While this is a memoir it is definitely not boring or dry. Often a memoir is about some latter day politician claiming had he not been cheated would have become a great leader. This is a story about real people in the real world and I guarantee you will find it very hard to put down. The story opens as I leave Belfast at the age of sixteen to join the Royal Navy. Crossing the Irish Sea I think back to where it all began
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How my parents meet marry and raise six children through two world wars and abject poverty. Losing our mother on Boxing day 1939 when I'm just eleven months old. Surviving the blitz of Belfast in 1941. Taken by my eldest sister first to Scotland and later London. Adopted by Lily and her naval husband, we lost everything in a V1 rocket hit in 1944. I come of age living in a variety of places in post war England. Resentment grows as I struggle to regain my own identity and return to my Belfast home and family. This is a story of pain and sadness, courage and humour.
Excerpt
Page 68
Incredibly our clock, which had been on the mantlepiece was still keeping time ticking in a pile of rubble. Ceiling plaster had fallen in on the kitchen coating everything in a film of white powdery dust. In the bedrooms daylight flooded through the rafters where few slates remained.A passing air raid warden told of a direct hit on a Percy Street shelter where some sixty souls had died instantly
Professional Reviews
Editor HMS Ganges Gazette
When Fred Rodgers contacted me to review his book, I was a bit sceptical when he said it wasn't about the Royal Navy, but his life leading up to joining Ganges in 1955. I wondered if it would be of interest to our members. However I said I would and I did and thoroughly enjoyed it.Why? because I think that whereas Fred's boyhood was certainly different to my own, we grew up in the same era 1940's-1950's and I could relate to his description of living during that period, doodlebugs,schooling,father returning from the war etc. This is an excellent read and a social history of the times and I recommend it.
Libby Gaucher-Freelance
Art is the expression of emotion that elicits emotion! You certainly achieved that end,I laughted and I cried. I read an enormous number of books a year. Its my hobby,my relaxation and I love to learn. You met all these goals in this book. Thank you I'm looking forward to the next installment you have a delightful talent.
From a Friend
I just wanted to let you know I have finished your book and was (I admit)quite surprised to find it a book I couldn't put down. My expectations were as low as one might think when reading a first book written by a friend. Instead I was amazed at your ability to dredge up the memories from your early youth and I became quite wrapped up in your story. Good job
James Wyatt CD (Major RCAF Ret'd)
Well it's 2:30 am here in Gander and I just finished reading Lily
and Me.
I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it! I can visualize (no doubt
incorrectly, but clearly) the places you describe and the adventures,
mishaps you encountered. I absolutely love your writing style! It feels
like sitting around your kitchen table over a few drinks as you tell
your tale. I particularly like how you interject stories to illustrate
certain points that you make, even if they are far removed timewise(such
as your later encounter with Shirley). This is what really makes it feel
like listening to you tell it in person.
I will have to wait until morning to start the sequel, because I
have to work, and I am afraid that if I start it, the dawn will find me
on board a submarine with you in some far flung port of call.
Bravo! Author, Author!
From Craig Churchill. Newfoundland.Canada
Sepsis knocked her down and out. Faith, hope, and gave her the strength to get back on her feet. I am a Runner She fought the river of death They said she'd never run again
She proved them wrong...
The true story of Cheryl Pierson Cuccio who made headlines in 1986 and her husband Rob Cuccio. Cheryl was abused sexually and physically and Rob died for 43 minutes on Cheryl's 43rd birthday.
