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My Truth Might Not Be Yours
‘Anoscetia’ – The anxiety of not knowing ‘the real you’ (John Koenig).
McCabe never really knew her ‘real Anna’, going in search of this when she decided to go on the journey enclosed within these covers. A tale so common, yet so unfortunately rarely shared, McCabe details her life to share with those who might walk in similar (or not) shoes to her. McCabe’s poignant yet unfussy account of abuse at the hands of her guardians deals with this ‘taboo’ subject in ways that will open the eyes of those who have never experienced it yet, allow those who have, to find their own voice.
What will McCabe reveal? The taboo must be broken.
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Goodbye Mr Krupps
A vivid and entertaining account of one man’s extraordinary life, guided by a love of steam trains and an unerring vision to be an engine driver in the days when steam ruled the rails. See through the eyes of a small boy the first stirrings of this enduring passion as, in rapt fascination, he watches trains on the Hull & Barnsley main line in the 1940s, and witness the bucolic beauty of rural life, allied with the poverty and shear hard graft of farm work during the war years, when it seems his dream will be crushed by the daily grind and drudgery.
Share the author’s exuberance as, having hazarded all, he succeeds in joining the London & North Eastern Railway as a lad porter, before being introduced to the hallowed world of the Locomotive Department, progressing through the ranks to finally fulfil his dream. On this journey share his exhilaration as he thunders down the main line on a locomotive pushed to its limits, spewing fire and brimstone; and witness a host of steam train escapades, adventures, and mishaps, from the farcical to tragic.
Finally, travel with him to exotic Tanganyika/Tanzania in the 1960s where, during 12 years with East African Railways, he experiences the challenges of epic journeys through the heart of the sun-baked bush, breakdowns, derailments, flooded tracks, and violent mutiny, as well as the joy of driving the mighty and exemplary 30 Class, ending with the pinnacle of his career: that of becoming Locomotive Inspector.
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Visible Gold
The South Africa of the early nineties and especially the mining industry was known for its deep-seated racism. But for people working in the depths of those mines, there was a strong bond of respect and care. The truth of this is evident in the interactions described in this book.
Told by a man who toiled alongside both heroes and victims in the shadows below, these pages reveal what newspapers never could. Here are the unforgiving realities of rockfalls and explosions, but also the gentle heroism of those who helped each other survive. Any man might save or comfort another if disaster struck. Away from the apartheid sun, skin colour matters less than a colleague’s hands hauling you to safety.
South Africa is a land of unforgiving landscapes and merciless predators but is full of forgiving and gentle people who will prove to be its salvation. Nowhere shows this stark contrast more than the gold mines – at once negligent and nurturing, lethal and life-giving. These true stories deserve remembering, for they reveal hope and redemption glow in the darkest of places.
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The Tramcar will Return
Electric tramways formed the backbone of most towns and cities in the first half of the twentieth century. But when they got in the way of cars, they had to go. People loved their trams, they took them to school, to work, to go shopping, to the cinema and to football matches. When the last Glasgow tram ran in 1962, a quarter of a million Glaswegians braved the pouring rain to say goodbye.
Thirty years later, trams were re-invented to help combat congestion and environmental impacts of the car. Both eras are covered in this book by an engineer who witnessed the demise of the tram and its revival, playing a major role in getting trams onto the streets of Manchester in 1992. Now trams are running again in London, Edinburgh and cities in between.
This is a personal story about the last tramways in Britain and the new generation of light rail systems, a term invented to avoid any confusion with old double deckers clanking down the middle of the road. It is interlaced with stories of tramways in the UK, Europe and beyond, gained when working as an international light rail consultant.
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American Stories
Embark on a captivating journey through the eyes of a foreign student as he navigates the rapidly evolving cultural landscape of the United States in the 1960s. These deeply personal memoirs offer a unique perspective on a nation in the midst of a profound transformation, as experienced by someone who finds himself immersed in a world vastly different from his own.
From the bustling streets of Long Island, New York, to the hallowed halls of Princeton, the free-spirited atmosphere of Berkeley, the expansive plains of Texas, and the rugged beauty of New Mexico, the author’s academic pursuits take him on a cross-country adventure. As he diligently studies and works, he finds himself swept up in the powerful currents of the anti-war movement, the rise of black power, and the exhilarating spirit of Woodstock.
Far from being a mere observer, the author is an active participant in the unfolding cultural revolution, sharing his own hopes, joys, despairs, and moments of alienation. Through his interactions with the people he encounters, even in the face of adversity, he discovers uplifting experiences that shape his personal growth and understanding of the world around him.
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Forty-Five
Once again, I find myself standing on a small piece of land, just big enough for my feet. It feels as if this land is teetering atop a tall, thin column of crumbling, rocky earth. I’m wobbling over a bottomless abyss while torrential rain pours from storm clouds that seem to hover directly above my head. Tears cascade from my eyes, and mascara runs in black rivers down my face. I can’t help but think, ‘What the hell has just happened?’
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had this moment in my life.
Join me on my journey from first love to last love, before becoming single again. Cry, laugh, and perhaps relate to some of the situations I found myself in as I take a stroll down memory lane, revisiting the relationships I’ve had in my life.
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Evolve: The Journey of a New Me
In the depths of societal expectations and the struggles of migration, Ellie unveils a profound narrative of resilience. From a challenging first marriage in Iran to the hurdles of cultural acclimatisation in Australia, her story navigates love, loss, and self-discovery with unwavering courage. Through her experiences, Ellie invites readers to embark on their own transformative journeys.
eVoLvE is a transformative non-fiction work that intertwines memoir with a universal guide to self-empowerment. Crafted by Dr Ellie Nik, this narrative traces a courageous journey through the intricacies of fighting societal norms, transcending cultural boundaries, moving continents, and discovering one’s true potential. With profound insights and heartfelt storytelling, this book serves as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to break free from the confines of expectation and embrace the limitless possibilities of personal evolution.
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Mum’s Secret Diaries
A strong and moving memoir which offers a captivating and extremely rare insight into the life of an ordinary girl growing up in a British working class family in the 1950s.
Mary’s secret diaries discovered by her children, chronicle her early personal life experiences, successes, challenges and hardships in an amusing and delightfully innocent way. Mary’s first diary begins in 1952 when she is an impressionable fourteen-year-old, living in Berkshire, England and continues to 1956 when she turns eighteen. Through her eyes and subsequent diary entries, she recounts the fascinating dramas of a lively, sensitive young woman navigating her way through family life, finishing grammar school, entering the workplace at fifteen, all intertwined with juggling romantic interests and aspirational dreams.
Witness her day-to-day trials, happiness, and emotional struggles in a world of boys and married men, as she juggles a string of admirers, her sister’s favouritism and independence leading to a shock elopement, being forbidden to sing with a band, taking her first holiday abroad with friends where she reveals all the details of what went on, along with many other of life’s firsts.
Will she ever find ‘The One,’ or manage to resist buying those beautiful high heels?
The charm and honesty in which Mary regales her private life and the pickles she gets herself into, is so engaging and powerful that you can’t help but be drawn into her remarkable and totally relatable world, which additionally enlightens the reader of a bygone era of innocence, simplicity, and glamour.
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The Longing
Mary Earle’s memoir, The Longing, is a poignant testament to resilience, born out of a desire to shed light on a dark chapter of history that mirrors her own turbulent past. Born in 1947, Mary’s childhood was overshadowed by a dysfunctional family and a father known for his explosive temper. A harrowing incident at fifteen plunged Mary into a world rife with abuse and suffering, threatening to lead her down a path of despair and depression. Her father forbid her to ever speak of this incident, and it becomes locked inside her. Yet, Mary’s spirit remained unbroken. Her story is one of remarkable transformation. In her forties, having escaped a violent marriage, Mary embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, travelling solo to India. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and strength, a counsellor and trauma specialist, healer and clairvoyant dedicated to helping others.
With an ‘eternally optimistic’ outlook, Mary shares her journey in The Longing, not just as a tale of survival, but as a source of inspiration and courage for anyone striving to overcome their own adversities.
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The Mallee Boy
This autobiography tells of a pioneer family settling and farming south eastern Australia with lots of interesting, heartwarming and funny stories. Edward Dickinson's grandfather, Francis, came from an old English farming family. In 1873, with the colonies offering new opportunities, he sailed to Australia on the Agamannon landing in St.Kilda, Victoria where he purchased 40 acres of prime land and developed a lucrative pig and dairy farm which helped feed the fast growing city of Melbourne. Edward's father was born there, but eventually left with his own growing family enticed by government promises of good cheap farmland opening up in north west Victoria. The intrepid couple travelled 340 miles in a covered wagon with 5 young girls to find it hot, dry and sandy.
In 1917 they had Ed, who grew up fast and strong in the area known as the Mallee. He loved country life but while still in his teens was city bound where he learned a trade, learned to box, found a wife, joined a war and always tried to demonstrate the qualities learned in his youth but nearly always missed the country. His observations and descriptive expression make for an entertaining and informative read set in a time and place seldom seen from this perspective.
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Constellations and Consolations
Following the sudden death of her brother, a former chorister and a celebrated cabaret star, the author embarks on an extraordinary journey, geographical, spiritual and musical in her wish to understand the mystery of her brother’s soul.
From the Norfolk coast to the Baltic Sea, she follows the tides of ideas and music behind a pilgrim map that her brother had left for her and finds it is a route to peace and joy.
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The Palestinian Tourist
Embark on a riveting journey with Adria Arafat as she shares her extraordinary tale of courage, resilience, and unwavering love in The Palestinian Tourist. Leaving behind the comfort of a small town in northern Utah, Adria and her family dove headfirst into the heart of the first intifada in Gaza. But this daring move wasn’t impulsive; it was preceded by two pivotal trips that laid the groundwork for their life-changing decision.
As Adria navigates the unfamiliar terrain of a foreign land, she faces daunting challenges alone, grappling with language barriers while tackling essential tasks like enrolling her children in school and securing employment. Her husband’s delayed arrival only adds to the complexity, leaving her to shoulder the weight of their new life.
Yet amidst adversity, Adria discovers an unparalleled affection for her adopted homeland, Palestine. Her bond with the land and its people transcends borders, as she embraces its culture and spirit with a fervour unmatched by many natives.
In the midst of her journey, Adria experiences the profound depths of love and loss, giving birth to her fourth child amidst a medical crisis, underscoring the sacrifices made in pursuit of a dream.
The Palestinian Tourist is a poignant testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit, showcasing the extraordinary lengths one woman will go for the place she calls home.
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