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'We love a rags-to-riches story, and we love to see someone triumph through sheer determination. But the story is rarely that simple. My story isn't, anyway. It is extraordinary to think of how lucky I have been'
As the middle of five kids growing up in dire poverty, the odds were low on Katriona O'Sullivan making anything of her life. She became a mother at 15 and ended up homeless. Five rackety years followed - barely coping, drinking to escape - until Katriona, now living in her father's native Dublin, hit rock bottom.
Poor is the extraordinary story - moving, funny, brave, and sometimes startling - of how Katriona turned her life around. During her schooldays there had been teachers who looked out for her - beacons of stability in a chaotic childhood. They planted seeds of self-belief. In Dublin when she sought help, she found mentors whose encouragement revived that self-belief. She got her act together, got a flat and a job as a cleaner, and got into Trinity College. Today Dr Katriona O'Sullivan is an award-winning lecturer whose work explores barriers to education.
Despite her professional success, and happiness in her marriage and as a loving mother, Katriona lives with the indelible legacy of her early years. Her book is a stirring argument for the importance of looking out for our kids, of giving them hope, practical support and meaningful opportunities.
As the middle of five kids growing up in dire poverty, the odds were low on Katriona O'Sullivan making anything of her life. She became a mother at 15 and ended up homeless. Five rackety years followed - barely coping, drinking to escape - until Katriona, now living in her father's native Dublin, hit rock bottom.
Poor is the extraordinary story - moving, funny, brave, and sometimes startling - of how Katriona turned her life around. During her schooldays there had been teachers who looked out for her - beacons of stability in a chaotic childhood. They planted seeds of self-belief. In Dublin when she sought help, she found mentors whose encouragement revived that self-belief. She got her act together, got a flat and a job as a cleaner, and got into Trinity College. Today Dr Katriona O'Sullivan is an award-winning lecturer whose work explores barriers to education.
Despite her professional success, and happiness in her marriage and as a loving mother, Katriona lives with the indelible legacy of her early years. Her book is a stirring argument for the importance of looking out for our kids, of giving them hope, practical support and meaningful opportunities.
312 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,231 reviews
May 20, 2023
Possibly biased as I'm one of Katriona's ex-students circa 2012. I always remember how honest she was with us all about her experience of the Trinity Access Program etc., and I was always in awe of her. An absolute powerhouse of a woman. I never knew just how much she had been through until I read this book - and now my respect for her has just soared to levels I didn't even think possible. Katriona really built herself from the ground up.
Lynn Ruane has said that this book can change society - she's not wrong. This should be required reading for anyone going to work with children about the importance of intervention and the impact of your words on others. It should be read by every single person who believes in an "us and them' hierarchy in society. It should be read by everyone - because there's not one person on this planet who hasn't hit rock bottom at one point in their lives.
This book was a true beacon of hope - focusing on the importance of resilience and the belief that you are capable of anything. This will be a permanent fixture on my bookshelf. Thank you for sharing your story, Katriona.
Lynn Ruane has said that this book can change society - she's not wrong. This should be required reading for anyone going to work with children about the importance of intervention and the impact of your words on others. It should be read by every single person who believes in an "us and them' hierarchy in society. It should be read by everyone - because there's not one person on this planet who hasn't hit rock bottom at one point in their lives.
This book was a true beacon of hope - focusing on the importance of resilience and the belief that you are capable of anything. This will be a permanent fixture on my bookshelf. Thank you for sharing your story, Katriona.
November 9, 2023
Poor is the story of a young woman as she looks back at the circumstances of her birth, childhood and younger years, through the lens of having been raised by parents who were addicts. It is a riveting read, constructed also from the perspective of having by chance - in the people she met along the way - found support and been shown how to save herself and the path to higher education.
It also pinpoints the moments in childhood that mark a life, both the good (the teacher who taught her and facilitated her being able to manage her own cleanliness) and the bad (the man her parents left her with), being able to identify those moments that shifted her self-worth, while devastating to relive, enabled her to start the appropriate healing. But it also points at the many adults that let these children down.
She is one of the few who has managed to climb out, to break a cycle; her story is shared in the hope others who identify, might find the motivation to pull themselves towards something that might bring them out of what is almost inevitable if you've grown up in such an environment.
It is also for those who never known such misery, to refrain from judgement, to understand what happens to people in these situations, how they got there, the consequences and the ineffectiveness of today's government policies in identifying the cause and applying appropriate solutions.
Poor has been shortlisted for the 2023 An-Post Irish Book Awards for Biography of the Year.
