Introduction
The character, Doris, is introduced as a lost and tragic vagabond on the streets of London where her misfortune is to become ill and be taken to hospital by her new found friend, who then tells the story of the life that brought her to that point.
Dorothy’s, as Doris is better known throughout the book, story encompasses the trauma of World War II, as a caring Queen Alexandra Military Nurse, her romance amongst the glamour of renaissance Florence, Italy and the tragedy of becoming a homeless vagabond on the streets of London; all new and alien environments for a doctor's daughter brought up in a comfortable home in Bath, England.
Anzio, Italy, 1944. Allied forces storm the front line, while fighters patrol the skies, keeping Germany’s Luftwaffe at bay. Queen Alexandra nurses tend to wounded soldiers as the air raid siren wails and prepares the field hospital for another attack.
Florence, 1945. Through the restaurant window a handsome Italian and abeautiful British nurse sit hand in hand across the table. It is easy to see they are in love.
London, 1966. Two lonely vagabonds huddle in a shop doorway, shielding themselves from pounding rain and relying on each other for warmth.
The story of Dog Dirt Doris is a fictitious representation of a life that, as with all lives, should not be judged on the merits of circumstance or the surroundings in which the person is first encountered, but by the complete understanding and quality of that person, if it should then be judged at all.
Read the story behind the story.....
where both pictures and text give a greater insight into the places and events mentioned throughout the book and will enhance your enjoyment of this brilliant and moving story.
Take your time to wander through Renaissance Florence and the ancient Scottish village of Inveraray, nestled on the shore of Loch Fyne. Visit the war ravaged beaches of Anzio and the streets of London, home to vagrants and vagabonds.
And remember the men and women who gave their life to ‘do their bit.’
