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Miedo: Living Beyond Childhood Fear
Miedo is a Biographical British drama set in the historical city of Hull (recently voted as City of Culture 2017) in the mid-1960s-1980s. It is the true story of a boy who after losing his mother at a very young age is brought up by his grandparents until his father remarries. It is this point in his life that brings about such a traumatic change that Miedo is no longer the boy he was. He begins to experience a plethora of paranormal/supernatural incidents which cause him to live a life of fear. Are these incidents real or are they a psychological manifestation brought on by the abuse and neglect he suffers at the hands of others? To find out more, read on.
228 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 20, 2019
A fascinating story of a boy growing up in the city of Hull, England, during the 1960's and 70's. As it happens, I am familiar enough with Hull and the district's mentioned to be able to visualise them as I walked with Miedo through his growing up years.
Some incidents described are quite raw, but presented as part of the story, not for the purpose of making the reader feel uncomfortable. Well done to the author for tackling them.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews...
Some incidents described are quite raw, but presented as part of the story, not for the purpose of making the reader feel uncomfortable. Well done to the author for tackling them.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews...
September 12, 2015
Miedo is a powerful story of a boy's changing childhood growing up in northern England.
What I loved was the contrast between his early years, playing in the garden, getting washed in a tin bath, enjoying bonfire night, going out with his grandma, and the sudden change to his life that brought about his fear (Miedo).
He moves to a new home, has a stepmother, has to go to school - with all that entails - and every night, faces the demons in his bed. Yet, even within the bleak times, there are good moments, the family holidays in Flamborough, the new friends he makes, and his growing self-confidence.
It's a brave and honest novel, harsh yet gentle, frightening but warm, familiar and not. Kevin takes us on all his adventures, the good and the bad.
It's a childhood totally unlike mine was, although we were geographically not far apart. In fact, for anyone from Yorkshire, especially the East Riding, this is a must-read. It gave me an in-sight into such a different childhood.
In spite of the fear and some of the quite stark scenes, I was left with a feeling of optimism, or maybe just hope, that Miedo would conquer his fear. I'm looking forward to the sequel, Miedo 2.
I understand he has a promotional offer on right now, so it's a good time to buy.
What I loved was the contrast between his early years, playing in the garden, getting washed in a tin bath, enjoying bonfire night, going out with his grandma, and the sudden change to his life that brought about his fear (Miedo).
He moves to a new home, has a stepmother, has to go to school - with all that entails - and every night, faces the demons in his bed. Yet, even within the bleak times, there are good moments, the family holidays in Flamborough, the new friends he makes, and his growing self-confidence.
It's a brave and honest novel, harsh yet gentle, frightening but warm, familiar and not. Kevin takes us on all his adventures, the good and the bad.
It's a childhood totally unlike mine was, although we were geographically not far apart. In fact, for anyone from Yorkshire, especially the East Riding, this is a must-read. It gave me an in-sight into such a different childhood.
In spite of the fear and some of the quite stark scenes, I was left with a feeling of optimism, or maybe just hope, that Miedo would conquer his fear. I'm looking forward to the sequel, Miedo 2.
I understand he has a promotional offer on right now, so it's a good time to buy.
December 28, 2014
MIEDO: Living Beyond Childhood is a touching coming of age story of a sweet boy with hearing difficulties who grows up in a household that instills in him fear. People, including his sisters and step-mothers, are mean to him, abuse and use him for their own benefits.
This memoir of a loving boy will make you not only feel compassion for him but you will want to hold him, protect him and wonder how someone can be so cruel to such an innocent human being. Yet, MIEDO , with his fears and secrets is no push-over. Nobody tells MIEDO what he can or can’t do.
Written in both first and third person, present tense MIEDO reads more like a screenplay. The style is refreshing and new. Kevin Cooper has a definite distinct voice that doesn’t waste words. His descriptions of place - vivid and precise - reminded me of Raymond Carver’s writing. For example:
"They move into a house on Jarvis Road in Bolton Grange. It’s really big and has four bedrooms and there is a garden around the back with grass and a couple of trees. Miedo’s dad even buys a greenhouse to grow tomatoes and talks about planting some potatoes."
I couldn’t help but applaud MIEDO as he struggles with his obstacles and hardships, always remaining loyal to himself and to others.
