The Kid

by Kevin Lewis

Kevin Lewis grew up on a council estate in South London. Beaten and starved by his parents, ignored by the social services and bullied at school, he was offered a chance to escape this nightmare world and was put into care. Despite his best efforts to make things work out, his life spiralled out of control. At the age of 17 he became caught up in the criminal underworld of London, where he was known as 'The Kid'. From the violent anger he suffered at the hands of his mother and father, to the continuous torments at school; from the way in which he coped with rejection from people he trusted, to suffering from bulimia and a wish to take his own life, Kevin succeeded in making a better life for himself. This is his story ..

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography, True Story, Biography Memoir, British Literature

242 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2004

About the author

Born in 1970 in Southeast London, Kevin's childhood years were spent in the city's rough council estates. The violent and depraved conditions that Kevin lived in are documented in his autobiographical books The Kid and The Kid Moves On. Today Kevin combines his creative skill with his knowledge of the inner cities to write novels with gritty realism. Kevin currently lives in Surrey with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Kamalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this a few years ago, and i remember i was quite moved by it. It made me become a lot more sensitive towards violence, especially towards children.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Expected this to be a real emotional rollercoaster, especially as it is a true story. In the event, whilst Kevin's treatment by his parents was absolutely terrible and shocking, there were only a few sections where I felt the book was well written enough to allow the reader to empathise fully with his situation.
Once he was making his own way in the world, I mostly felt frustration and disbelief that he could blunder from one disaster to another without learning from his mistakes.

[Sammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually finished this book a day before doing this review, but only got round to this today.


I'd say this was more of a 3.5 rating than a 4, but we can't do .5's on here.

This book touched me, it wasn't like the other true-life child abuse stories that i've read.
Kevin does go into some detail about the abuse he had suffered, but he doesn't just dwell on that and tell too much of it.
Some of the time whilst reading this book my heart was breaking for this poor kid, and tears were in my eyes. It's hard to believe the things parents could do to their own children...

The thing that made this book different for me was the after-life of the abuse. Telling his story afterwards - what he went through then, too.

A brilliant book. I do recommend it to people who like to read these types of books. It is definately worth a flick through, and you can't help but not feel and root for this kid.

[Meliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

the most heart-shattered moment from this book was when i learned that kevin is still buying birthday present, wrapped in beautiful wrapping paper, for himself. even after those years of despite and torturing have long gone.

i guess, some wounds are just too deep to heal..

[Ghaidamo_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

الكتاب يحكي عن قصة طفل عاش بين والدين عنيفين وكانوا يستخدمون كل انواع العنف و الظرب معه، عانا الطفل من قل الأكل وسوء حالته الصحيه و سوء تحصيله الدراسي، انتقل في فترة بين فوستر كاريرز و مدارس داخليه بعيد عن أهله لكنه رجع وعاش العذاب مره ثانيه بس هالمره بعمر يسمح له يشتغل ويجيب مبلغ بسيط يأكل فيه اخوانه وخواته لكن تحصيله الدراسي رجع أسوء ويداوم للمدرسه وعلامات الظرب بجسمه، البيت الي كان يعيش فيه افتقر للنظافه و للمال و والديه كانوا مدخنين و مدمنين كحول، الفكره اللي تطلع بها من القصة بأن فيه ناس كثيره تعاني معاناة شديدة بدون ماتقدر تحرك ساكننا لكن في الحياة أيضا فرص تخلي الانسان يشق طريقه لحياة أفضل بمواجهته لبعض الصعوبات، أحيانا نتعلم في الحياة دروس بالطريقة المؤلمه لكن مانطلع خالين اليدين

[Andy Bird · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like this at all. Although the writer, subject of the book, had a really bad upbringing i just didn't find the story moving and felt nothing for him. I thought the writing was poor and that he came across as self indulgent.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up all night to read it and finished it in less than 24 hours. I made sure to give my children and extra cuddle today...as to you Kevin Lewis, bless you x

