What do you think?
Rate this book
The Pimp and the Pork Sausage: A Story of Life
Susan Norman’s disturbing childhood and violent marriage left her with learning and writing difficulties that she has spent her life overcoming. Using guile, good humour and a fair dollop of native intelligence, she endured extreme domestic violence and misfortune, yet always managed to spring off the back foot and bounce back.
Hardworking and forthright, Susan has negotiated successful careers as a prison officer, hostage negotiator and businesswoman. Her trademark of an infectious sense of humour, loyalty, compassion and kindness to others is a tribute to her authentic self.
Her narrative tracks her life from early childhood in the downtrodden streets of the East End of London, her marriage to a violent pimp and her struggles to bring up her children in appalling living conditions. Despite being unable to write, Susan became a prison officer in the notorious and dangerous corridors of Boggo Road Prison. Eventually, after many years of outstanding service, work stress overcame her, forcing her to leave.
Embarking on a successful business venture with her husband, and trusting that her daughter, Ivy, would never hurt her, Susan encouraged her daughter’s involvement in the day-to-day running of the company. Manipulated and blackmailed by Ivy into losing control of the company she worked hard to establish, Susan was locked out of her company office and left in despair and penniless.
Written with the help of a ghostwriter, this is a story of. tenacity and strength in adversity and – despite suffering the worst form of betrayal, from close family – the fortitude to rise above it, laugh and bounce back.
Hardworking and forthright, Susan has negotiated successful careers as a prison officer, hostage negotiator and businesswoman. Her trademark of an infectious sense of humour, loyalty, compassion and kindness to others is a tribute to her authentic self.
Her narrative tracks her life from early childhood in the downtrodden streets of the East End of London, her marriage to a violent pimp and her struggles to bring up her children in appalling living conditions. Despite being unable to write, Susan became a prison officer in the notorious and dangerous corridors of Boggo Road Prison. Eventually, after many years of outstanding service, work stress overcame her, forcing her to leave.
Embarking on a successful business venture with her husband, and trusting that her daughter, Ivy, would never hurt her, Susan encouraged her daughter’s involvement in the day-to-day running of the company. Manipulated and blackmailed by Ivy into losing control of the company she worked hard to establish, Susan was locked out of her company office and left in despair and penniless.
Written with the help of a ghostwriter, this is a story of. tenacity and strength in adversity and – despite suffering the worst form of betrayal, from close family – the fortitude to rise above it, laugh and bounce back.
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2023
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 16, 2023
I read this book in one sitting. Susan is an incredible woman with an incredible story to tell. She has survived poverty, violence and abuse and she has come through still smiling. For anyone suffering this book will offer hope that you can overcome any adversity.
July 23, 2023
Wow, really enjoyed this read as it was light and so real and relatable about life experience in all the forms we may experience. It really hit home about life and upbringings, struggle, abuse, emotions, how nurture or absence can affect our full potential and confidence, ..but through it all we don't give up and learn and come into our own from all the experience.
I would highly recommend this great little read as I found the experiences are relatable and encompass so much that women especially can relate to.
It was real, honest, relatable, funny and you will come away with something from this book... Enjoy .!
I would highly recommend this great little read as I found the experiences are relatable and encompass so much that women especially can relate to.
It was real, honest, relatable, funny and you will come away with something from this book... Enjoy .!
July 23, 2023
A dear friend gave me this book to read on the train for a 5 hour journey, and I am very glad, it reminded me of my similar childhood in Glasgow. The authors story of her life was very much how situations and atitudes just were for women of our generation.
It was a lovely read for me to pass the hours and I am passing it on to my sister next.
It was a lovely read for me to pass the hours and I am passing it on to my sister next.
July 24, 2023
From a harrowing poor start and abusive relationship this author has stepped up with every shovel of dirt thrown at her and risen free from the hole, .. , it's always the down trodden that are truly there for others as they know what it's like, .. hats off to her for having courage and humour and taking on life and still helping others .
July 29, 2023
Wow what an amazing read .
Once I started reading this book was anxious to read each chapter
Knowing what the Author endered from a very early age all the violence betrayal yet has grown into a beautiful well adjusted woman whom I'm proud to have as a great friend
Can't wait for next book
Once I started reading this book was anxious to read each chapter
Knowing what the Author endered from a very early age all the violence betrayal yet has grown into a beautiful well adjusted woman whom I'm proud to have as a great friend
Can't wait for next book
July 23, 2023
Excellent book, I was recommended to read it by my cousin Tilsa whom knows the Author. I will be sure to recommend to friends and family
July 23, 2023
Absolutely loved reading this book. Was so hard to put it down once you pick it up. What an amazing author you are. Can't wait for the next book. ♥️
July 23, 2023
Loved this book what a great read , looking forward to the next one .
July 23, 2023
Absorbing read about one women's fight to grow and survive in this challenge, we call life.
July 23, 2023
Loved this book, great story line, very relatable, great read!
July 23, 2023
A story of courage and determination against the odds. Susan Norman takes everything thrown at her and meets it head-on with humour and a kind spirit.
July 24, 2023
Once I started I couldn't put it down ...good read.
July 24, 2023
A complete waste of time and money, this woman’s life account screams gold digger. Money is the only objective of her life when you read between the lines. Poorly written and full of self importance.
October 25, 2025
Such a frightening story of someone's life - and it's not fiction. Hard to put down. Susan is a very special person to survive the things she has.
July 26, 2023
Interesting story about life, poverty and trying her hardest to make things work suffering through domestic violence in a harsh world. Life sometimes deals you lemons, and Susan made lemonade. Recommend reading.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews