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Shop Girl

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Shop Girl

By: Mary Portas
Narrated by: Mary Portas
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About this listen

Young Mary Newton, born into a large Irish family in a small Watford semi, is always getting into trouble. When she isn’t choking back fits of giggles at Holy Communion or eating Chappie dog food for a bet, she’s accidentally setting fire to the local school. Mary is a trouble magnet. And unlike her brothers, somehow she always gets caught....

Britain in the 1970s is a world where R. White's lemonade is drunk in secret, curry comes in a box marked "Vesta", and beanz meanz Heinz. In Mary’s family money is scarce. Clothes are hand-me-downs, holidays are a church day out to Hastings, and meals are variations on a potato theme. But these are good times, and everything revolves around the force of nature that is Theresa, Mary’s mum.

When tragedy unexpectedly blows this world apart, a new chapter in Mary’s life opens up. She takes to the camp and glamour of Harrods window dressing like a duck to water, and Mary, Queen of Shops is born....

©2015 M. Portas LLP (P)2015 Random House Audiobooks Art Business Professionals & Academics Women Funny Heartfelt Inspiring Witty Thought-Provoking

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TV retail guru Mary Portas shares evocative memories of her working class upbringing in Watford with Irish parents and a crowded household of siblings during the 70s. From tellings off at convent school to her first proper job dressing up the Harrods window displays this quick paced memoir switches from a girls’ version of Adrian Mole to a deeply moving coming of age story. I hope there’s a part two underway. Mary would indeed have been a great actor as this narration shows.

A nostalgic memoir that will make you laugh and cry

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Fabulous to hear Mary read her own life story! A life of tears and laughter told in Marys own distinctive style.

Great!

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A real in site into the world of retail . I loved the references at the beginning if each chapter . I was transported toy childhood , youth and time as a student in London .

Loved this

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Loved this! Impressionistic, rather than linear narrative, but so vivid, moving, entertaining, & evocative of the era. Brilliantly read by author Mary Portas, giving it her all with her acting talents - RADA missed a gem! Short, sweet & will repay relistening. Enjoyed BBC R4’s serialisation, but here you get the full work. Well worth the purchase.

Evocative memoir, brilliantly read by author

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I heard Mary read this in snatches on Radio 4 and thus determined to hear it all. Having been brought up at much the same time I enjoyed the product references and description s of the current fashions almost as much as the poignant story of her childhood and adolescence.

Poignant coming of age story

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I can't remember but a few moments from my boyhood. Was very impressed how this talented, stylish and intelligent lady remembered so much, bring it all to life so well. Good times and not so good. Rather inspirational I think. Well read by the author - makes it all the more special.

What an amazing memory!

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After hearing a Mary Portas interview, I was intrigued to learn more about her personal story. Mary, through this frank, funny, warm and at times heartbreaking autobiography, transported me back to the days of her (and my own) youth, with acutely accurate descriptions of the mood, music, style and pre-occupations of those times.
I heartily recommend this book and I'm hoping that soon, Mary will tell us what happened next!

Down to earth, well written & read

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An autobiography written in unusual style, which took a little getting used to. A sparky child who had to grow up too quickly, but with a heart. A great trip down memory lane of 70s and 80s.

A story of tenacity in small chunks.

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Very much worth your time - you'll learn a lot about the early life experiences that have contributed to forming this wonderful lady.

Moving life story. Brilliantly read by the author herself.

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Totally engaged in this life of Mary... cant wait for the next book... left me wanting more.

mesmerised....

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