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  • Gypsy Boy on the Run

  • By: Mikey Walsh
  • Narrated by: Mikey Walsh
  • Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (218 ratings)
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Gypsy Boy on the Run cover art

Gypsy Boy on the Run

By: Mikey Walsh
Narrated by: Mikey Walsh
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Summary

Mikey is a Romany Gypsy and grew up living in a caravan on sites across the UK. He adored his family and the rich and vibrant Romany culture he'd inherited. Eventually though he was forced to make a heartbreaking decision - to stay and keep secrets, or escape and find somewhere to finally belong. But Mikey quickly discovers that life in the outside world isn't all he expected. After learning his father had put a contract out on him and that he was being hunted down by gangs of thugs determined to claim their reward, Mikey realises that life will never be the same again.

Brimming with unforgettable characters, this extraordinary coming-of-age story will remind you that sometimes it takes courage (and the odd Disney song) to be the person you were meant to be.

©2011 Mikey Walsh (P)2011 W F Howes Ltd

What listeners say about Gypsy Boy on the Run

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring and moving read

To be quite honest I didn’t held high expectations with regards to ‘Gypsy Boy on the run’. ‘Gypsy Boy’ its predecessor had already filled me in on what happened with Mikey when he ran away from home. Moreover reviews of the book conformed that there is a lot of rehash. ‘Gypsy Boy on the run’ is in a way a rehash of Mikey Walsh’s first novel but the tone is different enough and it touched me even more than ‘Gypsy Boy’.

Unlike ‘Gypsy Boy’ which has a colourful setting with lots of humour, this book is more subtle in his descriptions and humour and it also places things more in perspective. While ‘Gypsy Boy’ shows us the dilemma of a kid growing up realising he is gay, ‘Gypsy Boy on the run’ shows us a man who finally finds self-acceptance while living amongst other gay people. It’s in fact a coming to age story in which we see Mikey growing from a scared kid, who believes he is a waste of space into a proud man who eventually in his fury even spits on his father.

Although Mikey literally had to strip himself of his gypsy identity in the beginning of the book, it’s the pride for what is in his blood that makes him push out frontiers, doing the things no Roma man before him has ever done. I found it very inspiring to learn and realize that what a person is, is in his or hers blood and not in the way one dresses and talks nor in the attempts of trying to fit in by adopting an identity.

‘Gypsy Boy on the run’ is therefore not just a sequel of ‘Gypsy Boy’. It’s a stand-alone equally interesting book with a different focus and message. Yet again, the author does a magnificent job in telling his story.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

had me gripped from the start

story is so woderfully told by Mikey.
as a Romany Gypsy myself I can identify with all the characters in this book and I'm afraid to say nothing much has changed.
the view to homosexuality is still frowned upon.
so Mikey had to run away he would have had no other choice.
I know of many Gypsy men who I know are gay but are married with children and living miserable lives.
so this book is spot on and no exaggeration by Mikey.
I suggest you read Mikey's first book as this is a continuation of the first, also a good read and also accurate.
a travelling life is a hard one but you know what they say
what don't kill you makes you stronger 💪

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Rehash - don't bother

I got the first book in a sale as it sounded interesting. I enjoyed it so I bought this one. But it is just the same old stuff rehashed with more detail. Presumably detail left out of the first one because it was unnecessary and or a bit dull.

My advice for what it is worth is this. If you've read the first one - don't bother with this.



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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

amazing book

A really amazing listen, it went too quickly. Best book of the year for me so far.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

felt he needs a good slap!

I found the whole thing so tedious - no wonder his father whacked him, (mind you it did sound very brutal but if as bad as he describes I would think he'd be hospitalized). Self absorbed & feeling sorry for himself - depressed me... I don't get what he was trying to say - certainly I didn't learn anything except qualification that these travelling traders do rip you off with the tarmac scam!
I bought the book because I heard him being interviewed on Radio 4 and thought it would be a good listen - afraid not.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Just brilliant

This story is a compelling listerning with an insite into another way of living ... and being narrated by the author you can hear him the emotion that the book was writtern with ... nice one Mikey.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully Written and Natrated Sequel to Gypsy Boy

I loved listening to the stories from Mikey Walsh’s adult life, brought to life by his own mix of Gypsy and London accent. I cried when I heard his voice breaking on a couple of occasions- so minute a change but you will know when the emotion overcame him during the recording process. I am glad that Mikey has been able to exorcise many of his demons by consigning them to public performance, a brilliant reading despite his own reservations that he would not be able to do so. I left this book feeling affection for not only Mikey who comes across as a troubled but very likable chap but also his father in a small measure,. I would love to hear more from Mikey either fiction or non-fiction, he has an easy voice both on paper and spoken.

If you have read or listened to Gypsy Boy there is a little repetition of key milestone events but these are fleshed out in the adult years and lead on to more new stories and events that go on from original book’s timeline. I found the repetition comfortable as a lead in to the details and new perspectives that followed rather than a ‘rehashing’ of old material.

The only small improvement I would bring is on the delivery, sometimes in his attempt to convey despair which he may not actually be feeling at that point Mikey comes across a little apathetic but it is a minor thing and good to hear that he is no longer drawing on that despair for his vocal performance whilst it is still heart felt.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An amazing guy, to go through life as he did,

I totally enjoyed listening to this story, sad, funny and very scary, loved mickys voice.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love ❤️

I just love the book. It took me back to my youth in lots of ways.... Especially when I hear "wait until your father gets home.".....
I loved both Gypsie boy & Gypsie on the run.
Well written and beautifully spoken on audio 👏

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I loved this book.

it must have taken so much courage to write and read this book out loud, for us to enjoy. it broke my heart so many times.

He deserves to be happy. But I feel he may torture himself for ever.

I hope he writes another.. fiction or nonfiction.

His voice is enchanting and I want to hear more.

Read or listen to this book. You will love the rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Mickey never give up. Please

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