Subject: Women singers -- England -- London -- Fiction (Keywords)

Gifted with a beautiful soprano voice, young Clemency Skinner is forced to work as a pickpocket in order to support her crippled brother, Jack. Their feckless mother, Edith, has fallen into the clutches of an unscrupulous pimp, whose evil presence threatens their daily existence.

Maja Carmen Carrera was only five years old when her black Cuban family emigrated to London. Now the 20-year-old jazz singer is caught between cultures, struggling to negotiate her history.

Maja Carmen Carrera was only five years old when her black Cuban family emigrated to London. Now the 20-year-old jazz singer is caught between cultures, struggling to negotiate her history.