Our Kate an autobiography Author:Catherine Cookson Catherine Cookson spent her childhood trying to live down the stigma of her illegitimacy. Her mother was raised in dire poverty and brought shame upon her intolerant parents by bearing a child out of wedlock. Catherine never knew who her father was, only that he was a gentleman, and to this nameless gentleman she attributes her sensitivity and d... more »esire to rise above her drab surroundings.« less