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Gypsy Princess
A true blooded Gypsy, Violet Cannon grew up the Romany way. Life was tough at times, living in a cramped one-roomed trailer, but, unbound by strict routines, Violet spent her days learning to keep home, playing and roaming the fields with a sense of freedom long lost to the rest of modern society. Immersed in the Gypsy way of life, her childhood set her apart from other children. Bullied by classmates, and segregated from 'gorgia' kids (all non-Gypsies), Violet eventually left school at the age of nine to live a life of travel, play and learning under generations-old Gypsy rules on the fringes of society. With traditional values at the heart of her childhood, the pressure of conforming and marrying young was intense. Violet was duty-bound to find a husband, but would her marriage lead to the 'happy ever after' she grew up believing in as a Gypsy girl? Gypsy Princess is a searingly honest account of what life is really like for travelling communities, for girls in particular, and captures a way of life that is slowly fading away.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
372 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 14, 2019
I had previously read "Rabbit Stew and a Penny or Two: A Gypsy Family's Hard Times and Happy Times on the Road in the 1950s" by Maggie Smith-Bendell and this book felt like a continuation of that as it was set around the 2000s.
It was a really informative book which hooked me from the beginning. It did lose a little bit of steam in the middle but finished strong. I would have loved to have read more about the various reforms and changes made during the start of the 21st century, helped by the author and the organization she formed but reading about her own trials and achievements in her personal life was in itself, very inspiring and uplifting.
It was a really informative book which hooked me from the beginning. It did lose a little bit of steam in the middle but finished strong. I would have loved to have read more about the various reforms and changes made during the start of the 21st century, helped by the author and the organization she formed but reading about her own trials and achievements in her personal life was in itself, very inspiring and uplifting.
August 24, 2012
I absolutely love this book! Violet Cannon shares what it's like growing up a Romany gypsy, their traditions, and of course life on the road! If you have an interest in the Gypsy culture this book woud be a good place to start.
Violet grew up as the middle child between an older brother, and younger sister. Her parents kept the children as sheltered as they could, but couldn't always protect them from the cruel verbal, and emotional abuse metted out by the "gorja" their term for a non-traveling country person (which is not an offensive term). As a child slowly but surely Violet noticed the prejudices against her, and her Romany gypsy family.
Education was very important to Violet's mother, she made sure to stay settled enough so that the kids could go to school. School however turned out to be a nightmare for Violet, and her siblings. Kids, and teachers alike made it a difficult time. Gorja kids would taunt the gypsy kids with terrible name calling, and the teachers often blamed the gypsy kids for the conflict when in fact they were not the instigators.
As a Romany gypsy it was important to Violet to get married, and have children one day. She ran through a few boyfriends until she finally found one she had deep feelings for. Of course being a gypsy means no sex before marriage, and all dating is done in public. Unfortunately things didn't work out as she had hoped, and in her heartbreak she went running feet first into a train wreck of a marriage. Violet was driven to do the unthinkable for a Romany gypsy woman when she finally had to call her marriage a failure (on her husbands part I might add)and file for divorce.
There's so much to this story, and as with any book I love I flew through it at breakneck speed. There were a few things that stuck out to me though, and as much as I adore the gypsies I have to say something. The way Violet talks you would think everyone who likes gold, or has a bold fashion sense were a wydo (a gypsy wannabe) which is absurd. The same with those who are non-gypsy travelers. Some people choose to live life on the open road, and they're called travelers because they travel, but it doesn't mean they're trying to be a gypsy. They probably end up in gypsy sites because they need a place to park their caravan! So this just goes to show that maybe there are also many judgements, and misunderstandings coming from the gypsy side as well.
Violet grew up as the middle child between an older brother, and younger sister. Her parents kept the children as sheltered as they could, but couldn't always protect them from the cruel verbal, and emotional abuse metted out by the "gorja" their term for a non-traveling country person (which is not an offensive term). As a child slowly but surely Violet noticed the prejudices against her, and her Romany gypsy family.
