-
Two Lives: A Social and Financial Memoir
Dimitri Yassukovich is exiled by the Bolshevik Revolution, builds a new life and career as a Wall Street investment banker, and lays the foundations in Europe for one of the great investment banking houses of the City. His son Stanislas, after an inglorious youth in the Gatsby land of Long Island, joins his father's firm White, Weld & Co., finds himself at the epicentre of the City's revival from postwar doldrums, and becomes an architect of the Euromarkets. His highly personal and anecdotal chronicle of these two lives leads us through the history of high finance and its revival, and the heady days of the internationalisation of the City, through the ‘Big Bang' and its aftermath. Two Lives is a serious, and yet light-hearted account of a critical period in 20th century finance and of two unusual personalities.
£15.99 -
Unprepared for Life's Journey
Unprepared for Life's Journey is a heart-warming true story, detailing the missionary life of an inspirational Catholic woman. Maria Flavel started life in Germany as part of a happy farming family, but she reaches an age when she must think about her future. Deciding to follow in her older sister's footsteps, she enrols in a convent to devote her life to God. But it's not long before Maria questions often-cruel treatment from the nuns.Showing great endurance and strength, she finally admits that biblical life in this form may not be for her. And so she begins her own journey. Following her dream to work overseas, she finds her calling in Papua New Guinea as a teacher, helping underprivileged people to become more independent. Here she feels a true connection to God through the work that He wants her to do. A fascinating account of suffering and joy through war, death and meaningful relationships; a welcome reminder of the gift that life is, the importance of the people we share it with, and the opportunity it offers to do something that really matters.
£16.99 -
Who Cares Who Wins
Adventures start at some point!The author was born just after the end of World War Two.He used to leave home at 4am at eight years of age on the horse and carts and in the evenings would go chimney sweeping.When he was older he spent a few years in the military. Multiple migrations, including the ‘Ten Pound Poms’ program then followed.After this came over 30 years of global ‘itchy foot syndrome’ full of exciting ever-changing lifestyles ranging from: rich, skint, happy, and sad.In the following 30 years, there came numerous diagnoses: anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s, mental health issues, strokes, various dementia and divorce.Then along came Mike’s saviours: grandchildren, hiding and losing his disabilities within their love and warm hugs.Every day’s an adventure.
£16.99 -
With Love From God
Does cancer enhance courage? Or does it heighten the sense of humor? Can a life threatening illness strengthen bonds, create friendships or form a community? Lavanya Rajpal had been in remission from blood cancer (leukemia) for ten years when in March 2013 the diagnosis is made again. With Love from God is Sohini Rajpal's moving account of the next two years of her daughter's second battle with cancer. For those who are encountering a similar experience or who are fascinated by an individual's determination to not only survive, but to enjoy life in spite of the obstacles that are placed in their way, this book will be an uplifting read. Sohini Rajpal takes the reader through their lives in different parts of the world encompassing Japan in the far east, Australia down under, their home country India and California in the west. The similarities and differences between the nations and cultures as well as each stage of therapy, each set back and each victory including in her praise all those who provided support through the journey towards recovery, including medical professionals, family and friends and even those on social media who offered prayers never having met Lavanya.With Love from God shows the world in its best light.
£16.99 -
Sweet Loretta Modern
After suffering a workplace injury, Loretta Jones faced the harsh realities of a workers’ compensation system that provided a mere £120 a week for her and her young son, a situation that led them into homelessness. But her hardships didn’t stop there. Loretta found herself ensnared in a web of surveillance abuse that landed her in the hospital multiple times, stripping away her freedom and peace of mind. Amidst the unseen torment inflicted by clandestine technologies and unwarranted animosity, it was her unyielding resolve that kept her afloat amidst the storm of adversity. Now, with the backing of various supportive agencies, Loretta has reclaimed her life, rising above the harassment that once threatened to engulf her. Through every challenge, her indomitable spirit shines as a beacon of resilience.
£19.99 -
Now and Evermore
Embark on a thrilling journey through the kaleidoscope of Sarojini’s extraordinary life, where happiness dances hand in hand with adventure, and every page brims with excitement and wonder. From the heartwarming highs to the adrenaline-pumping escapades, she has been graced with a life overflowing with joy and contentment.
Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting tapestry of Sarojini’s remarkable adventures and captivating experiences. This book isn’t just a story; it’s an invitation to join her on a rollercoaster of emotions, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be uncovered.
So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a ride of a lifetime. Dive into the pages of Sarojini’s book and let the magic of her world ignite your own sense of wonder and delight.
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Happy reading!£12.99 -
The Tale of a Tale
The Tale of a Tale is a companion to The Tale of a Hip (published 2018). It expands on the theme of taking up ballroom dancing seriously in middle age, and the problem of misaligned bones, a limiting factor in many aspects of Pamela’s life, leading ultimately to hip replacement. Despite difficulties, she and John go on to take professional exams in both ballroom and Latin American dancing, and teach for more than twenty years, offering the joy, companionship, and relief from worldly cares they have experienced themselves to a large number of people.
