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June 10, 2008 11:33 AM

HELEN'S HEROINES: Leah Pilgrim

This weeks heroine is an understated, unassuming kind of heroine. I am sure if she were told she was a heroine she would laugh it off with disbelief. She appears in Lisa Jewell's novel, 31 Dream Street, a wonderfully warm story, filled with magic and romance.

Leah lives across the road to Toby, whose house is filled with waifs and strays. Leah often finds herself staring out of the window wondering about all the characters that live there. She has named them all. Young Skinny Guy, Old Skinny Guy, the Teenager, the Girl with the Guitar, the Air Hostess and Sybil. When she has the chance to help out Young Skinny Guy, who turns out to be Toby, she does so, and actually ends up saving him. Literally and metaphorically. Yup, the heroine of the story saves the hero. Not, the other way round.

She has the intelligence to see where her relationship with Amitabh is going. She is insightful into people's characters, is sensitive, and thoughtful. She is go-getting and unwilling to be defeated. I really, really wanted to be her.

Leah is such a great character, she appears so normal with a special spark, just like every one of us. If you don't know what I mean, read the book. It is out now in paperback.

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Posted by Helen Redfern on June 10, 2008 in British Authors, Helen's Heroines | Permalink

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