[Yami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't comprehend the idea of that this is a true story, that what happened is actually real and not fiction, I keep thinking that even Oliver Twist will cry reading it ,Kevin's childhood was so horrific and unjustified, the way his mother Gloria treated him , the abuse and the hitting , it is all too much , my frown and grimace was showing all over my face whenever I read such scene. it was a terrible childhood, and am only glad that there was a little sun ray between the clouds that kept him going, then Kevin grows up and away from the clutches of his parents, only to face the real world , and the "just business " life, It made me think I should never trust anyone again, yet he was so kind and still trusting whenever he met someone new, loved how he faced all his struggles and faced his demons, and took what was his right regardless of how he did it , but I cant blame him, and I could only snarl at those people who tried to trick him , they were greedy and they deserved it. it is amazing to see how someone goes up and do something of himself, after going down and turning into the bad routes , it put a smile on my face to read the ending of this book, I was so happy that he found his family, and he now have some one on Christmas , the word finally is the suitable one here.
I might seek the squeal of this I want to read a happy closure, but being a book of life it feels kind of a risk to keep reading...
Kevin Lewis if you are reading this, I thank you for sharing your story, and am sorry for your child-self, especially when there was no one out there to turn into for help, but am proud of how you turned out to be.....

[Theweebarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of Kevin Lewis who grew up on a council estate in South London. Beaten and starved by his parents, ignored by the social services and bullied at school, he was offered a chance to escape this nightmare world and was put into care. Despite his best efforts to make things work out, his life spiralled out of control. At the age of 17 he became caught up in the criminal underworld of London, where he was known as "the kid". From the violent anger he suffered at the hands of his mother and father, to the continuous torments at school; from the way in which he coped with rejection from people he trusted, to suffering from bulimia and a wish to take his own life, Kevin succeeded in making a better life for himself.

A brilliant book and a great insight into a young boys life and how he coped with his everyday events

[Lann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the author's horrifying childhood was well-written. the story makes all other books about child abuse seems far-fetched. the terryfying experience and physical torture that he little Kevin and his sisters and brothers had to endure is beyond imagination.

the book still affects me a couple of hours after finish

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever there were a book that could make you suddenly feel like grabbing the world by both hands and taking full advantage of the life that you have been given, then I'd personally say that this was that book. 'The Kid' by Kevin Lewis is a harrowing tale of the author's traumatic upbringing and the childhood that no child should ever have to endure. A true life story, 'The Kid' continuously provokes a gut wrenching feeling that the things you are reading are in fact non-fiction and not just made up. This is one of those books that you cannot stop thinking about, even days after finishing reading it.

There are actually two books in 'The Kid' series, the second book being 'The Kid Moves On'. In the paperback edition that I have read, both books are included, but I have split them up solely for the purpose of reviewing them, as I would rather do this separately.

I always find it quite difficult to review a true story, and it's all real, and I feel strange commenting on something that has happened to another person. So, this review will not be very opinionated. What I will say though, is that the author is a very brave man for publishing this, and letting the whole world know about what happened. I will say it's an epic adventure from his childhood to his adult life, and I can't believe how much a young boy can endure, physically and emotionally, and still get back up afterwards and continue to push forward. Amazing strength and will power, but most importantly, hope. Hope that things can get better, hope for a better life, and that all important dream; like a bright star in the night sky, following it until it is your's.

'The Kid' begins in New Addington on King Henry's Drive, although the setting changes a lot as the kid moves around throughout the book. The reader is taken straight to a scene of deprivation; "bleak", "culturally desolate" and "dreary". It remains this for a long time, nothing colourful, everything grey and miserable through the kid's eyes, not a damn thing to look forward to. When I look back on my childhood, I realise how wrong this is. Throughout being a little girl, I usually had something to look forward too, whether it was seeing people, going somewhere, being treated to something, it's just awful to read how this poor boy went through his childhood, the same disgusting life, day after day, not a thing changing, ever.

