Would It Surprise You to Know...? cover art

Would It Surprise You to Know...?

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

For decades, Ronnie Archer-Morgan has brought to life the fascinating, often surprising backstories behind our most cherished heirlooms, antiques and household objects. Now, he tells his own unlikely story.

Born in the '50s to a Sierra Leoneon mother battling mental health problems, Ronnie spent his childhood in and out of care. After difficult beginnings, marked by abuse, racism and brushes with both criminals and the police, he got into music, managing to get DJ gigs and, later, as a celebrity hairdresser for Vidal Sassoon and Smile in the height of '70s London. A flair for spotting antiques led him to start his own Knightsbridge gallery, ultimately becoming one of the most respected figures in the industry, culminating in a regular spot as an expert on Antiques Roadshow.

Told with rich warmth, this is an extraordinary journey from deprivation and abuse to adventure and success against the odds—with stories of the incredible objects which shaped the way.

©2022 Ronnie Archer-Morgan and Janet Gleeson (P)2022 Penguin Audio Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Celebrity Funny Heartfelt Resilience
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An extraordinary story of an indomitable spirit well told. Ronnie not only survived maternal neglect and cruelty but also many instances of racism.
It’s an “unputdownable” book. Do read it.

Gripping

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I enjoyed Ronnies story and have so much admiration for him - what an incredible life !

a fantastic story so well told

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I seldom read …. Or listen to biographies….. as an avid viewer of the AR I have always been impressed by Ronnie’s depth and breadth of knowledge as well has his warm and engaging personality. So I took the plunge and wasn’t disappointed. His story brought me to tears and made me smile and chuckle too. As a white man I am appalled at the mindless racism he has had to suffer in parts of his life but humbled at his attitude and his refusal to let it make him embittered. His warmth and almost childlike enthusiasm draws you in so that at the end of the book you feel like your friends and want to give him a ring and suggest going for a drink to catch up.

Heart warming read

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Very well narrated by the author who has lived an extraordinary life. Thanks for sharing it Ronnie.

Great story we'll told

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What a story.
This book moved me to tears, laughter, amazement & shocking at times.
I would like to thank Ronnie for sharing his story, what a life & the man you are is truly great.
Every one should read this book. I have even brought a paper copy to keep, in the hope that one day I get to meet Ronnie shake his hand & thank him in person for sharing his story.
I’m never been so moved form reading a book.

Amazing life story

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