Excellent narrative

Very well written book on one person’s journey through life, covering many topics such as racism and bereavement.

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Great insights

I really liked this story as it highlights life's challenges not only within family systems but also communities.

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Beautifully written account of identity and belonging

Honest, heartwarming and beautifully written account permeated with both pathos and dark humour . This poignant account of the authors reflection on belonging in a country that often gives messages of rejection whilst making sense of her own identity and relationships made me laugh, smile and cry. Hearing it in the authors voice was a nice touch - it’s a story made to be told

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slow paced, reflective and thoughtful

I read this is stages, nice bedtime reading for still quieter moments. I enjoyed the perspective of biracial identity from the perspective of one immerged within white British culture as opposed to that of their black heritage. I don't believe it is a story other heard. the ongoing turmoil between mother and daughter, the pattern of heartbreak and atonement was crushing an therapeutic. I found the audible reading somewhat slow and would have enjoyed more stories of mam and the brothel but perhaps this is all the author wishes to share.

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Wonderfully warm, but unsentimental memoir.

This is an incredibly touching and warm memoir of a childhood spent building an identity while negotiating racism, sexism, classism, mental health issues and grief. This happens in the house she grew up in in 70s/80s Leeds, with her otherwise white family, where sex work was unsuccessfully hidden from her, and then in the boarding school she escapes to, and all the way through her journey of self discovery to Canada and Jamaica, and back to her mum's house in Leeds. 

I love Massey's observations of feeling like an - often willing - outsider when she's as English (and Leeds) as Marks and Spencer. She's an unsentimental observer, and what she describes is often difficult, but the love and warmth for the places and people around her always comes through in the writing. 

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1 person found this helpful

So true to the life I had growing up in Yorkshire

Loved every minute of this poignant tale
Katy- I need more!!! Laugh out loud funny interspersed with brutal moments from Katy’s adolescence, in Leeds& the areas around headingley & kirkstall.
Grim authenticity and the REAL DEAL 🔥🔥

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Sensitively written and clever work

I really enjoyed this book, amazing way to read such a complex and interesting story. Well done Katy.

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Misleading

No in depth spil searching and very little detail about her mum owning a brothel

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Zero marks for performance

Potentially an interesting story, but as it was written in such a laboured, self conscious style, I gave up half way through. Might have been more bearable if read by a professional performer as the author's voice was totally monotonous and lifeless. It's also odd the way she is so obsessed by the colour of people's eyes. No wonder Audible are having to give this book away free.

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So dull

Pop this on if you can’t sleep.

The monotone narration alone will see your eyelids gently closing and the story will finish you off to a gentle slumber.

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1 person found this helpful