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This Boy

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This Boy

By: Alan Johnson
Narrated by: Alan Johnson
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About this listen

Alan Johnson's childhood was not so much difficult as unusual, particularly for a man who was destined to become Home Secretary. Not in respect of the poverty, which was shared with many of those living in the slums of postwar Britain, but in its transition from two-parent family to single mother and then to no parents at all....

This is essentially the story of two incredible women: Alan's mother, Lily, who battled against poor health, poverty, domestic violence and loneliness to try to ensure a better life for her children; and his sister, Linda, who had to assume an enormous amount of responsibility at a very young age and who fought to keep the family together and out of care when she herself was still only a child.

©2013 Alan Johnson (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks Historical Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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Most relevant
If you thought all politicians were Eton educated idiots with no idea of what goes on in the real world listen to Alan Johnson's memoir. I could not stop listening to this and was moved to tears on several occasions. However it is not a depressing 'misery memoir' . It is narrated candidly and warmly by the author and at no stage is there any self pity. Instead it is a memoir filled with love for the two amazing women in his life- his mother Lily and sister Linda. I really hope that Alan Johnson does a follow up to this - OK we know what happened to Alan after 1997 when he became a Labour MP but I am interested in his journey from Post Office worker, to Marxist to MP. I would also love to know what happens to his sister Linda. Essential listening.

A warm, candid, moving memoir

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what a powerful, honest book, I have only respect for his mother and sisters struggles to keep the family together, I don't do politics but I can see know why Mr Johnson is so highly regarded,

the boy

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loved this, well written and narrated. looking forward to listening to the 2nd book in the trilogy

excellent

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Being the same age as Alan I found this to be a brilliant memoir of growing up in the fifties and sixties. I used to think I came from a fairly poor beginning but having read this I realise that I'm fact I lived in the lap of luxury!
To be fair, having worked on Social Services I was aware later that people lived in squalid circumstances but thought it was their choice. That was in the period at the end of the book however.
Anyway I loved it and will recommend to friends.

Absolutely brilliant!

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What made the experience of listening to This Boy the most enjoyable?

Alan Johnson reading about his own childhood experiences!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alan obviously. Other than watching Alan on 'This Week' I knew very little about him. So glad I bought this book. Looking forward to listening to 'Please Mr Postman'.

Which character – as performed by Alan Johnson – was your favourite?

I have to say I was mightily impressed by his sister especially the episode where she attempts to secure a council flat and her determination to bend the officials to her view. Very strong willed and impressive. A great older sister!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The episode above when they were alone trying to find a council house.

Loved this book!

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