Gypsy Boy: One Boy's Struggle to Escape from a Secret World
Mikey's family were Gypsies. They live in a closed community and little is known about their way of life. As he didn't go to school, the caravan became his world. But although Mikey inherited a vibrant culture, his family had a dark hidden history. Eventually Mikey was forced to make a decision - to stay and keep secrets, or escape and find somewhere to belong.
1111006123
Gypsy Boy: One Boy's Struggle to Escape from a Secret World
Mikey's family were Gypsies. They live in a closed community and little is known about their way of life. As he didn't go to school, the caravan became his world. But although Mikey inherited a vibrant culture, his family had a dark hidden history. Eventually Mikey was forced to make a decision - to stay and keep secrets, or escape and find somewhere to belong.
13.86 In Stock
Gypsy Boy: One Boy's Struggle to Escape from a Secret World

Gypsy Boy: One Boy's Struggle to Escape from a Secret World

by Mikey Walsh

Narrated by Mikey Walsh

Unabridged — 8 hours, 6 minutes

Gypsy Boy: One Boy's Struggle to Escape from a Secret World

Gypsy Boy: One Boy's Struggle to Escape from a Secret World

by Mikey Walsh

Narrated by Mikey Walsh

Unabridged — 8 hours, 6 minutes

Audiobook (Digital)

$13.86
FREE With a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime
$0.00

Free with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime

START FREE TRIAL

Already Subscribed? 

Sign in to Your BN.com Account


Listen on the free Barnes & Noble NOOK app


Related collections and offers

FREE

with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription

Or Pay $13.86

Overview

Mikey's family were Gypsies. They live in a closed community and little is known about their way of life. As he didn't go to school, the caravan became his world. But although Mikey inherited a vibrant culture, his family had a dark hidden history. Eventually Mikey was forced to make a decision - to stay and keep secrets, or escape and find somewhere to belong.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

It was a revelation. Moving, terrifying, funny and brilliant. I shall never forget it - an amazing achievementStephen Fry

Brash and frightening and funny - tonally, think of Frank McCourt meeting Axl Rose.—The New York Times

In this violent yet often comic memoir, Walsh writes of life as an English Gypsy ... Gypsy Boy feels, in all its cocky, awkward affection and anguish, like the real deal.—The Boston Globe

A sobering and compelling portrait of Gypsy life that is written by an insider.—The National

Best memoir since Running with ScissorsAttitude

Touching, insightful, funny and incredibly shocking ****—HEAT

This is a wonderfully readable tale of love, abuse, and eventual escape - all lived in the heart of an English Gypsy family. The father is one of the most frightening figures I've encountered in years.—Edmund White, author of A Boy's Own Story

The earthy, violent, funny memoir of a gypsy boy in England. It's absolutely riveting, un-put-downable.—Anne Lamott, The Miami Herald

Gypsy Boy is a brilliant but bittersweet story, which reads like a magical fairytale. Although he could be excused for doing so, Mikey never descends into self pity - and has found the perfect balance between humour and harsh reality. Gypsy Boy sits somewhere between the grittiness of Irvine Welsh, and the charming warmth of Frank McCourt.—Dermot O'Leary

Explosive, sparkling and hugely entertaining - this is a twisted fairytale from a truly original mindHayley Atwell, star of Agent Carter and Captain America

He's an irresistible guide through this secret world, and the tour is strongly recommended.—The New York Times Book Review

Mikey Walsh's memoirs were an unexpected smash hit last year and the audiobook version is every bit as enjoyable.—HEAT

Gypsy Boy tells the poignant story of a boy living in an unusual and secretive environment of shoplifting, boxing, and virtual illiteracy, a boy who desperately wants to please his abusive father but all the while grapples with his own clandestine issues. This extraordinary memoir about resilience and the human spirit is a rare glimpse into a world few of us can imagine—The Advocate

'Absolutely can't be missed. If you're up for a funny, brutal, sharp memoir, this is the book you want.'—The Washington Blade

'Harrowing ... exposes disturbing connections between culture and abuse.'—The Washington Post

'An inside look at the Gypsy world through the eyes of a Gypsy.... Read this book, and you'll never look at, or think of, a Gypsy in the same way.'—The Washington Times

This stunning childhood memoir takes readers into the insular culture of Romany Gypsies. ... It is astounding that Walsh survived such brutality, without emotional support or formal education, to pen this unflinching but oddly generous memoir, demonstrating a respectful attitude toward Romany culture and affection toward his family—Library Journal

A poignant memoir that bears comparison to the bestselling Running With Scissors—but better written and far darker.—Kirkus Reviews

'Reading Gypsy Boy, I felt invited into a secret society. I've always found Gypsies mysterious and even slightly dangerous, and Mikey Walsh does an excellent job describing the cloistered lifestyle and fascinating traditions of the Romany people. Moreover, Mikey's personal story of being a misfit among misfits is both compelling and universal. I cheered for him every step of the way.'—Julia Scheeres, author of Jesus Land

'Mikey Walsh provides an unsentimental and compelling look at the louche and brutal culture of Romany Gypsies in the U.K. ... Walsh analyzes the grotesqueries of Gypsy life in painful detail—garish trailers, stifling family ties, crime and crudeness, and the constricted options for women who are considered old maids at 21. Yet despite his gruesome experiences, he also praises the fierce loyalty and cultural continuity that have allowed Gypsies to maintain their dignity in the face of hatred for centuries.'—Publishers Weekly

Product Details

BN ID: 2940176469271
Publisher: W. F. Howes Ltd
Publication date: 05/01/2010
Series: Gypsy Boy Series , #1
Edition description: Unabridged
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews