Saturday's Child

Born with Nothing. Fighting for Everything.

Saturday’s Child by Ruth Hamilton, published by Pan Books in 2012, is a powerful and moving saga set in the tough, working-class streets of mid-20th-century northern England. Known for her rich storytelling and unforgettable characters, Hamilton weaves a tale of hardship, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Kathleen "Kay" Chatterton was born on a Saturday—said to be the day for hard work—and life has done little to prove otherwise. Raised in poverty in a gritty Lancashire town, Kay has known struggle from an early age. But with strength and determination running through her veins, she refuses to let her circumstances define her future.

Surrounded by colourful neighbours, loyal friends, and a family that is as troubled as it is loving, Kay finds joy and heartbreak in equal measure. As she battles betrayal, loss, and unexpected challenges, she discovers that sometimes the greatest strength comes from within—and that love, when it arrives, can be both healing and life-changing.

Saturday’s Child is an inspiring and heartfelt story about overcoming the odds, embracing hope, and finding your place in the world. Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Annie Murray, this is Ruth Hamilton at her very best.