It also pinpoints the moments in childhood that mark a life, both the good (the teacher who taught her and facilitated her being able to manage her own cleanliness) and the bad (the man her parents left her with), being able to identify those moments that shifted her self-worth, while devastating to relive, enabled her to start the appropriate healing. But it also points at the many adults that let these children down.
I know my parents let us down, significantly. The blame is with them. Of course it is. But the world around us let us down too, and in a way, that is worse. Because my parents were drug addicts and that is ow it all got so bad and messed up. But the people of the world around us - the police, the teachers, the social workers - they were untrustworthy. They pushed us into a corner and frightened us. How could we have grown up to do anything else but bite them back?
My parents let me down, but so did the world. And the world was where I had to live.
She is one of the few who has managed to climb out, to break a cycle; her story is shared in the hope others who identify, might find the motivation to pull themselves towards something that might bring them out of what is almost inevitable if you've grown up in such an environment.
I'd take a heroin addict parent over an alcoholic one any day of the week. That may seem surprising but there is a meanness in booze and horrible unpredictability that you just don't get with heroin addiction.
It is also for those who never known such misery, to refrain from judgement, to understand what happens to people in these situations, how they got there, the consequences and the ineffectiveness of today's government policies in identifying the cause and applying appropriate solutions.
My education has taught me that choice is a myth: our path is set by history and it is very rare for someone to change that path. I am one of the lucky few who escaped the destiny set for me by my parents' addiction.
Poor has been shortlisted for the 2023 An-Post Irish Book Awards for Biography of the Year.
July 29, 2023
Through unwavering honesty, O’Sullivan depicts her turbulent, traumatic childhood and teenage years and her constant battle in developing self-worth while living in the most difficult of circumstances.
Her relationship with addict parents Tony and Tilly is gut-wrenching and yet, because of O’Sullivan’s empathy and love for her parents, my judgment and disdain that I had for them at the beginning of the book falters. There’s no doubt of their negligent, harmful actions. But you are also given an understanding of the turmoil that Tony and Tilly lived through.
Overall, O’Sullivan’s story shows the importance of resilience, self-belief and the determination to pick yourself up no matter how far you fall. But this doesn’t happen in isolation - it is made clear that those personal qualities need to be nourished with community, meaningful support and opportunities.
Her relationship with addict parents Tony and Tilly is gut-wrenching and yet, because of O’Sullivan’s empathy and love for her parents, my judgment and disdain that I had for them at the beginning of the book falters. There’s no doubt of their negligent, harmful actions. But you are also given an understanding of the turmoil that Tony and Tilly lived through.
Overall, O’Sullivan’s story shows the importance of resilience, self-belief and the determination to pick yourself up no matter how far you fall. But this doesn’t happen in isolation - it is made clear that those personal qualities need to be nourished with community, meaningful support and opportunities.
July 23, 2025
“Creo que puedo localizar el momento en que la niña pequeña que había sido hasta ese día murió y se reencarnó en otra persona. […] Me convertí en otra persona. Esa niña pequeña, cuyo cuerpo era una herramienta de libertad, algo que utilizaba para moverse, jugar y corretear, se quedó allí. Y su lugar lo ocupó esa nueva persona, cuyo cuerpo había propiciado ese terror.”
Hay veces que la vida se tuerce y parece que todo juega en contra nuestro. O así lo parecía para Katriona O’Sullivan, autora de este desgarrador libro.
“Pobre” es la vida de Katriona. Una niña hija de unos padres drogadictos y alcohólicos, que parecía que todo lo que hacían era para perjudicar a sus hijos. Una niña 4busada. Una niña que dejó de ser niña cuando a los 15 años se convirtió en madre. Una mujer que, contra todo pronóstico, pudo prosperar, y salir de un torbellino de dolor, tristeza y pobreza.
Completamente destruida después de leer este libro. Me ha sorprendido muchísimo, y muy para bien. Me encanta leer memoirs, creo que no hay nadie como uno mismo para retraerte su propia realidad. Para contarte lo peor que ha vivido. Las situaciones más horribles inimaginables que ha pasado.
En “Pobre” crecemos con Katriona. La hermana de en medio, la niña. Hija de unos padres que vivían en un mundo donde lo primero era la droga, lo segundo el alcohol, y lo tercero era que nunca faltase ni uno ni otro. Una niña que tuvo que crecer demasiado rápido. Una niña que vio como sus oportunidades de tener una familia y un futuro se desvanecían.
Hay momentos del libro en los que tienes que parar la lectura. Porque no es posible que alguien que no ha alcanzado la mayoría de edad tenga que pasar por todo eso. Porque no es justo. Porque es demasiado.
