Can I Have Your Charm Bracelet When You Die?: A Dublin Childhood

by Sheila Hamilton

Hilarious & Heartbreaking' The Times

You will laugh and you will cry, and thoroughly enjoy this hilarious, wonderful, inspirational, true, Irish childhood story! "Everyone's loving this glorious book!"

'Every page of Sheila Hamilton's "Can I Have Your Charm Bracelet When You Die?" crackles with electric joy. Her senses careen through the Irish Days and nights with greedy wonder. Even when she detours into New York, it's her mythology of love that shapes the town.
I can't recommend it enough. It's a genuine dose of something strong, a mighty remedy for an ailing world.
Give it a taste. You'll be the better for it.

Pulitzer Prize, Academy Award (Moonstruck), Tony Award (Doubt) Winner, J.P Shanley review;


John Patrick Shanley.

Love is the foundation of this powerful story, set amidst
the background of the author’s hilarious childhood in the
heart of 1970s and 80s working-class Dublin, Ireland.

Spent between two households, her ‘Nanny’s,’ where she is cared for by her
adorable aunt Esther, and her mother’s home, a delightful,
vibrant, centre of mayhem. Sheila takes us on a madcap
adventure from Dublin’s Pearse Square to the streets of
New York, and wherever she goes, she is surrounded by
a cast of exquisite, eccentric, and comical characters.

But there is a twist to this story, a realisation, a revelation this
child never knew, or noticed ...

Through life’s triumphs, sorrows and magic, the elevating
power of unconditional and enduring love is the source of
her strength.

This is an inspirational memoir, a beautifully written story you will never forget by brilliant Irish author Sheila Hamilton.

Sheila Hamilton is from Dublin, she is a qualified barrister, writer, artist, and
ex-lunatic actress with a story to tell and here it is ...

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

Reviews

[Máirín Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Sheila Hamilton’s ‘Can I have your charm bracelet when you die?’ It brings to flamboyant and fun life the Dublin inner-city life of her childhood growing up in Pearce Square and is brimming with loving and lively characters like her Nanny the fruit and veg trader, and her adorable and fun Aunty Esther who treated little Sheila as her own. I even found myself shedding a considerable tear at some of the heart-rending moments that anyone who has lost someone essential to their life knows. It is beautifully written and pulsing with Dublin life in all its glory. It follows Sheila to New York and Amsterdam where she got up to all sorts, but always brings us back to the beating heart of her gorgeous story in the Dublin she loves so much. James Joyce and Flann O Brien would be proud.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t want to miss a thing reviewing this book but there are so many things! Yes, I laughed and cried and almost ran packing to see my lovely Dublin again because Sheila’s book radiates all its energy. And description of her childhood reminded me of mine… made me think and feel and go back to all the pleasant memories. Exactly! Pleasant. This book doesn’t parasitize like so many books nowadays on dramas and heartbreakings. This Book makes your heart feel, love and remember how it is to be truly loved. Isn’t it a goal of allmighty literature?
Thank you, Sheila, for sharing this personal real story packed with the most important things in life: respect, honor for people, love for children, education of values and love, love.

[Mary Indritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We had the pleasure of meeting Sheila Hamilton at Sweney's Pharmacy in Dublin and, as a charm bracelet owner (46 total, including both of my grandmothers' bracelets that I played with as a child) I just had to have the book!
What a story with its joys and realities. Once I got used to the cadence (being an American) of the Irish writing, the story flowed beautifully and I was sad to get to the final page.
Such a tribute to Ms. Hamilton's family where life lessons and love are equally given to her. The journey of her life has been buoyed and supported through the gifts imparted on her younger self.
Bravo and keep writing! A wonderful and vivid book.

[Reader]

I’ve known the author for 30 years, and have heard many stories from her, but most of these stories are new to me, and are every bit as charming as Miss Hamilton herself.
The love she has for her family shines in these stories. In her relaxed writing style, she takes the reader along with her in this memorable memoir. I can highly recommend this book. The ups and downs of life in Dublin in the Seventies and Eighties come to life in Hamilton’s page-turner. Surely, this could well be adapted for stage or screen. A tour de force of a debut by Sheila Hamilton. I look forward to her next book.

[Ruairi Keogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the particular your find the universal. You don't have to be a Dubliner to enjoy this book but if you are and you were around in the pre celtic tiger era you'll recognise the city and characters all the more. But no matter where you're from this page turner is a fantastic read, a wonderful tale of triumph in the face of adversity. If you live in or are visiting Dublin pop into Sweny's pharmacy to pick up your copy and you might even bump into the author who's a regular visitor herself

[Molly O · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book steeped in nostalgia which makes the reader long for past days, a simpler time. A fabulous read that captures Dublin and Dubliners effortlessly. A place, a time and the people that have been brought to life in this book deserve to be remembered and celebrated, and Sheila Hamilton accomplishes this in spades. Prepare to be completely engrossed. This is Sheila Hamilton’s first book and I cannot wait to see what is to come next.

[Dino Notaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Sheila Hamilton. It's a book full of wonderful stories written with a humorous insight that transports you into a world that is relatable while capturing a world slowly being diluted .

Do yourself a favor and allow this gem to captivate your imagination and keep these stories alive.

After finishing I immediately wanted more and look forward to what this talented author does next.

