Author Mary Hayward begins her memoir with a tragic event that shapes her life, then poignantly retraces her steps to her poverty-stricken and emotionally-needy childhood in the late 50s. She pulls at the reader’s heart. Though small in stature, Mary takes on the big role of caring for her alcoholic father, her sharp, bitter mother who seems unable to dole out much, if any, love, and a sibling, too young to understand.
Mary writes in an eloquent, almost lyrical style, at times when describing the few special moments that stand out in her childhood when she felt loved or cared for—swimming at a seaside school outing, being a flower girl for an auntie’s wedding in a dress that makes her feel like a princess. She brings in all the senses. But even these positive moments are tinged with despairing consequences—heart rendering moments.
Yet there is an indelible cord of strength that winds itself through the pages of this memoir. During the author’s deepest despair, it binds her to herself. Her great intellect makes up one strand, her courage, another, compassion draws the cord taut. But it is forgiveness that makes the thread invincible in the end.
Sometimes the characters she writes of seem almost too flawed, including herself. I long for something better, more uplifting. Just when I least expect it, she offers it, like a beautifully-wrapped gift, to herself and the reader. Those moments leap out, catch at my heart, and I celebrate with her.
I liked how she could draw me into the myriad of emotions and decisions she is unable to share with those around her as the actual events unfold. She locks them tightly away and denies herself that privilege due to the long-internalized threat of being taken into “care.” I feel privileged she trusts me-an unknown reader—with such personal feelings. It must be freeing to let them go after all these years.
Invisible Child
It's not a poor me book, it's about surviving poverty in the 60's, what it was really like with an alcoholic father and dysfunctional mother. It's about managing as a child, to make it alright. To avoid the social security, and being taken into care.
This is my personal journey through life, the hardship, the fun and games, the laughter, the tears, the despair, the romance, and the love and redemption that comes at the end of the book when I meet Mike.
I suffered as a child, and later as an adult, but I made good, I went to University and became a qualified counsellor; to make it good for the children suffering, by helping them overcome their difficulties in life.
One reader wrote this:
ALB
Verified Purchase
I have noticed that some readers like to read about the childhood years, but not the adult, others like to read about my experiences of marriage and love. So now you don't have to read, or pay for the whole book, just the part you enjoy reading about.
Each part is exceptional in it's own way. You might find that you start with losing me, and enjoy it so much that you go back and read the others.
Romford Recorder and then scroll down to read the article by Steve Still
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