El título del libro, “Pobre” creo que va más allá del concepto de alguien que está en un estado de pobreza o que carece de riquezas. Sino que va ligado a alguien que de verdad piensas “pobre niña, todo lo que ha pasado”. Porque todo lo que pasó Katriona fue demasiado.
Un libro que, aunque es duro, y triste, e injusto. Es también una lección de vida. Porque a veces si se quiere, se puede. Porque nuestros padres, nuestra familia, no deben limitarnos. Nuestros apellidos no nos definen. Lo que hicieron nuestros padres no nos corresponde a nosotros arreglarlo. Incluso los errores que hayamos podido cometer, todo en esta vida tiene solución. Si sabemos de quien rodearnos y qué camino seguir.
Leedlo, os sorprenderá. Yo solo quiero abrazar a la pequeña Katriona.
Hay veces que la vida se tuerce y parece que todo juega en contra nuestro. O así lo parecía para Katriona O’Sullivan, autora de este desgarrador libro.
“Pobre” es la vida de Katriona. Una niña hija de unos padres drogadictos y alcohólicos, que parecía que todo lo que hacían era para perjudicar a sus hijos. Una niña 4busada. Una niña que dejó de ser niña cuando a los 15 años se convirtió en madre. Una mujer que, contra todo pronóstico, pudo prosperar, y salir de un torbellino de dolor, tristeza y pobreza.
Completamente destruida después de leer este libro. Me ha sorprendido muchísimo, y muy para bien. Me encanta leer memoirs, creo que no hay nadie como uno mismo para retraerte su propia realidad. Para contarte lo peor que ha vivido. Las situaciones más horribles inimaginables que ha pasado.
En “Pobre” crecemos con Katriona. La hermana de en medio, la niña. Hija de unos padres que vivían en un mundo donde lo primero era la droga, lo segundo el alcohol, y lo tercero era que nunca faltase ni uno ni otro. Una niña que tuvo que crecer demasiado rápido. Una niña que vio como sus oportunidades de tener una familia y un futuro se desvanecían.
Hay momentos del libro en los que tienes que parar la lectura. Porque no es posible que alguien que no ha alcanzado la mayoría de edad tenga que pasar por todo eso. Porque no es justo. Porque es demasiado.
El título del libro, “Pobre” creo que va más allá del concepto de alguien que está en un estado de pobreza o que carece de riquezas. Sino que va ligado a alguien que de verdad piensas “pobre niña, todo lo que ha pasado”. Porque todo lo que pasó Katriona fue demasiado.
Un libro que, aunque es duro, y triste, e injusto. Es también una lección de vida. Porque a veces si se quiere, se puede. Porque nuestros padres, nuestra familia, no deben limitarnos. Nuestros apellidos no nos definen. Lo que hicieron nuestros padres no nos corresponde a nosotros arreglarlo. Incluso los errores que hayamos podido cometer, todo en esta vida tiene solución. Si sabemos de quien rodearnos y qué camino seguir.
Leedlo, os sorprenderá. Yo solo quiero abrazar a la pequeña Katriona.
June 26, 2024
I read #Poor last year; it was a @tiredmammybookclub pick and it left me with a lot of emotions, hence why I’m only reviewing it now. Needless to say though, Dr Katriona O’ Sullivan is some woman for one woman, and this book deserves all the praise it has received.
Poor is the story of Katriona’s upbringing in the UK in the 1980’s, and later in Ireland.
Her parents struggled with addiction and criminal activity, and Katriona and her siblings suffered for it. While her family situation was dire most of the time, this book is at its heart an indictment of the systems our governments put in place to supposedly help those who are at a greater socio-economic disadvantage.
Katriona and her five siblings were failed repeatedly; they lived in abject poverty, and although there are mentions of the odd kindness (teachers early on and later mentors who encouraged her further studies in Ireland), for the most part there’s just a devastating sense of loneliness and hardship emanating from this book. Katriona highlights the importance of providing every child with hope, support, and opportunities, regardless of their circumstances.
I read this on audio and Katriona narrates it herself. She imbues the story with so much emotion and honesty that it can be a hard listen at times, but it’s definitely a good audiobook choice.
She’s such an incredible woman; determined and strong, and all too aware that she will always bear the legacy of her childhood, and so has made it her life’s work to help others in similar situations.
Poor is a powerful and moving memoir, and is a book that I think everyone should read.
Poor is the story of Katriona’s upbringing in the UK in the 1980’s, and later in Ireland.
Her parents struggled with addiction and criminal activity, and Katriona and her siblings suffered for it. While her family situation was dire most of the time, this book is at its heart an indictment of the systems our governments put in place to supposedly help those who are at a greater socio-economic disadvantage.