At the beginning of the kid's story, it's mainly about his home life with the rest of his family. There's his mother, father, and brothers and sisters too. The reader finds out an awful lot about his day to day life at this point; what they eat, where they sleep, what they wear etc, and it is absolutely shocking. It's disturbing to know parent's can treat their children in this way. The reader is told of how their home constantly wreaks of urine, there are no light bulbs in the children's bedrooms, never anything healthy or nutritional to eat, just constant greasy chips every evening. Aside from the kid's lifestyle, the physical abuse he received on a daily basis is just inhuman and disgusting. A home, parents and a family are supposed to be a child's safe place, but not for Kevin. He is constantly cowering away from his mother and father, continuously being hit, bitten, smacked and shoved, something no child should ever, EVER have to go through. His home life was terrible, and due to the foul smelling home and clothes never being washed, the torment didn't stop when he went to school. It carried on, bullying, name calling, all that sorts of stuff that can really beat a child down if carried on for long enough. It's disgusting, and so chilling, it's just something you wouldn't think happens, until someone writes a book about it.

I read the entire book with a feeling of overwhelming disbelief and sadness. It's hard to feel anything else when the words are screaming out to you "THIS ISN'T FAKE, THIS IS REAL, THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO ME!". It's hard to believe that it's not fiction, part of me was just hoping that it was. There are a few scenes when things start looking up for Kevin, and you do genuinely feel elated for him, but it's like a see-saw, up and down, highs and lows, you feel like throwing your arms up in the air and yelling "give this guy a break someone!". I think I had tears in my eyes most of the way through the book. It's so hard hitting, and it breaks your heart reading the traumatic things that a small weak child had to put up with.

This book does contain some horrifying scenes; physical and emotional torture. It's not a book for children, that's for sure. After reading 'The Kid' I will now move onto 'The Kid Moves On.

Five stars is what I will give this book, and a wish that somewhere out there the author is living a wonderful happy life with a beautiful family. If anyone deserves that, I'd say this guy is definitely someone who does.

[Georgie Harnwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a harrowing and powerful read- it was so upsetting and so uplifting at the end, definitely worth a read

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t normally read the genre of misery autobiography and although some bookstores in the UK (like WH Smith) specialise in book-shelving this genre, I personally stay away. My interest then in reading this book came from a general interest in film. I had actually heard of positive reviews of the film first thus inspiring me to read and delve into the written word.
Kevin Lewis as a writer and a man is certainly an inspiration. Throughout his writing one assumes that he is painting a true account, warts and all, of a flawed childhood and upbringing that propels him into an adolesence of what can only be doubt and uncertainty. His writing is candid and does not veneer the sheer plight and poverty of his situation, citing the neglect of parent responsibility and of the ineptitudes of a UK state support system. What becomes also apparent is that despite his own social tragedy in life, Lewis himself has the fortune of a kind of social pluck and desire to better himself. Very slowly but very surely and in a bit of a snakes and ladders style (ten steps forward, nine steps back), he is able to pull himself out of his poor start in life by using sheer grit and determination. The notion that Lewis is self-aware and emotionally intelligent heartens the reader to empathise with him on his long journey – he is simply not prepared to accept second best in life and creatively he escapes mentally and then physically from a trapped childhood. This journey is certainly heartening and an admiration for Lewis cannot be avoided.
Although not my regular type of read of choice (do I have one?), I very much wanted to support Lewis on his journey and continuing into the follow-up book ‘The Kid Moves On’ also included in this edition it has been a positive process to discover that individuals can flee the shackles of their birth right and go on to lead fulfilling personal and family lives in the face of such early adversity.
As an ending comment, I think it’s still fairly true that many of us Westerners remain naïve about the social class divisions within our own societies. It’s often hard to consider that such appalling parent neglect and violence can happen right under our noses whilst escaping the radar of public service intervention. Happily here, such a determined and publicised escape as documented by Lewis may inspire others to fight for their own futures after similar traumatic beginnings.

