October 2002 219 pages $24.95 ISBN: 1590580338 Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Pip Granger tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a 7 year old who lives over a working man's cafe, with her "Aunt" and "Uncle" with occasional visits from the "Perfumed Lady" who is a tart and a drunk. Lots of colorful characters people the Soho of coronation summer, 1953. There are Bert and Maggie who are the only parents Rosie has known, the aptly named local lawyer, Sharkey Finn, the volatile and protective Campanini clan from the delicatessen down the street, Madame Zelda, Paulette, another tart, and Mrs Wong, who helps at the caff.

This is the story of Rosie and how she comes to learn her true identity, which is a bit overwhelming for a child of 7. It all starts when Kathy Moon tells Rosie in the schoolyard "Your mother is a tart" Rosie bloodies Kathy's nose, and Aunt Maggie comes to school to stand up for her charge. Rosie goes through a period of uncertainty until Maggie and Bert realize that she worried about her identity and they get Cassie to sober up long enough to sign the child over to them.

Then Madame Zelda's ex-husband comes snooping, which leads to more adventures and to Rosie finally learning who her real family is. This isn't a mystery in the true sense however, it is more in the family saga school, and as such, is a welcome departure for Poisoned Pen Press.

Rosa is a very wise child and we see all the people and situations through her eyes but except for the mentions of the Coronation, bomb sites, and some food shortages, this could take place today in any of the working class sections of England. It's the same time period in which Andrew Taylor sets his Lydmouth series, but this shows life in the capital rather than in the provinces. Granger has a deft touch with characterization.

Not All Tarts are Apple is a first novel which won a couple of prestigious British literary prizes, and I'm sure there will be many out there who will find Rosa's life fascinating. If you are a fan of "Eastenders", just move the crowd from the Vic to the caff, and you'll have some idea of the atmosphere of this book.

Note: Published in paperback in the UK in March 2002. Cover shown is for the UK paperback.