Katriona and her five siblings were failed repeatedly; they lived in abject poverty, and although there are mentions of the odd kindness (teachers early on and later mentors who encouraged her further studies in Ireland), for the most part there’s just a devastating sense of loneliness and hardship emanating from this book. Katriona highlights the importance of providing every child with hope, support, and opportunities, regardless of their circumstances.
I read this on audio and Katriona narrates it herself. She imbues the story with so much emotion and honesty that it can be a hard listen at times, but it’s definitely a good audiobook choice.
She’s such an incredible woman; determined and strong, and all too aware that she will always bear the legacy of her childhood, and so has made it her life’s work to help others in similar situations.
Poor is a powerful and moving memoir, and is a book that I think everyone should read.
August 21, 2023
An absolute gift to the world. A hero in every sense of the word, inspirational stuff.
May 30, 2024
I just want to give baby Katriona a hug
January 3, 2024
Couldn’t put this book down and finished it in a day!!! So introspective yet candid! Katriona O’Sullivan is such an inspiration. I was really captivated by her life story and I think we could all benefit from reading about it. A lot of potentially triggering topics arise in this book so be sure to research some content warnings.
September 7, 2025
Este libro podría ser una historia más de alguien que ha nacido en un entorno hostil y desfavorecido y logra salir adelante. Y sí, Katriona nos cuenta cómo fue su infancia y adolescencia en una familia desestructurada, con unos padres adictos, rodeada de violencia, rechazo y miseria, y cómo consiguió salir de ahí. Pero va mucho más allá.
Por medio de su experiencia hace un análisis de la pobreza, reflexiona sobre la forma en que esa condición atraviesa por completo a una persona, a su identidad, a la forma de percibirse a sí misma y a su entorno, de actuar, de identificarse, de ser. Elabora una crítica al sistema, a la idea de "si te esfuerzas lo conseguirás", al estigma y los prejuicios de la sociedad y a la vez muestra la importancia de la educación, del papel de los maestros y de la intencionalidad a la hora de conseguir la equidad y la igualdad de oportunidades.
Katriona consigue salir. Estudia, logra estabilidad, supera la adicción. Llega a ser una reconocida psicóloga y una referente en la educación y el ámbito social. Pero no lo hace sin ayuda. Con recaídas, golpes y con unas secuelas que aún hoy la acompañan. Es por eso que comparte su historia, para incomodar. Para concienciar y señalar. Es mucho más que una vivencia personal, es una denuncia, un acto político, un grito de ayuda, una llamada a la acción.
Es muy muy duro, pero absolutamente necesario. Hay que leerlo
Por medio de su experiencia hace un análisis de la pobreza, reflexiona sobre la forma en que esa condición atraviesa por completo a una persona, a su identidad, a la forma de percibirse a sí misma y a su entorno, de actuar, de identificarse, de ser. Elabora una crítica al sistema, a la idea de "si te esfuerzas lo conseguirás", al estigma y los prejuicios de la sociedad y a la vez muestra la importancia de la educación, del papel de los maestros y de la intencionalidad a la hora de conseguir la equidad y la igualdad de oportunidades.
Katriona consigue salir. Estudia, logra estabilidad, supera la adicción. Llega a ser una reconocida psicóloga y una referente en la educación y el ámbito social. Pero no lo hace sin ayuda. Con recaídas, golpes y con unas secuelas que aún hoy la acompañan. Es por eso que comparte su historia, para incomodar. Para concienciar y señalar. Es mucho más que una vivencia personal, es una denuncia, un acto político, un grito de ayuda, una llamada a la acción.
Es muy muy duro, pero absolutamente necesario. Hay que leerlo
December 1, 2024
I felt the first part of the book the description of Katriona’s life is really eye opening, the Milky Bar foils, seeing her Dad overdose. The examples of teachers that have changed her life was moving. Particularly the teacher who bought her underwear and taught her to wash.
What irritates me is the chip on Katriona’s shoulder even when she is getting her PhD. She creates a boundary between herself and her middle class peers, very us and them. Katriona thinks of herself as poor despite her social mobility and having completed a PhD. Throughout the book she implies how her and her mother’s self worth is tied to a man. Her life improves and her worth validated only when a man confirms this.
I acknowledge her struggle and the trauma stays with her. I agree with her sentiment that if you come from a deprived background you will struggle to get the same opportunities. She talks about wanting better for herself than her family she grew up with, but then she shows disdain for her intellectual peers. As they have had a better life, which she doesn’t even know for sure.
