Marilyn Hardy, Worthless

Worthless is an enjoyable read.A fantastic example of how one can overcome poverty,domestic violence,grief and loss.The author paints a detailed picture of a bygone era.I found the history and customs described in the book particularly interesting.Congratulations Marilyn Hardy for never giving up and finding joy in your life,you are an inspiration!

Oh Lord! another "poor me" book. Marilyn Hardy willingly went back to her violent alcholic ex. husband whom she KNEW was verbally abusive to her children and violent and abusive towards her. She also moved in and out of council houses and moved too often to different areas uprooting her children too much. Many women in her position would have been happy to get away from such a man and get ONE council house and rebuild their lives. Whilst feeling sympathy about her relationship with her mother, many women of that generation were like that because they had their own demons, possibly having been scarred by the effects of the war. Difficult to feel any sympathy. Much of her troubles were of her own making.

I enjoyed this book, it was very sad in parts and moved me to tears yet it was written without the author looking for sympathy.

As well as being sad, it was interposed with quite a bit of humour and made me laugh out loud.

It contained an insight into social history and bygone times when poverty was the norm. It made me grateful for things that I'd always taken for granted.

I could relate to certain things that the author had written about, as I suppose many others would also relate to.

I would recommend this book to other readers.

The author has chosen to change some of the names of those she slags off. However, her detailed description of where they lived leaves little to the imagination of those she talks about. Either she chose to do so in case of counter claims of slander, or she has a very bad memory. it also goes down badly to call the dead as they can not defend themselves. Some of the stories are so outrageous, it beggars belief. The families of some of those she writes about would be justified in seeking a disclaimer in the front of all the books sold. Any royalties should go to charity.

A sad, sad book, unworthy of the people of my area. I am pleased she has finally found some happiness. What a shame it is at the expense of others. Many people had worse childhoods than this, and moved on. It's called "Growing Up".