[Munira Ezzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading 'A child called It' many years ago, I told myself that I would avoid books of similar genre, I'm not sure if it was the fact that I no longer remembered the events that took place in that book or just that I had forgotten I told myself that, but I came across this book by chance and decided to give it a go. At the end of it i remembered why I had told myself that. I still don't quite remember what had happened in 'A child called It' but that doesn't matter anyway because this review is about 'The Kid'. This book is truly heart retching. I have read sad books and books that people cry over but I'm not one of those that actually cry. This book didn't make me cry, but it made me want to, just at the constant repetition of what was going on in the authors life and the whole way through it shocked me and amazed me that this was all a true story. At points I felt like I was reading a tragic fiction because the images that Kevin Lewis displayed were very vivid and that's why it was so heart retching as well because those times when I thought sounded like fiction were not. I feel that this book did itself justice and yes it did teach me a thing or two. The quantity of events that happen to Lewis allow for anyone to learn a lesson from the book. A lot goes on and at many times when the going gets extremely tough you can feel just how tough it is for Lewis , you just wish he could escape and so glad that he does.
Over all a 4 star because it was very directly and straightforwardly written, different from many books I've read where there is a lot of description which bores you and you feel is pointless and also because I feel that Kevin Lewis has done such a big thing by actually publishing a book to the world that reveals his life. At the end he writes that it was scary doing that and I totally agree because there is no way I would put my darkest thoughts and secrets down on paper for people to read.
Finally why no a 5 star? Because I simply do not like to read books that depress the shiz out of you.

[ReaderSP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read books like this one as I prefer books that allow escape and are not quite so upsetting. I normally read fiction but this caught my eye after being left in our staff room at work. I actually picked it up to take home for my husband to read (he likes these sorts of books) but I found myself reading it on the bus on the way home. Once I has started, I couldn't stop and I read the whole book in two days (around work, of course).
The story is written by and follows the life of Kevin Lewis, as he grows up in a tough family and how he became an adult.
It starts with the usual violent family and in and out of foster homes, with only small glimmers of hope but unusually, this book follows Kevin into adulthood. You tend to think that once the child becomes an adult, the misery stops there and life suddenly becomes more forgiving and enjoyable. Kevin shows us how easy it is to fall in with `the wrong crowd' and how to get yourself on the wrong side of the law. He also shows us how hard it is to trust someone and that even people with a kind heart and best intentions can not be given a break.
This story highlights how awful our child protection system was and I'd like to say that it has probably improved but I'm not so sure. This is story of survival against the odds, a really enjoyable read but uncomfortable when you remember that it is fact, not fiction.

[Nurul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satu keistimewaan kisah benar yang dikarang oleh orang yang mengalami kisah itu sendiri ialah - pengarang tidak punya masalah untuk melakarkan lukisan latar ceritanya. Malah terperinci. Kevin Lewis menceritakan pengalamannya menjadi mangsa dera. Rumah yang kotor dan diselubungi bau hancing. Kelaparan. Dipanggil hanya untuk dipukul dan dijerkah. Membaca kisah dera dari kacamata Lewis benar-benar menjentik naluri kemanusiaan. Kita biasa mendengar pengalaman didera ibu/bapa tiri tetapi Lewis mengalaminya dari ibu bapa kandung sendiri sehingga pada satu tahap, dia berhenti memanggil mereka ayah dan ibu. Saya lebih tertarik pada perjalanan kisah selepas Lewis dewasa dan bebas dari rumah tersebut, tetapi psikologinya masih lagi terpenjara dengan empat belas tahun hidup. Bayangkan, selepas berkahwin dan dan memiliki dua anak, beliau masih tidak mampu menceritakan pengalaman lepasnya kepada isterinya sehingga beliau menulis buku ini, khusus untuk isterinya.

[Ayuwidya Ayuwidya · Rating 3 out of 5]

What makes this book so special is that the writer bravely opened his gloomy childhood. He seems so honest when narrated about his dirty house, cruel mother, alcohol addict father and rejected by his friends.

This book make me realize, that how children will be grow is depend on who’s with him when he grow. With their terrible parent’s Lewis growing as a misbehaving uncontrolled child. But there’s a time when Lewis growing as a brave and well behave children as he was lived with his foster parents who treat him with love.