[Karin Ivancev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheila Hamilton has written a moving and heartfelt book that will make you both laugh out loud and cry at times. Her portrait of her family and the strong women who shaped her not only makes the city of Dublin come alive but also transports you to a time and place that feels both magical and anchored in reality. Spending time with Sheila and her friends and family is a rare treat. Now go and read the book; it’s time well spent.

[Sheila Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulitzer Prize, Academy Award, Tony Award winner JP Shanley gives Irish Debut Memoir Brilliant Review!
'Can I Have Your Charm Bracelet When You Diem' by Sheila Hamilton crackles with electric joy. I can't recommend it enough. It's a genuine dose of something strong a MIGHTY REMEDY FOR AN AILING WORLD. GIVE IT A TASTE. YOU'LL BE THE BETTER FOR IT. JP Shanley

[Sean Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in Canada with Irish born parents I spent most of my early childhood vacations in Dublin City. This book brought all of my childhood memories of pre celtic tiger Dublin back to life. It is truly an enjoyable read and a wonderful introduction to a time now lost of Dublin City in the 1970s. I hope this is the first of may more books to come from Sheila Hamilton.

[Julie Swiatek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect companion for me on my Ireland trip! I loved the stories, adventures, challenges and triumphs! Your relationship with your Aunt was precious and love that you have her charm bracelet! The synchronicity for the kidney transplant is a great story to share! Best of luck on your newest adventure! Thank you for adding an amazing element to my trip! I love this book!

[Yvonne Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told story that brings the magic and nostalgia of Dublin to the readers imagination. Incredible characters that are too unique and sparkling to be real, but they are.

And a unique secret that will keep you guessing throughout the entire book until the bittersweet revelation is uncovered.

Once you know, you will want to reread the entire book!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A break from the glorification of the working class. Spoken from real experience. Spare me the rose tinted glasses. A display of wit, with buckets of tallent. The author paints a picture of the Dublin we all know. Flawed, foolish and fun. From the locals down the shops to the dreamers across the sea. You need to read this book.

Kind regards
A Dreamer

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheila's childhood memoir is a must-read for anyone blowin'and of course, real Dubliners alike. She writes with such love and wit, and her description of her nanny and auntie makes them come alive for us, the reader. Highly recommend it if you want to learn more about her childhood and her adventures beyond Dublin as an adult.

[Joseph Supple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? I went to the book launch and purchased the book and couldn't put it down when I got a chance to read it, great Dublin banter with a working class family and will have you laughing with all the family stories.. would highly recommend it

[Mary ONeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely wonderful! I laughed out loud and I cried my eyes out. It was so beautifuly written and so spot on about Dublin and the amazing characters and fabulous women that are the stars of this glorious memoir. Just gorgeous!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, needs to be a movie, hilarious and incredibly sad in places, honestly couldn't put it down. Will make a fantastic film, once it's cast correctly. A beautiful insight into Dublin but definitely about the incredible women that shaped the author's life. A must read!

[Frances Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book ! Living in the heart of where this story originated ,I loved this warm and funny book and the author’s voice comes through in every page. You’ll fall in love the characters from the first page.

Well done Sheila! It’s beautiful

[Caroline Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful wonderful book it brought tears to my eyes, full of joy laughter and sadness... a gorgeous nostalgic journey I will never forget.... it makes writing look easy just a fabulous book and story!!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down it was incredible! Such a talented writer and such a brilliant story, i loved it so much! Id love to see it as a play / film , brillaint!

[Sheila Maria Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb read & a fabulous story on a Dublin childhood, continued into adult life! Beautifully written by Ms Hamilton, funny, loving, sad, witty & quite literally outrageous!! A really good read!

[Grace Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating read, loved every bit of it , can’t wait for the next book

[Marguerite Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great trip down memory land if you had a childhood in Dublin make you cry and laugh fantastic read 📚 👏

[Aarron Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant and heartwarming book. I really enjoyed every page it from start to finish.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book by a very talented Irish author! I highly recommend this book - it's funny, it's different and very picturesque about living in Dublin in the 80s. Easy to read and hilarious!

[Siabh Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! This book really brings you into the stories of the lives of this Irish family. You feel the laughter, tears and the precious moments, of their story of keeping their bond together.

[Mrs D. J. Knapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of an Irish family full of domestic details, hopes wishes and love and yes it was a present from Sweny's bookshop my mecca for all things James Joyce!

[Norman Yourell-Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

If sweets are from Heaven and still served in a brown paper bag from Mr. Forshaw’s shop then this book deserves to be served the same way.
Beautifully written with both an entertaining and poignant feel, one can’t help but be transported to inner-city Dublin and all its self-reflective anecdotes. At least for me anyway.
There are laugh-out-loud moments which are conveyed with a sense of belonging.
The author writes with an innocent yet descriptive approach.

Moments like “Escaping Nelly (with the rubber-belly)’s wrath running through a ‘raven-night” perfectly conveys the scoundrel days of the past and you can’t help but scramble along with the perfectly descriptive narration.
Likewise when indoors you can almost hear Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ playing in the background.

This is somewhat a love story in which the narration switches from scene to scene where hilarity ensues.
At the same time I couldn’t help shedding a tear or two when the author alludes to the expectancy of death.
The narration flows along with dynamic authority on all its subject matter.
Both enjoyable and sad at the same time.

“A model for a coddle, it’ll do for a stew.”
A triumph and I can’t wait for more from this amazing young author.

[Cathy Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gem of a book. It really brought me back to my childhood in Dublin in the 70's. The author, Sheila Hamilton, beautifully paints a picture of her family life and bring