Education was very important to Violet's mother, she made sure to stay settled enough so that the kids could go to school. School however turned out to be a nightmare for Violet, and her siblings. Kids, and teachers alike made it a difficult time. Gorja kids would taunt the gypsy kids with terrible name calling, and the teachers often blamed the gypsy kids for the conflict when in fact they were not the instigators.
As a Romany gypsy it was important to Violet to get married, and have children one day. She ran through a few boyfriends until she finally found one she had deep feelings for. Of course being a gypsy means no sex before marriage, and all dating is done in public. Unfortunately things didn't work out as she had hoped, and in her heartbreak she went running feet first into a train wreck of a marriage. Violet was driven to do the unthinkable for a Romany gypsy woman when she finally had to call her marriage a failure (on her husbands part I might add)and file for divorce.
There's so much to this story, and as with any book I love I flew through it at breakneck speed. There were a few things that stuck out to me though, and as much as I adore the gypsies I have to say something. The way Violet talks you would think everyone who likes gold, or has a bold fashion sense were a wydo (a gypsy wannabe) which is absurd. The same with those who are non-gypsy travelers. Some people choose to live life on the open road, and they're called travelers because they travel, but it doesn't mean they're trying to be a gypsy. They probably end up in gypsy sites because they need a place to park their caravan! So this just goes to show that maybe there are also many judgements, and misunderstandings coming from the gypsy side as well.
March 27, 2018
I almost never read autobiographies and this kind of epitomises all the reasons. I could have slept for five hours and made better use of my time.
March 15, 2012
Interesting but not well written.
Although I enjoyed this book, I came away with the feeling that it could have been raised to a five star read if it had been penned by a ghost writer. It needed someone who would have asked the questions that we, as Gorja (non-gypsies), would have liked to have asked, and it also needed a lot of the repetition removed.
I think we are all aware that Gypsies have a hard time, especially in schools, and it was good to learn that members of the Gypsy community are being employed to break down the barriers and ease the process.
I was surprised to discover that sex before marriage is highly disapproved of, even the use of the 's' word is taboo. I also learned that Gypsies marry very young, while still in their teens, and the author was frowned on for still being single at the age of 22. Still more surprising, especially considering the confined spaces in which they live, was their attitude towards nudity. Even siblings who share a bed would not expect to see each other unclothed. Similarly, bladder control had to be learned early, as the lack of toilets meant going off site and 'number twos' had to be done in the dark.
I would have liked to have known more about the way they kept in contact while separated all over the country - somehow everyone managed to turn up for a family wedding. It would also have been interesting to learn a bit more historical background. While there is a lack of written history, the oral tradition is strong and this could have been fascinating.
Although I gave this book 4*, I should perhaps mention that within my book group I was in the minority. The three others who attended were not impressed and only gave around 2*. They criticised the writing and the repetition and found it an uninspiring read. Just as well they are not writing this review :)
Although I enjoyed this book, I came away with the feeling that it could have been raised to a five star read if it had been penned by a ghost writer. It needed someone who would have asked the questions that we, as Gorja (non-gypsies), would have liked to have asked, and it also needed a lot of the repetition removed.
I think we are all aware that Gypsies have a hard time, especially in schools, and it was good to learn that members of the Gypsy community are being employed to break down the barriers and ease the process.
I was surprised to discover that sex before marriage is highly disapproved of, even the use of the 's' word is taboo. I also learned that Gypsies marry very young, while still in their teens, and the author was frowned on for still being single at the age of 22. Still more surprising, especially considering the confined spaces in which they live, was their attitude towards nudity. Even siblings who share a bed would not expect to see each other unclothed. Similarly, bladder control had to be learned early, as the lack of toilets meant going off site and 'number twos' had to be done in the dark.
I would have liked to have known more about the way they kept in contact while separated all over the country - somehow everyone managed to turn up for a family wedding. It would also have been interesting to learn a bit more historical background. While there is a lack of written history, the oral tradition is strong and this could have been fascinating.