What irritates me is the chip on Katriona’s shoulder even when she is getting her PhD. She creates a boundary between herself and her middle class peers, very us and them. Katriona thinks of herself as poor despite her social mobility and having completed a PhD. Throughout the book she implies how her and her mother’s self worth is tied to a man. Her life improves and her worth validated only when a man confirms this.
I acknowledge her struggle and the trauma stays with her. I agree with her sentiment that if you come from a deprived background you will struggle to get the same opportunities. She talks about wanting better for herself than her family she grew up with, but then she shows disdain for her intellectual peers. As they have had a better life, which she doesn’t even know for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
4,25
Contada de una forma emotiva y sin ningún tipo de filtro la autora nos cuenta la historia de su vida y la realidad de vivir con unos padres adictos y todo lo que a ella le supuso. Ademas es una historia de pobreza absoluta y abandono.
Es una historia que lees con el corazón encogido, con los pelos de punta, con la boca abierta porque no puedes creer lo que esta mujer ha tenido que vivir. Y cuando acabas de leer, reflexionas la importancia de las cosas y lo poco que las valoraos, el valor de la educación, la importancia de las buenas personas o los beneficios que tienen los programas de ayuda.
A pesar de todo, es una historia que transmite esperanza, porque después de todo, la autora lucho por lo que quiso y poco a poco fue consiguiéndolo. Una historia que trata temas como agresiones sexuales, drogas, alcohol… y aunque sea un libro con una historia muy cruda, creo que debería leerse.
Contada de una forma emotiva y sin ningún tipo de filtro la autora nos cuenta la historia de su vida y la realidad de vivir con unos padres adictos y todo lo que a ella le supuso. Ademas es una historia de pobreza absoluta y abandono.
Es una historia que lees con el corazón encogido, con los pelos de punta, con la boca abierta porque no puedes creer lo que esta mujer ha tenido que vivir. Y cuando acabas de leer, reflexionas la importancia de las cosas y lo poco que las valoraos, el valor de la educación, la importancia de las buenas personas o los beneficios que tienen los programas de ayuda.
A pesar de todo, es una historia que transmite esperanza, porque después de todo, la autora lucho por lo que quiso y poco a poco fue consiguiéndolo. Una historia que trata temas como agresiones sexuales, drogas, alcohol… y aunque sea un libro con una historia muy cruda, creo que debería leerse.
July 8, 2024
What a heartbreaking and hurtful story! And what a powerful book!
This is not just a memoir of someone who made it out of poverty against their odds, it is an insight into why and how poverty exists, the psychology of addiction, the loop of trauma and the importance of education, teachers and community.
The author is not just providing a sob story, or a triumph story, she explains her personal and social issues from multiple points of view. This book is so important for so many reasons.
This is not just a memoir of someone who made it out of poverty against their odds, it is an insight into why and how poverty exists, the psychology of addiction, the loop of trauma and the importance of education, teachers and community.
The author is not just providing a sob story, or a triumph story, she explains her personal and social issues from multiple points of view. This book is so important for so many reasons.
April 26, 2025
The beginning of this memoir was a compelling read of abstract poverty brought on by addiction and neglect. Where it went off the rails for me was when the author, as an adult who had been given many chances by mentors to elevate her circumstances, rebutts each offering and opportunity, closes doors held open for her and continues to make excuses and blames everyone but herself for being stuck.
Read
July 4, 2023Poor is a remarkable book by Dr Katriona O'Sullivan, a lecturer in Maynooth University, charting her life in her own words, from her poverty-stricken childhood in Coventry as a child of addict parents, to her journey through education, achieving a PhD in Trinity College, Dublin.
The book is a truly shocking read at times, totally harrowing. The title of the book "Poor" is intended to cut through all the common euphemisms - underprivileged, disadvantaged, working-class etc - and the sub-header on the book - "grit, courage, and the life-changing value of self-belief" - captures the essence of Katriona.
Under any circumstances, Katriona is someone to look up to and admire for her intellectual prowess, academic achievements and her work in ensuring equal access to education for young Irish girls, but when you read about the absolute dire poverty in which she grew up, she is all the more remarkable.
There's a very striking, moving scene early on in the book and it was a real take-home point from the book for me. A kindly teacher, Mrs Arkinson, took an interest in Katriona from a very young age and recognised the fact that Katriona came from a home where she was utterly neglected. Mrs Arkinson gave Katriona clean underwear and clothes, and a towel, and showed the young girl how to wash herself.
It is impossible to overstate the significance of this in Katriona's life I think - she says so herself. It was a pivotal moment in helping her understand that she was worthy of loving care and attention; that she was somebody. All children deserve love and respect and without that and the necessary societal supports and pathways to education, the cycle of poverty will continue unbroken.
