He Said He’s Sorry: Carving through Insanity

by Wayne Warrender

Raised by a sociopath.

When the person who’s meant to protect you is the one you need protection from.

From the outside, she was just “Mum.”
Wayne didn’t know his mother was a sociopath.
He just thought everyone’s childhood felt like a psychological obstacle course.
Turns out… it was just his.

But even as a child, Wayne knew something was very wrong.
Marjorie’s decisions never made sense.
The chaos wasn’t accidental; it was her world.

And he, along with his brothers, had no choice but to survive it.
To grow up inside it.
To learn how to walk through insanity and still come out whole.

This is the true story of a mother who was never the mother she should have been, and a boy who refused to become the damage she caused.

If you laugh, gasp, and swear out loud while reading this, you’ll be in good company.

Genres: Nonfiction

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Wayne grew up in the backstreets of Manchester, armed with little more than a sense of humour, a love for his Nana, and a set of cricket wickets painted on the wall of his backyard.
His first book, He Said He's Sorry, told the true story of a childhood shaped by chaos, survival, and the occasional laugh at life's foolishness. What began as a very personal story somehow found its way into the hands of readers around the world, something Wayne is still slightly bewildered by.
His second book, She Never Said Sorry, goes back to where that story really began. Inspired by true events, it tells the story of his father, Brian Warrender, and of Marjorie, the woman readers of his first book already know rather well.
Wayne has survived dodgy stepdads, life-threatening moments, and even his music taste, (although there’s nothing dodgy about the genius of Prince). When he's not writing, he runs a café, chats with the locals, and occasionally wonders how someone who never intended to become an author ended up writing two books.

Reviews

[Buffie]

Question

I wonder why he doesn't mention his daughter, Suzzanne later on in the book. It's a shame what some people go through

[Bookstagramshaz Sharon Logue]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!! I loved this book! I went through every emotion. Yes there are some sad times but there are also some really funny moments. Wayne certainly didn’t have the best start in life and the lack of affection from his mum and this just broke my heart. I don’t want to giveaway too much but I promise you, the best rollercoaster of a book. I think for Wayne to write this book, was very brave to write this. Opening up like he has - respect 🙌❤️ …… book number 2 on the horizon (no pressure 🤣!)
#photography #waynewarrender #hesaidhe’ssorry #love #readingvibes
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚When the person meant to protect you is the one you need protection from.

From the outside, she was just “Mum.” Wayne didn’t know his mother was a sociopath. He thought everyone’s childhood felt like a psychological obstacle course. Turns out, it was just his.

This is the true story of a mother who was never the mother she should have been, and a boy who refused to become the damage she caused.

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1960s Manchester, England, and the 1970s valleys of South Wales, this memoir blends heartbreak, dark humour, and unbreakable spirit.


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[Ian & Amy Phillips]

Sometimes ‘Sorry’ is never enough.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wayne tells his story with in what I would call ‘True northern grit’. Being a fellow Mancunian and living in Wythenshawe and going to Wayne’s School many years after Wayne it gave me that sense of empathy and understanding. It was like I was going through his journey with him. I found some of his chapters relatable, whether that’s a good thing or bad I don’t know but I do believe the trauma you go through as a child moulds you. It can either break you or make you stronger . Make you change that perspective of becoming just like them. Wayne is an inspiration to achieve all he has in his life after growing up with such trauma. Trauma from the one person who was supposed to protect him from everything harmful. His supposed to be protector. Instead she put him in situations she shouldn’t have and continued to do so with only a thought for herself. A fantastic read that takes you through time and a bonus website where you get to see photos of Wayne’s life and those around him. Thank goodness to those King Ian and Lord Jim’s in our lives who help drag us up from our humble beginnings.

[Patricia]

Very touching real life story

I enjoyed reading this book as it shows the resilience and determination Wayne has to make something of his life despite his childhood. Found it very inspiring and appreciate some humor in it when describing certain things. Definitely recommend to anyone.

[Sue Bertellotti]

This book hit every emotion! I was angry, frustrated, sad, heartbroken, amazed and I still laughed. The author takes you through all the emotions as he tells of his life with a mentally disturbed, manipulative mother and an abusive stepfather. Somehow he is able to show he maintained his own sanity and sense of humor. Sorry means nothing when the behavior continues.

[Sandra Bradley]

Being human attempting to be more humane.

Well done and we’ll written. Being human is a hero’s journey and you certainly have won a first class seat in whatever heaven you wish to create. There are no ‘mis’takes in this movie we find ourselves in and forget about not finishing high school - you certainly earned a doctorate in Life 101.

