Born illegitimate in north east England in 1944, John Fahey was sent to his father's parents in western Ireland. John's parents later married and brought back to England when he was nine, he was continually beaten and battered by his father, who called him a bastard, throughout his teenage years. Surviving on his memories of Ireland, his trust in his Catholic faith, the help of kind people and relatives, and his love of chemistry, John went through major crises, feeling lost and alone in 1960s England and Scotland, he took on challenges, fought back against despair, and struggled with his sexual identity under legal intolerance. But determined to find a better life he went to university and finally to America.
This is a story of surviving against the odds.
Review
Sometimes you come across a book so powerful the words jump off the page and lodge in your heart. I was spellbound by this book. It is an unflinching account of a boyhood filled with fear, violence, avoidance, and, as the author states, "daily apprehension."
Ireland becomes a magical, promised land as he experiences unconditional love and happiness while living there. The author's lyrical writing style is a joy to read. The early sections about Ireland read like a love letter and are particularly heartfelt. The information about his family living in a poor neighborhood, with little money for even basic necessities, is told in a matter-of-fact way. This book has earned nothing less than 4 out of 4 stars. The author's ability to rise above his harsh circumstances is truly inspiring and the writing is superb.
Taken from official review at onlinebookclub.org by Bookowlie.
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
|
A memoir of a boy growing to manhood.
|