A really thought-provoking and worthwhile read. Thank you so much @penguinbooksireland for the #gifted copy. Highly recommended.
TW for child abuse, neglect, drug addiction, alcoholism, rape, abortion.
The book is a truly shocking read at times, totally harrowing. The title of the book "Poor" is intended to cut through all the common euphemisms - underprivileged, disadvantaged, working-class etc - and the sub-header on the book - "grit, courage, and the life-changing value of self-belief" - captures the essence of Katriona.
Under any circumstances, Katriona is someone to look up to and admire for her intellectual prowess, academic achievements and her work in ensuring equal access to education for young Irish girls, but when you read about the absolute dire poverty in which she grew up, she is all the more remarkable.
There's a very striking, moving scene early on in the book and it was a real take-home point from the book for me. A kindly teacher, Mrs Arkinson, took an interest in Katriona from a very young age and recognised the fact that Katriona came from a home where she was utterly neglected. Mrs Arkinson gave Katriona clean underwear and clothes, and a towel, and showed the young girl how to wash herself.
It is impossible to overstate the significance of this in Katriona's life I think - she says so herself. It was a pivotal moment in helping her understand that she was worthy of loving care and attention; that she was somebody. All children deserve love and respect and without that and the necessary societal supports and pathways to education, the cycle of poverty will continue unbroken.
A really thought-provoking and worthwhile read. Thank you so much @penguinbooksireland for the #gifted copy. Highly recommended.
TW for child abuse, neglect, drug addiction, alcoholism, rape, abortion.
January 30, 2025
Should be called Poor Me. Self pitying whinge that recounts the life of a junkie. Badly written, boring and rambling but seems to satisfy the latest fashionable craze for misery literature. The author reveals herself to be insecure, envious, bitter and judgemental but also constantly refers to her intelligence and perceptive skills. So perceptive that she does not realise that she is only intelligent in the company of her fellow junkies and social dropouts. Sadly, in the current woke culture no doubt she can revel in all her oppression and enjoy being the biggest victim of them all. Repellent. Had to go for a walk and some fresh air to recover.
September 9, 2023
Incredible—and incredibly sad—story, very well told. Honestly I wished for a little more. My only critique is that the way the epilogue attempted to tie the author’s story to broader social narratives felt a little slapped on, as though the editor said “make sure this connects to ALL poor people.” It just didn’t feel like the author’s goal. But well worth the read either way.
July 12, 2023
Brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing woman and what an amazing book. BIG UPS TO YA KATRIONA YA LEGEND 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
December 11, 2024
I had a breakdown during my second year at uni. It was inevitable really, as I had no parental support, no home to go back to, so on top of a very intense course I had to work most days to pay rent and bills. Although I was doing really well, at some point I came unstuck and had to ask for extra time for an essay. I explained my nights were taken up with working in an off licence, and asked for an extension. I expected support and sympathy, but was told off. The tutor informed me I was basically cheating the system; my grant was paid to me on the basis I would be focused on my studies and really I shouldn't be working at all. My grant was £3000 a year. It barely covered food and books.
Shortly afterwards I gave up. I spent 2 weeks in bed. My tutor rang to tell me off for not showing up. Then she lied to the student finance people claiming I hadn't attended at all that year. Having started receiving threatening letters I had to send graded essays to prove I'd been attending lectures, handing in the work, and getting grades (good grades) from that very tutor, in order to avoid repaying the entire grant for the year.
I understood even at the time that this was a crossroads - if that tutor had offered support, rather than very deliberately making things harder for me, my life could have been entirely different. So I know exactly what this author is talking about when she discusses the ways in which working class kids are excluded from education; how hard we have to fight to get in, and to make it through.
It's a brilliant book. Honest, unflinching, full of love and compassion - poignant and moving. There's also anger - at the ways in which the children of the poor are failed, not just by inadequate or neglectful or abusive parents, but by a society that doesn't offer a way out; that by emphasising personal responsibility, removes any possibility of meaningful social support.
I wish I had an extra star to give.
Shortly afterwards I gave up. I spent 2 weeks in bed. My tutor rang to tell me off for not showing up. Then she lied to the student finance people claiming I hadn't attended at all that year. Having started receiving threatening letters I had to send graded essays to prove I'd been attending lectures, handing in the work, and getting grades (good grades) from that very tutor, in order to avoid repaying the entire grant for the year.
I understood even at the time that this was a crossroads - if that tutor had offered support, rather than very deliberately making things harder for me, my life could have been entirely different. So I know exactly what this author is talking about when she discusses the ways in which working class kids are excluded from education; how hard we have to fight to get in, and to make it through.
