- Hardcover: 448 pages
- Publisher: Headline Book Publishing; hardcover edition (2 Aug 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0755313178
- ISBN-13: 978-0755313174
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 16 x 4.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 592,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
'A superb evocation of the English South Coast in the 1950s-60s' -- West Australian 20041124 "A beautifully written and deeply moving memoir" -- Sunday Times 20040801
Product Description
Five-year-old Jimmy Rova is the unwanted child of a mother who rejects him, growing up among half-siblings who bully him. The one thing he can call his own is a pair of shoes, a present from the only person he feels has ever loved him. Only the arrival of his grandmother, and their move to a dilapidated house in the old fishing quarter of an east Kent coastal town -- where the warm-hearted community befriends Jimmy and shows him how to love and be loved -- reveals a way out. Based on his own remarkable childhood in south-east England after the Second World War and using all the skills that went into the creation of his modern classics Duncton Wood, Skallagrigg and The Willows in Winter, Horwood has created an inspiring story of childhood loss, personal survival and self-affirmation.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Difficult childhoods often make compulsive reading, but rarely, if ever, can an author have drawn out such vivid, compelling and moving episodes from an often wretched life with poetic sensitivity. William Horwood, or Jimmy as he calls himself here, is buffeted by cruel tides and cold, dark currents from pre-school days, as if cast out on the treacherous coastal waters which form the backdrop to the story. Yet, although he is imprisoned by a cast of brutal characters there are just enough compassionate people who reach out to him at each turn.
What sets this book apart is the quality of the writing and the quiet, powerful exploration of themes which affect us all. It is, quite simply, exceptional, and builds towards a chapter which is one of the most intensely gripping I have ever read.
Not to be missed.
What sets this book apart is the quality of the writing and the quiet, powerful exploration of themes which affect us all. It is, quite simply, exceptional, and builds towards a chapter which is one of the most intensely gripping I have ever read.
Not to be missed.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Just finished reading this book. Once opened you cannot put it down. It was a very moving book and the characters were so real you thought you knew them all personally. Wanted to finish the book to see what happened at the end but when it was finished was disappointed as the story had come to an end felt it could go on and on and felt as though I was missing my friends. Gave the book to some friends of mine and they thoroughly enjoyed it as well. A few tears were in the making. Reading Skallagrigg now and love this one also. Mr Horwood is a brilliant writer and I would love to read more in this style of writing.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
My step-daughter gave me the book as a christmas present because she thought 'it's the sort of book I would like!'. I started to read but at first thought that it might be too disturbing. I have not read any other books by Michael Horwood but that was not necessary as this was a memoir written as though it belonged to someone other than the author. This book reflects the affects that poor parenting can have on a child and in particular a child who does not know who his natural father is which leads to depression. The book takes on many twists and turns and is about his relationship with his grandmother, bullying, forming friendships which help make up for deficits in the boys childhood. I was really moved by the book and at times wondered how the author has managed to make a success of his life.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Memoir of a childhood past
Like so many other readers of this book, I think it is brilliant. I came across it in a Charity Shop and it looked appealing so I brought it, read it, and couldn't put it... Read more
Published on 30 May 2010 by Thelma Batchelor
A class above other childhood memoirs
There seems to be a glut of books about awful, abusive and neglectful childhoods just now, but, apart from 'Angela's Ashes', I can't think of one as haunting and well written as... Read more
Published on 13 Feb 2010 by John Williams
Good book
I first read this book as a talking book as I have a sight impaiment but wanted my wife to read it (she is normal). It was a really good story with a sort of happy ending
Published on 7 Nov 2009 by D. H. Hall
A Boy with no Shoes
Beautiful book which made me cry
Excellent condition book as promised plus it was delivered earlier than expected.
Excellent condition book as promised plus it was delivered earlier than expected.
Published on 22 Jun 2009 by D. J. Higgs
My Favourite writer
William Horwood has been a world class writer since the publication of Duncton Wood...almost 30 years ago. Read more
Published on 5 Jun 2009 by M. B. Kay
An enthralling memoir
I enjoy reading memoirs and this book had good reviews in the Sunday Times. It is a story of an unhappy childhood growing up in Deal in Kent. Read more
Published on 29 April 2009 by Dr. David A. Stopher
Incredible!
I don't normally review books as more often than not there are frustrating weaknesses or you sense the narrow appeal of what you've read. Neither can be said of this book. Read more
Published on 7 Oct 2008 by Mark J. Whiting
Nice reading
Very well written and a good story, the author is a very skilled writer taking you back and forth in a very orderly fashion, you don't find yourself skipping back or trying to... Read more
Published on 12 May 2008 by Rocknrollmommy
Extraordinary
The most important book I've ever read. The bravery in writing it is incredible. The boy's heart is laid out across the pages of this book. Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2008 by Malachie
Brilliantly narrated
Reading my way through this book was like walking through a hall of mirrors at a fairground. Every turn revealed a new reflection of an aspect of my own childhood. Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2008 by Lance Mitchell
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