With an acid-tongue and a heart of gold, Paul O'Grady's tale of his childhood in Birkenhead outside Liverpool is both hilarious and heartbreaking with a bit of Dickensian squalor and pathos thrown in for good measure. Even though Paul and I are the same age, his childhood couldn't have been any different than mine if he'd grown up on a different planet! Still, the practice of looking at tragedy and struggle with a quip and a smile or a laugh is one I grew up with too so in some ways, I understand his family. Surprisingly straight-laced at times, Paul still manages to end up in some "low joints" and with some real characters. It makes fascinating reading and is told with such honesty and truth you know he's holding nothing back. Very enjoyable but boy, am I glad I grew up in the US! I enjoyed quite a bit of this book. I found it interesting to find out about life in Birkenhead for Paul O'Grady, as it's an area I know. There were some funny stories, which were entertaining. There was also some sad moments. There were some good observations from his own memories which were good. The book showed the ups and downs of life. There were some bits that were a bit slow at times. Reading about someone's early life makes you look at them differently.
i have to say i love all of his books!! they are so honest and hilarious!
—terri223
It was OK, entertaining but nowhere near as funny as I was expecting.
—phoenix68
read few pages n couldnt get into it as didnt understand somethings
—beccafaye
Brilliant book really funny.
—Panda
Funny, honest and touching.
—dre
