Andrea Ashworth's father died when she was five leaving her, her three-year-old sister and mother to fend for themselves. A succession of stepfathers, some violent and an itinerant life of poverty were her lot but reading was her escape route out of misery.
Awards
Winner of Somerset Maugham Award 1999 and Somerset Maugham Awards 1999. Shortlisted for Portico Prize 2000.