It's a brilliant book. Honest, unflinching, full of love and compassion - poignant and moving. There's also anger - at the ways in which the children of the poor are failed, not just by inadequate or neglectful or abusive parents, but by a society that doesn't offer a way out; that by emphasising personal responsibility, removes any possibility of meaningful social support.
I wish I had an extra star to give.
August 15, 2024
A stunning book and a must read. I feel like I was taking for granted being able to work with this incredible woman before I knew who she was. Brutally honest in a way I feel even the best memoirs can’t achieve, this book made me angry and sad and proud all at once about the life she has lived. 5 stars
March 16, 2024
Inspiring but also saddening at the same time. It’s easy to forget how “poor” people in “rich” countries can be and how multi faceted that poverty is.
May 27, 2024
Such a tough read but what a story
January 26, 2025
This book was incredible! My Favourite book ever! It is a privilege to have insights into Katriona’s journey, a lifetime of abuse, poverty and hearing the impact of having parents that suffer with addiction from the viewpoint of a child was so moving. It is amazing the resilience a person can show despite challenges they face. How the value of love and family shine through even during the darkest times.
Working in safeguarding, this book has highlighted the importance of the role we play in helping young people and how the differences we make, despite how small they may feel, are remembered and valued by those individuals.
Working in safeguarding, this book has highlighted the importance of the role we play in helping young people and how the differences we make, despite how small they may feel, are remembered and valued by those individuals.
February 13, 2025
An incredibly honest and raw memoir, drawing into PAINFULLY sharp focus the turbulent impacts of poverty. What a woman Katriona O’Sullivan is, showing vulnerability, resilient love, and perseverance towards carving her inner worth.
July 4, 2023
4.5 stars
CW: Child abuse, drug use, alcoholism, sexual assault, child sexual abuse.
Growing up in a working class community in Coventry to Irish parents, Katriona O'Sullivan dealt with far more trauma and poverty than any child should ever know. In her book Poor, Katriona speaks about her hardship growing up as a child of parents who were drug addicts, and how ofttimes it was school and kind teachers that first taught her that she deserved more than what she had, and instilled a love of learning and education within her.
This book is a real hard-hitter as learning about the poverty Katriona and her siblings grew up is honestly just hard to stomach as she lists the drugs and dirt she lived in, the times the house was raided by police (and how these police treated the children in a brutal way) and just every way her parents failed their kids in every way imaginable including her mother turning a blind eye to the sexual abuse of her daughter.
I felt so much in awe of Katriona as again and again she is met with obstacles and things that would knock people down forever but how eventually as she kept believing she was worth more than what life was giving her, she went on to graduate from Trinity College and eventually got a PhD in psychology. I think Katriona highlights some of the barriers and stigmas in place for those in working class communities who are trying to get out of a cycle of poverty or a particular type of work they and their families are in, and how so much more needs to be done to make sure education is available for everyone who needs it, and better systems are put in place for families and children who grew up like Katriona's did.
I would have liked more in this book about Katriona's initial Trinity graduation, what she did afterwards in terms of a career and teaching - and then her decision to go for a PhD and maybe her experiences teaching in Trinity as well. I feel like the book was a bit rushed once she dedicated herself again to her Trinity degree and I would have just liked to have known more about this time of her life as well.
CW: Child abuse, drug use, alcoholism, sexual assault, child sexual abuse.
Growing up in a working class community in Coventry to Irish parents, Katriona O'Sullivan dealt with far more trauma and poverty than any child should ever know. In her book Poor, Katriona speaks about her hardship growing up as a child of parents who were drug addicts, and how ofttimes it was school and kind teachers that first taught her that she deserved more than what she had, and instilled a love of learning and education within her.
This book is a real hard-hitter as learning about the poverty Katriona and her siblings grew up is honestly just hard to stomach as she lists the drugs and dirt she lived in, the times the house was raided by police (and how these police treated the children in a brutal way) and just every way her parents failed their kids in every way imaginable including her mother turning a blind eye to the sexual abuse of her daughter.
I felt so much in awe of Katriona as again and again she is met with obstacles and things that would knock people down forever but how eventually as she kept believing she was worth more than what life was giving her, she went on to graduate from Trinity College and eventually got a PhD in psychology. I think Katriona highlights some of the barriers and stigmas in place for those in working class communities who are trying to get out of a cycle of poverty or a particular type of work they and their families are in, and how so much more needs to be done to make sure education is available for everyone who needs it, and better systems are put in place for families and children who grew up like Katriona's did.
