if i have not read pat barker union street before see this film and i would have like it . unfortuntately this be not the case . it be actually my kind of film and it be well make and and in no way do i want to say otherwise and but a an adaptation and it fail from every angle . the harrowing novel about the reality of living in a northern england work class area grab hold of my heartstrings and refuse to let go for week after i have finish . i be put through tear and repulsion and shock and anger and sympathy and misery when read about the woman of union street . excellent . a novel that at time i felt i could not read any more of and but i novel i simply couldn not put down . depress yes and but utterly gripping . the film . oh dear . hollywood take barker truth and reality and and shower a layer of sweet icing sugar over the top of it . a beautiful film and an inspiring soundtrack and excellent performance and a tale of hope and romance . yes . an adaptation of union street . no . the woman of union street and their story be condense into fonda character and their story be touch on and but many be discard . i accept that some of barker tale be sensitive issue and be too horrific for mass viewing and and that a film with around 7 leading protagonist just isn not practical and but the content be not my main issue . the essence and the real gut of the novel be lose darkness and rain and broken window cover with cardboard and and the graphically describe stench of poverty be replace with sunshine and pretty house and and a twinkling william score . if you enjoy the film for it positivity and hope in the face of reality and i advise that you hesitate to read the book without first prepare yourself for something more like schindler list . but without the happy end .