A second strand of the book follows major current events, notably Brexit and COVID-19, and shows an old person’s take on social change, and the march of technology. Controversial issues related to equality and diversity are explored from a then-and-now perspective, with humour, and respect.
£11.99 -
Byron and the Kindness of Strangers
In 1938, at the tender age of eighteen months, Byron Stratford Davis, the author of this memoir, first set foot on British soil. Remarkably, from that moment, his memories crystallized with exceptional clarity, etching themselves permanently in his mind.
His mother, with a German lover back in Hamburg, may or may not have come to England as a German spy. The decision of her true intent is left to the reader’s judgment. Raised in Scotland, his mother was far from the endearing or conventional figure one might wish for. By the age of eighteen months, Byron had already developed a deep mistrust of her, and by two, he had resolved to distance himself from her entirely. Hard to believe? That’s for you to judge! This tale unfolds in a modern Dickensian fashion, revealing its truths along the way.
More than just a World War II story, this narrative is unique in its exploration of friendship and the profound impact of the City of Brighton. It’s not only a recounting of survival and self-discovery but also a love story and a heartfelt tribute to the city and its remarkable inhabitants who played a pivotal role in shaping and rescuing him.
£13.99 -
The House Is Burning
It’s the 1950s and mounting political unrest consumes Rwanda. With fading monarchy, intensifying colonial rule and whispers of rebellion, countless native families find age-old traditions under attack.
For Abel A. Nkunda’s family, the shifting climate grows increasingly hostile. As powers vie for control around them, they face a painful choice: take flight to save all they cherish or stay to watch it burn.
Venturing into remote wilds in search of refuge, grandparents lead young Abel towards an uncertain future. With each step into the unknown, doubts arise. Can a foreign haven truly preserve their sacred cattle herding heritage from extinction?
Follow the Nkundas’ quest across a changing landscape where long-held customs blink at the brink. Will new mountains shelter this household from escalating threats? Or will the life they knew go up in smoke? Immerse yourself in one family’s struggle to find safe harbour for endangered livelihoods and identity before the house left behind is reduced to ashes.
£12.99 -
The House Is Burning
It’s the 1950s and mounting political unrest consumes Rwanda. With fading monarchy, intensifying colonial rule and whispers of rebellion, countless native families find age-old traditions under attack.
For Abel A. Nkunda’s family, the shifting climate grows increasingly hostile. As powers vie for control around them, they face a painful choice: take flight to save all they cherish or stay to watch it burn.
Venturing into remote wilds in search of refuge, grandparents lead young Abel towards an uncertain future. With each step into the unknown, doubts arise. Can a foreign haven truly preserve their sacred cattle herding heritage from extinction?
Follow the Nkundas’ quest across a changing landscape where long-held customs blink at the brink. Will new mountains shelter this household from escalating threats? Or will the life they knew go up in smoke? Immerse yourself in one family’s struggle to find safe harbour for endangered livelihoods and identity before the house left behind is reduced to ashes.
£12.99 -
Me
Ron Pearson was born in Bramley, Leeds on August 12, 1924. He began writing this book on August 12, 2021, his 97th birthday. After a childhood beset by illness, he left school at 14, and took a job packing parcels in a multiple tailoring factory, not for him. He moved on to packing parcels general muggins at an advertising agency at 50 pence a week, which he loved. His career in advertising was interrupted by a four-and-a-half-year spell in the army on ‘Special Operations’. Returning to civvy street, his career culminated in being appointed Managing Director and then Chairman of one of Yorkshire’s most respected advertising agencies. He was a local actor for almost 50 years including the renowned Bradford Alhambra and Playhouse.
There are some sad moments outnumbered by many hilarious ones. Ron’s beloved wife, Pat, died in 2017 after 66 years of happy marriage.
The list of ‘celebrities’ he has met is impressive, including Princess Margaret, Prince Charles, Hollywood’s Marlene Dietrich, George Raft, Sir Ralph Richardson, George Best, Jackie Charlton, Harry Worth, Alan Bennett etc.
£18.99 -
Heavy Rainbows
An extraordinarily true-life account of a left-handed forklift truck driver who, after a catastrophic life changing accident, became a right-handed professional artist. Heavy Rainbows conveys an honest, no frills autobiographical account of how a single unforeseen event completely changed the direction of Mark’s entire life, and the subsequent adventures that followed involving devastating lows and euphoric highs that are unique, engaging, and inspirational.
Firsthand experiences and events that influenced Mark’s development as a person are told chronologically, culminating in a collection of artworks that convey powerful emotionally charged contemporary issues such as global warming, mental health, and animal welfare. Each chapter incorporates humour and satire, that contrast with episodes of dark, life changing experiences, offering the reader a thought-provoking unpretentious slice of reality, underpinned by art, to convey an in-depth personal story involving triumph over adversity.
£18.99