Twopence to Cross the Mersey cover art

Twopence to Cross the Mersey

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About this listen

This major best-selling memoir of a poverty-stricken childhood in Liverpool is one of the most harrowing but uplifting books you will ever hear. When Helen Forrester's father went bankrupt in 1930, she and her six siblings were forced into utmost poverty and slum surroundings in Depression-ridden Liverpool. The running of the household and the care of the younger children all fell on 12-year-old Helen.

With very little food or help from her feckless parents, Helen led a life of unrelenting drudgery and hardship. Writing about her experiences later in life, Helen Forrester shed light on an almost forgotten part of life in Britain. Written with good humour and a lack of self-pity, Forrester's memoir of these grim days is as heart-warming as it is shocking.

©1974 Helen Forrester (P)2016 Audible Studios Feel-Good Heartfelt
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Helen Forrester is a wonderful writer, Could a Liverpool actor not be found to narrate the books. I have tried to listen, but struggled to get passed 45 mins due to the false accent. What a shame, as it is the same narrator for the other books.

terrible performance

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I decided to listen to this book series as my wonderful Nan had loved them so much and had always talked about them. (She had grown up in similar circumstances to Helen so I think she could really relate to her and the stories). I have my Nan’s paperback copies of the whole series but unfortunately I don’t find much time to myself to actually sit and read as I am a busy mum. So, I decided to download the first book in the series and I’m so so glad I did!! It is such an emotional and heartbreaking story, and it really makes you think about the harsh adversities of life some people had to face. You really feel for poor Helen being exploited and leading a miserable existence. It’s such a gripping tale and does not disappoint! I couldn’t wait to hear more and now I can’t wait to listen to the next one in the series!! I highly recommend to anyone!

Amazing book!!

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My first helen forrester book. Really enjoyed this, including the story teller and have already downloaded the next one! Very similar style to nadine dorries.

Brilliant! The start to a new obsession.

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I first read this book as a young girl and loved it. Excited to find it here on audible I purchased without preview and to my horror found it to be read with misplaced emotion in a god awful, unnecessary accent, un-befitting of the character. I could have wept had I not given up at chapter three and requested a refund. I therefore recommend this book and the authors works wholeheartedly but stay away from this ear bleeding narration.

One of my favourite books set in my home city

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Really interesting book, but I can't understand the thoice if terrible narrator..spoilt it a bit for me.

Really interesting story, but the narration...

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