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This Boy cover art

This Boy

By: Alan Johnson
Narrated by: Alan Johnson
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Publisher's Summary

Alan Johnson's childhood was not so much difficult as unusual, particularly for a man who was destined to become Home Secretary. Not in respect of the poverty, which was shared with many of those living in the slums of postwar Britain, but in its transition from two-parent family to single mother and then to no parents at all....

This is essentially the story of two incredible women: Alan's mother, Lily, who battled against poor health, poverty, domestic violence and loneliness to try to ensure a better life for her children; and his sister, Linda, who had to assume an enormous amount of responsibility at a very young age and who fought to keep the family together and out of care when she herself was still only a child.

©2013 Alan Johnson (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks

What listeners say about This Boy

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A vivid picture of growing up in the 60s

An engrossing story of hardship, courage and survival in post WWII London. Ultimately a joyous story in spite of Lilly’s hard and sad life. A genuine snapshot of the times. I read it as it is my time too. This book took me back and made me remember those days with great affection.

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terrible

long dry and boring. filled with irrelevant details lacking a strong story line and told in a monotone voice. give it a miss

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