[JANE M]

amazing book...amazing, brave guy

What an amazing, incredible book. It just draws you into his world...such a harrowing, difficult, challenging world...yet you just keep reading on, linging for everything to work out...or, at least, wondering whats next

[Sarah Lewis]

Could not put this book down . So well written and honest. Cried tears of sadness but also cried with laughter at Wayne’s description of his primary school experience. I’ve recommended you absolutely everyone. Conclusion is a perfect summation of how best to live a life

[Mrs S L Mayhew-Wilcox]

Absolutely brilliant

If you can laugh out loud at a book based on such unimaginable trauma the author is a genius. This was both shocking, hilarious, depressing but ultimately uplifting. Couldn’t put it down.

[Mandy]

A good read

His life like many was a harsh life and reading it at times was emotional. But he has shown that people can and will prevail.
Give it a read you will read to the end.

[Carol Murray]

Great book

Really enjoyed this book. Had it read in a day. Delighted he made something of himself despite his mothers madness. His final words for his dad got me.. 😢

[Alison Draper]

Interesting read

I found this book both distressing and uplifting. Sometimes funny. It is fascinating to read how someone rises above adversity despite making their own mistakes. I admire anybody who can do that.

[Charlotte Hardiman]

Very detailed and a well written story.. I couldn’t put it down as the story flowed so well, and with shocking details you can’t believe happened’ !

[Emily Stanley]

Thanks for sharing your journey

Your journey is not an unfamiliar one to me. I appreciate hearing that I'm not the only one working on these same skills in my adulthood.

[Sammi]

Great read

Hooked from the 1st page to the last a very sad story so glad you came out the other side and got closure to your question

[Fiona Ager]

Amazing

I cried, i swore and i was amazed as I read this book. It hooked me from day 1. You sir are one amazing man who has overcome so much.

[Eileen vaughan]

Inspiring story,

Wayne, I admire your get up and go after which a horrendous time with that woman, truly horrendous , I wish you all bedroom your future travels. Eileen

[Paula Rhodes]

Amazing book !

Absolutely loved this book, i couldn't put it down. Well written and very engrossing , totally loved it. Excellent read !!

[Diane Simmonette]

What a life!

The author had such a traumatic childhood through to his teens yet somehow managed to rise above it and see things with such clarity

[Helda Everitt]

Brilliant

Excellent book from beginning to end. Was really interesting and a good read although sad in places. Well done for courage

[mrs wendy dix]

Absolutely eye opening - excellent book

[Emma MorgAn]

Excellent autobiography well written and been born in Blackwood knowing the areas mentioned in book were awesome.

[Barbara]

very honest book about horrendous Child abuse & neglect

Wayne I admire your honesty &have heartfelt sympathy for the suffering & awful trauma you & your sibling’s endured. You were a very smart man & very hardworking. I wish you well.

[Luanne Stewart]

one hell of a story

I think the author is amazing. Most people would not come out the other side the man he did. I salute you.

[Leanne King]

Good Read

Great book of growing up with a dysfunctional family and a great understanding of how trauma affects people. I understand now why he won’t call her mum.

[miss amanda j watson]

Others insanity is a load to carry that can take a lifetime untangle

It's extremely rare for me to leave a written review despite being a prolific reader. I normally rate stars and move on to the next book. I found this honest account of Wayne's life thought provoking. I'd often found myself thinking of my life and how other people's actions had affected it and led me to the person I am today.
Make sure you go on those travels Wayne and enjoy your retirement.

[Belle]

An absolutely incredible, heartbreaking memoir

[Sophia Carter]

He Said He’s Sorry is one of those memoirs that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Wayne’s story is raw and unflinching his childhood was filled with chaos, cruelty, and the kind of survival most of us can barely imagine. Yet what makes this book so powerful is that it isn’t just about trauma it’s about resilience, grit, and the sharp Mancunian humor that somehow finds a way to shine through the darkest of circumstances.

What struck me most was Wayne’s ability to balance heartbreak with wit. One moment I was shaken by the violence and injustice he endured, and the next I was laughing at his cheeky mischief or wry observations. That blend of grit and humor gives the book a unique voice you feel the pain, but you also feel the stubborn determination to rise above it.

[Gail murray]

good read wasn't sure if id stick to it at first but im glad I did well written

[miss al sayers]

Brilliant

Wayne, you are a great writer! You should write more books! I liked the way this was written and thank you for sharing your journey.