I do notice, it’s difficult for us to judge which is wrong and right and how to handle every matter when our parent’s, who supposed to be our best advisors, didn’t even tell us what is that about.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book in a long while that I have read in less than a day. I had seen Kevin Lewis on a morning television programme so when I saw the book at a sale I had to buy it. It was a gripping read I have to say, I didn't really want to put it down. It was emotional at some points, realising the kind of things that really do go on behind closed doors, but at others it felt kind of surreal, like some of the things he wrote about that he did in his adult life, made me think why he would do the kind of things he did after everything he'd been through already. I don't know, just seemed a bit 'odd'. But now I'm going to watch the movie.

[Shelly Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say this book was good as it was truly harrowing. The word I will use is inspiring. What a remarkable man Kevin Lewis is. To be able to come through such abuse throughout his life and still maintain such a loving endearing personality is beyond me.

When I got near the end and read the part in which the social work report indicated that partial fault had to lie with Kevin as he was antagonising his parents, I was livid. This boy was a child quite clearly reacting to the way he was treated. I was so angry.

Kevin Lewis wherever you are thank you for writing your story and showing against all odds there can still be hope.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was something catching about this book, maybe the fact it was a true story and took place five minutes down the road from where I lived, I don't know. The story was captivating, highlighting the absence of a secure family environment in 1980's South London, and fully proving that a nuclear family type does not always equal happiness. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true stories and dramatic recollections, however in parts its not for the faint hearted when speaking of the abuse the author suffered.

[Catherine Gillies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this book at the moment, it's very sad to think it's a true story, although I have read a lot of books like this, like a child called it, and a man called dave....a bit harrowing...but need to read to understand the horrors that Kevin went through....I hate his mother for being a monster, his father should have stepped in to stop the abuse, not end up joining in.. Will finish the book tonight and complete my review.

[Olivier Lepetit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly horrible lifestory of a poor councilhouse-bred boy. A mother of utter evil and a father who did not care and joined in the horror. This book does make one think about the inaptitude of social services to act upon true violence under the pretense of a lack of evidence.

The author does end up with the life he always wanted, but how many are left on the side of the road...Harrowing read - made me look at my life differently.

[S.K. Levy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very similar read to 'A Child Called It.' Needless to say, I wouldn't ever read it again. I couldn't believe what he had been through, but I could definitely believe a human being was capable of the horrible things done to him. Working in the animal industry I see a lot of abuse. It sickens me and I wish that all those people could have a taste of their own medicine. This book made me angry at humanity, but also reverent to our sense of self preservation and our strength.

[Liberte Louison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, it is a reflection of a life I can truly relate to and as a result, it allows me to have a better understanding of certain aspects of life that I have not yet faced; the remainder on other hand purely depicts a lifestyle that I am very familiar with.

THANK YOU Mr Lewis for putting out there emotions and feelings that any kid in such situation could/can understand and hopefully it turns their lives into an unapologetic success.

[Jenna Vidal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by an acquaintance who thought I might enjoy it and I certainly did. It is good to read books like this as it opens the eyes of people like me that come from a "good family". This book was equally horrific as it was enlightening. Sad as it was victorious. The writing was good, I had tears in my eyes and I found it education in more ways that one. A great read but not for the faint hearted.

[Jenny Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers so many important issues. It is hard to believe not only that some families live like this, but they somehow slip through the net of getting help from social services, police, schools, etc. It’s also a reminder that some people are driven to crime as they are desperate, and can’t see a way out. Kevin has done so well to get to where he is now, albeit with some awful mistakes on the way, and I hope he has now found happiness.

[Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one.It was kinda of a tought read for me because the font was to small. If it had not been so small would have finished alot sooner.I could not wait to turn to each page and see what trouble he seem to be in next.It reminded me a little of A Child Called It. I have the sequel can not wait to get into it.Stay tuned for updates of sequel! This is a must read for the genre...

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kicks "A Million Little Pieces" ass. And its actually a true story, to boot! If you want to read about someone who honestly overcame a huge amount of adversity to make something of himself, this is the book!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book on CD is best. Child abused and sent to orphanage then adopted by a great family and able to pull thru life successfully. Some language and violence due to the circumstance, done in good taste-autobiography.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you found it fascinating to read Dave Pelzer's account of abuse then thisoffers a lighter and a much more positive approach to life before, during and after abuse proving that regardless of what you have been through if you try hard enough you can overcome anything