I would have liked more in this book about Katriona's initial Trinity graduation, what she did afterwards in terms of a career and teaching - and then her decision to go for a PhD and maybe her experiences teaching in Trinity as well. I feel like the book was a bit rushed once she dedicated herself again to her Trinity degree and I would have just liked to have known more about this time of her life as well.
July 22, 2024
I’d rate this book 3.5.
The author is an incredible woman whose intelligence, strength and resilience are astounding. This very personal memoir is harrowing, and I appreciate that it is true to life and based on the authors immensely difficult upbringing.
Where the book disconnected for me was in the authors relationship with men, and how in some ways the final chapters diverge from the expected outcome.
Throughout, men are the catalyst for so many of the authors struggles (sexual abuse, neglect, unplanned pregnancy) and yet friends, family, and society at large constantly encourage her to get a boyfriend. When she swears off men in university I rooted for her and thought this was a true turning point in her finding success, happiness and fulfilment within herself. However, as she accepts her prestigious doctorate (an incredible achievement) she states that basically after everything she just wanted to run off stage be with her husband & kids as they were her true calling and place in the world.
I appreciate this is a memoir based on the authors true experience and feelings, and I’m glad she has created a life that makes her happy. But for me, the final chapter’s messaging of “find a good husband and that’s what will bring fulfilment” felt outdated and took away somewhat from an otherwise empowering story of female resilience and strength.
The author is an incredible woman whose intelligence, strength and resilience are astounding. This very personal memoir is harrowing, and I appreciate that it is true to life and based on the authors immensely difficult upbringing.
Where the book disconnected for me was in the authors relationship with men, and how in some ways the final chapters diverge from the expected outcome.
Throughout, men are the catalyst for so many of the authors struggles (sexual abuse, neglect, unplanned pregnancy) and yet friends, family, and society at large constantly encourage her to get a boyfriend. When she swears off men in university I rooted for her and thought this was a true turning point in her finding success, happiness and fulfilment within herself. However, as she accepts her prestigious doctorate (an incredible achievement) she states that basically after everything she just wanted to run off stage be with her husband & kids as they were her true calling and place in the world.
I appreciate this is a memoir based on the authors true experience and feelings, and I’m glad she has created a life that makes her happy. But for me, the final chapter’s messaging of “find a good husband and that’s what will bring fulfilment” felt outdated and took away somewhat from an otherwise empowering story of female resilience and strength.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
There is a pretty big business in misery memoirs, and this is definitely one.
I appreciate the fact that O'Sullivan didn't commit one of the things that really bug me about memoirs of growing up in squalor - even as a child she is very clear eyed about the fact that things suck, her family sucks, her parents suck, and this is not a great life. As an example, another popular book, Educated, struck me as not ringing true - not recognizing the bad as bad.
Anyway, that's all fine, there a a billion stories of horrible childhoods, so when should one turn into a book? Maybe when there is some great lesson to be had? Something unique that we can learn from? This book doesn't really have any of that. Hard life, some hard work, a lot of the usual therapy, and in the end, . But not a story that really needed to be told.
I appreciate the fact that O'Sullivan didn't commit one of the things that really bug me about memoirs of growing up in squalor - even as a child she is very clear eyed about the fact that things suck, her family sucks, her parents suck, and this is not a great life. As an example, another popular book, Educated, struck me as not ringing true - not recognizing the bad as bad.
Anyway, that's all fine, there a a billion stories of horrible childhoods, so when should one turn into a book? Maybe when there is some great lesson to be had? Something unique that we can learn from? This book doesn't really have any of that. Hard life, some hard work, a lot of the usual therapy, and in the end, . But not a story that really needed to be told.
April 17, 2024
Lo recomiendo para todos los lectores con un nivel medio de inglés y aficionados a las memorias. Potente, conmovedor y auténtico, sin ocultar el lado oscuro ni las malas decisiones. Una mujer inteligente y fuerte que crece en condiciones terribles.
November 8, 2023
Incredibly eye-opening and inspirational
January 12, 2024
Listened on audio (read by the author) 🎧 At times, a very difficult listen, but I highly recommend it regardless. I got my copy on Libby. Also available on BorrowBox 👌🏼
February 15, 2025
Picked this up while staying in Dublin with a friend who described it as 'so tragic'. That didn't even scratch the surface. Incredible, incredibly devastating memoir of a very, very hard life - so hard I found it almost hard to process at times... but never unbelievable, and often I could relate to many of her struggles. Unfortunately only read until about 3/4 of the book in those 3 days, but would love to read the rest if any of my friends can lend it to me!
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