Although I gave this book 4*, I should perhaps mention that within my book group I was in the minority. The three others who attended were not impressed and only gave around 2*. They criticised the writing and the repetition and found it an uninspiring read. Just as well they are not writing this review :)
July 19, 2012
I lived in a caravan for a number of years whilst my dad and his best friend but our house and theirs, so I could relate with parts of this story. However, we are 'Gorja' although I did used to get called 'gyppo' at school - but this didn't bother me as I knew we weren't, and I was one of the popular kids so it didn't bother me. And when the houses were finished they were, well, big.
Anyhoo. I didn't like the way parts of the book were written - it made me feel like she thought the reader was stupid and she had to repeat herself and really describe in detail some things that wewren't really necessary. I did find some parts funny, with the stories of the family and their shenanigans (or getting on with Romany life and making their own fun). The basic story could be about and ethnic minority group with the related prejudices etc, and later a number of marriages. So although parts were funny just two stars. I wouldn't 'recommend' but if you want to read it, do.
Synopsis:
Romany girl is born, grows up, gets married, gets divorced.
Anyhoo. I didn't like the way parts of the book were written - it made me feel like she thought the reader was stupid and she had to repeat herself and really describe in detail some things that wewren't really necessary. I did find some parts funny, with the stories of the family and their shenanigans (or getting on with Romany life and making their own fun). The basic story could be about and ethnic minority group with the related prejudices etc, and later a number of marriages. So although parts were funny just two stars. I wouldn't 'recommend' but if you want to read it, do.
Synopsis:
Romany girl is born, grows up, gets married, gets divorced.
January 10, 2018
~~ 4.5 stars ~~
The grammar and plot structure is messy yet authentic, the narrative exactly what a gypsy would sound like in person. It was not an easy read, but definitely the worth time spent making sense of it.
I gave it 4.5 stars because it is clear how much effort the author put into writing this book (the author dropped out of school from a young age, give her some credit!), but due to the lack of structure and poor phrasing, it more fits in the 3.5 star category of literature.
The grammar and plot structure is messy yet authentic, the narrative exactly what a gypsy would sound like in person. It was not an easy read, but definitely the worth time spent making sense of it.
I gave it 4.5 stars because it is clear how much effort the author put into writing this book (the author dropped out of school from a young age, give her some credit!), but due to the lack of structure and poor phrasing, it more fits in the 3.5 star category of literature.
June 26, 2020
An easy read, it felt like a chat with a new friend. After reading Gypsy Boy, it was interesting to read a book showing a more positive view of Gypsy life. It is worth reading and something you can easily dip in and out of, but not one that I personally struggled to put down, hence the 3 stars.
January 11, 2024
Interesting read, but as I'm mentioned on one of the pages, I can confirm it's not all factual.
More about here: https://open.substack.com/pub/nowrite...
More about here: https://open.substack.com/pub/nowrite...
July 19, 2024
*** 3.5 stars ***
An easy and enjoyable read helping shed light on Gypsy life, from their customs and traditions to the challenges and prejudice they face. This is definitely a life story as opposed to a literary masterpiece, but it is still enlightening and interesting to read.
An easy and enjoyable read helping shed light on Gypsy life, from their customs and traditions to the challenges and prejudice they face. This is definitely a life story as opposed to a literary masterpiece, but it is still enlightening and interesting to read.
May 14, 2017
I loved reading this book.
July 30, 2017
The whole book is just blah blah blah
August 17, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. Insightful, eye opening, at times shocking and upsetting. A real peep into the gypsy lifestyle.
Would have been made perfect had it included some photos.
Would have been made perfect had it included some photos.
January 1, 2025
Brilliant
A true accurate account of life as a gypsy. Had me laughing and crying at the same time, have read multiple times
A true accurate account of life as a gypsy. Had me laughing and crying at the same time, have read multiple times
April 8, 2012
Really enjoyed this book- such an insight into the Romany gypsy life from the past. The book covers Violet's life (pre-conception as in parents meeting n marriage) until present, therefore a lot of subjects are briefly mentioned and no depth is given. Lots more detail would have added to the insight and given the reader a fuller experience of gypsy life rather than 'snippits'. This would have made the book longer, yet, i feel the reader would not have minded due to the depth of the story and since there was lots of repetition throughout the chapters-these could have being altered/deleted.
Again, really enjoyed it, it took me a while to get into too but at the end i wanted more and felt like i would miss Violet. Sadly the image on the front isn't Violet as a young girl....there is just one baby photo on the back cover; having some pages of photos would have helped put faces to names and added to the fulfilment of the book.
Again, really enjoyed it, it took me a while to get into too but at the end i wanted more and felt like i would miss Violet. Sadly the image on the front isn't Violet as a young girl....there is just one baby photo on the back cover; having some pages of photos would have helped put faces to names and added to the fulfilment of the book.
May 15, 2014
What an interesting read! I especially found this fascinating as during my American childhood, I didn't even know gypsies still existed, and upon moving to the UK and seeing clusters of caravans and horses by the roadways or the ubiquitous tv shows, I was really curious. Violet seemed very human to me, with plenty of imperfections, but a strong woman who, by the end of the book, I had come to admire.
I knocked off a star because the writing itself could have used a little polishing. I get that it was meant to be portrayed very much in her own words, but there were quite a few repetitions and abrupt segues that jolted me out of the narrative a bit. As another reviewer suggested, I think that it could have benefited from a few touches of a ghostwriter, not enough to affect the story, but enough to smooth out the bumps.
I knocked off a star because the writing itself could have used a little polishing. I get that it was meant to be portrayed very much in her own words, but there were quite a few repetitions and abrupt segues that jolted me out of the narrative a bit. As another reviewer suggested, I think that it could have benefited from a few touches of a ghostwriter, not enough to affect the story, but enough to smooth out the bumps.
January 16, 2015
I did like this book but wouldn't say I loved it or would read again. It gives a good insight into the traveller world from a female perspective as I have only read previously from a male perspective but the memoirs are what I felt in short snippets and not in fantastic detail. There wasn't a lot of depth on most accounts. Overall, I would recommend for someone wishing to know more read more about traveller culture but as a general 'good read' I wouldn't recommend it.
May 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this book about Gypsies and how they interact with each other and I also learned about their way of life and their customs. I thought all gypsies are the same I never knew they didn't get on with the fair people it just shows you how naive that people are about the gypsy way of life and how hard it is for them to fit in society .
November 5, 2011
A slice of life story by young woman with a different perspective on roma gypsy life in Great Britain. She manages to be feisty and homey at the same time. Violet Cannon tells her own story without being soppy and without a shred of self-pity. Definitely worth reading.
January 11, 2012
Really insightful book into the world of the Romany gypsies. I decided to read this book as my grandad is a Romany gypsy and I wanted to learn more about my heritage. I would recommend this to anyone curious to know about the romany gypsies.
September 26, 2011
One of the funniest deeply moving books ive read in a while. Having met and chatted and hung around with a few gypsy's myself alot of this rung true. Brilliant! A dephinate re-reader.
December 9, 2011
I'm still muddling through this book. It's not terrible, just better in smaller doses, as the book is made up of smaller memories.
June 25, 2012
So many of these type of books around now. My daughter loves them and I end up reading them as she buys them, but to me there is a limit on how interesting these growing up as a traveller can be.
December 28, 2013
With such a slow start I really struggled to get into this but about half way through I started finding it impossible to put down. It showed a lovely view of the gypsy people and their way of life.
April 6, 2014
An interesting and moving account of a modern day Romany girl's upbringing in the north of England. I think some photos would have made it even more informative.
April 17, 2016
Lovely view into the real life of Romany gypsy life.
June 2, 2019
Great honest read
Great book honest read with genuine tales off her past
Would recommend a read
Nice easy book to pick up
Great book honest read with genuine tales off her past
Would recommend a read
Nice easy book to pick up
February 11, 2018
amazing what I story to read about gypsy in the 70s
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews