The Sunny Side of the House

 The Sunny Side of the House

Reviewed By  Janet Mawdesley       October 22, 2024

 

Author  David G Bailey

Distributor:      Amazon
ISBN:                 978-1800422834
Publisher:         Silverwood Books
Release Date:   August 2024  

Website:    https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Side-House-Strawberries-Memories 

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When Life Gives You Strawberries – Memories of a Fenland Boy

For anyone who has a complex and diverse, let’s say generally dysfunctional but closely knit family, they will relate to this heartfelt memoir from David G Bailey, The Sunny Side of the House where he faithfully recounts the days of his childhood as he weaves his way through his early years, learning much and often understanding little.

His clear and often colourful description of family members and their influences on his life captures life as it once was in the 1960’s when growing up was far different to what it is today.

Children had more freedom, more responsibility and were expected to be able to simply get on with it, it being whatever was going on at the time. Aunts, Uncles, cousins and even the neighbours were all part of the community that supported one another through both the good and bad times.

Touching on the sensitive issue of domestic violence between his parents has been delicately handled as is the mental health suffered by his father, a man returned from War carrying injuries that were not visible but equally as destructive.

Captured with clarity throughout the story is the social divide and pride once shown to be ‘working class’ and proud of it. Descriptive use of language captures the Fenlands of East Anglia; the fields, the woods, the mud, the fun, and the imagination all children used when they were out of the reach of adults, playing and enjoying life.

The photographs of family placed throughout the story add a poignancy to a well created and enjoyable look at life through the eyes of a child slowly gathering together the threads of his family.

For anyone reading The Sunny Side of the House and who grew up in those now long gone years, will walk down memory lane with David G Bailey and once again enjoy the good bits and nod with wisdom over ‘behind closed doors’ that was and still is, a part of every family.

Biographies, Non Fiction