This memoir of a loving boy will make you not only feel compassion for him but you will want to hold him, protect him and wonder how someone can be so cruel to such an innocent human being. Yet, MIEDO , with his fears and secrets is no push-over. Nobody tells MIEDO what he can or can’t do.
Written in both first and third person, present tense MIEDO reads more like a screenplay. The style is refreshing and new. Kevin Cooper has a definite distinct voice that doesn’t waste words. His descriptions of place - vivid and precise - reminded me of Raymond Carver’s writing. For example:
"They move into a house on Jarvis Road in Bolton Grange. It’s really big and has four bedrooms and there is a garden around the back with grass and a couple of trees. Miedo’s dad even buys a greenhouse to grow tomatoes and talks about planting some potatoes."
I couldn’t help but applaud MIEDO as he struggles with his obstacles and hardships, always remaining loyal to himself and to others.
October 31, 2015
A Gripping Story of Survival!
Miedo: Living Beyond Childhood Fear is a mesmerizing story of a child's difficult and fearful time growing up. All Miedo wants from his family is to be accepted and loved but instead he must deal with rejection, bullying, taunting, and trickery from his sisters, stepmother, father and grandfather.
Miedo tries to solve his problems on his own and find friends who will accept him and fill the void in his empty life. There are many heartbreaking things that happen to him but he somehow deals with each one in turn. The question is how will Miedo deal with the demons he cannot understand? With whom can he share his fears!
A profoundly touching and heartbreaking story that brought tears to my eyes. I look forward to reading book two. The author has poured his heart and soul into this memorable memoir that will stay with this reader for a long time.
I highly recommend this unforgettable book to all.
Miedo: Living Beyond Childhood Fear is a mesmerizing story of a child's difficult and fearful time growing up. All Miedo wants from his family is to be accepted and loved but instead he must deal with rejection, bullying, taunting, and trickery from his sisters, stepmother, father and grandfather.
Miedo tries to solve his problems on his own and find friends who will accept him and fill the void in his empty life. There are many heartbreaking things that happen to him but he somehow deals with each one in turn. The question is how will Miedo deal with the demons he cannot understand? With whom can he share his fears!
A profoundly touching and heartbreaking story that brought tears to my eyes. I look forward to reading book two. The author has poured his heart and soul into this memorable memoir that will stay with this reader for a long time.
I highly recommend this unforgettable book to all.
August 12, 2015
"MIEDO: Living Beyond Childhood Fear" by Kevin Cooper is a gripping drama that slowly creeps up on you. We know of the fear the young boy lives with from a haunting prologue, before taken back to happier times. As we follow the seemingly biographical childhood desciption we wait for the event that will turn things from unspoilt to spoilt.
Childhood fear is something so painful and damaging and the author really brings out the horrors of it. Trauma, paranoia and insanity blend together. A well written and powerful novel.
Childhood fear is something so painful and damaging and the author really brings out the horrors of it. Trauma, paranoia and insanity blend together. A well written and powerful novel.
April 21, 2016
It's a hard life living in the shadow of a family. Real and imaginary monsters scare the wits out of Miedo. Bedwetting, hearing impairment and living in a mostly uncaring world are just some of the problems this child deals with.
Kevin Cooper writes this tale like a stream of thoughts. This book might not appeal to everyone, however, the writing is consistent throughout the book and carries a kind of charm because the boy through it all deals with his lot with acceptance and complacency. Blessed are the unaware.
Kevin Cooper writes this tale like a stream of thoughts. This book might not appeal to everyone, however, the writing is consistent throughout the book and carries a kind of charm because the boy through it all deals with his lot with acceptance and complacency. Blessed are the unaware.
October 6, 2015
Strange psychology
Okay for what it was, but not what I was looking for. Growing up can be tough, but without proper nurturing can be almost impossible. Miedo turned out a lot Better than what I thought he would. Now I understand why the world seems to be such a screwed up place and am very thankful for my upbringing.
Okay for what it was, but not what I was looking for. Growing up can be tough, but without proper nurturing can be almost impossible. Miedo turned out a lot Better than what I thought he would. Now I understand why the world seems to be such a screwed up place and am very thankful for my upbringing.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews