Harrow Road
A historical novel of survival, poverty, resilience, and hope in Victorian London.
Set in 19th-century London and based on true events, Harrow Road follows Annie Elizabeth Taylor, a deserted wife and mother of three who is forced into the Paddington Union Workhouse after being abandoned by her husband.
At a time when poor women had few rights, fewer choices, and almost no safety net, Annie must learn how to survive a system designed to strip people of dignity — while holding onto her humanity, her children, and the possibility of a better future.
Finalist — National Indie Excellence Awards
Based on true events
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Description
In December 1879, Annie Taylor is deserted by her husband and left to care for her three children alone. With nowhere else to turn, she enters the Paddington Union Workhouse on Harrow Road — a place where every part of life is controlled by bells, uniforms, silence, separation, and shame.
Inside the workhouse, Annie is separated from her daughters, stripped, bathed, assigned a uniform, and put to work in the laundry. The conditions are harsh, the rules unforgiving, and the smallest act of defiance can bring punishment.
But even in the “Bastille,” as the workhouse is called, Annie finds moments of friendship, endurance, and unexpected connection. The women around her carry their own stories of loss, ambition, regret, and survival. Through them, Annie begins to understand that hope can exist even in the most brutal circumstances.
Told through Annie’s present struggle and the backstories of those connected to her, Harrow Road explores poverty, motherhood, abandonment, class, institutional cruelty, and the quiet forms of courage that rarely make it into history books.
About the Story
A novel inspired by real lives
Harrow Road is based on true events and brings to life the experience of women and children caught in the Victorian workhouse system. Margie Taylor draws on historical detail to create a vivid portrait of London’s poor in the late 19th century — from the slums of Marylebone to the harsh routines of the Paddington workhouse.
The story also follows Edith, who dreams of the stage, and Edward, who grows up in a home for orphans before emigrating to Quebec as one of Canada’s “home children.”
Reader Praise
I’d make the testimonials a major section, not an afterthought.
“Highly recommend Margie’s book. Amazing story of Annie’s resilience and a haunting page-turner glimpse of London in 19th century. A classic.”
“The historical detail was amazing. The whole book sang to me. I stayed up late reading and reading.”
— Joan B.
“What a captivating and painful story! I found myself being pulled into it… I truly was hooked and couldn’t wait to get back to it.”
— Karin T.
“Wonderful story. You really did a lot of research and as a reader I am grateful as I did learn things about those times I sure didn’t know.”
— Marg W.
About the Author
Margie Taylor is the author of Rose Addams, Harrow Road, Displaced Persons, Some of Skippy’s Blues, and 60 Is the New 20. Her background includes work as a CBC Radio host and producer on regional and national programs, and her articles have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Calgary Herald, and Active Adult. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Guelph.
That section matters because it strengthens both book sales and her editorial services credibility.
Discover the story of Annie Taylor
A moving historical novel about poverty, motherhood, survival, and hope in Victorian London.
Buy Harrow Road on Amazon