Telegram from Mandalay

by Will Cribb

This is the story of Will an idyllic childhood, his father’s early death, a mother’s indifference, a ten-year banishment by his stepfather to boarding school thousands of miles away, and the shy boy’s efforts to cope with the school’s barefoot regime and tough bullies. However, this is no misery memoir. It is also about how the growing boy realises his dream of travelling to England — a country he has never visited — from where his great-grandfather sailed 100 years before. At the heart of the book is a young man’s self-discovery that, despite his mother’s coldness, he still has the capacity to love. The arrival of a remarkable woman in his life is destined to change him forever. Telegram from Mandalay is a poignant memoir that vividly covers life in 1930s Burma, boarding school during the war years in the foothills of the Himalayas, the teeming factories of Bombay in the late 1940s, and Lancashire’s historic textile mills through the 1950s & 1960s. Told with warmth and honesty, the reader cannot fail to be moved.

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2015

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fab & extremelly well written book straight from the heart. I actually feel like I know the person well after reading it, as if I have been a part of his life. His life was very difficult but he has put everything across without blame & with a sense of acceptance & succeeded despite the early & difficult circumstances he was forced to deal with. Thank you for this wonderful insught into your life. I will definately be re-reading it.

[Jean Skahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth reading

It was fascinating to read the life journey of a talented man who successfully adapted to a new country (twice) . The incredible losses of early life did not break his spirit. Wish I could sit down and talk to the author.

[Geoffrey Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three most important features I look for in a book are a page-turning narrative, believable characters, and a realistic, convincing storyline. In Telegram form Mandalay, Will Cribb provides them all in abundance. A lovely biographical account of a remarkable life. A delight to read.

[Russwoods1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will had recently passed away at the age of 98. I have only known him for the past 3 years and was unaware that he had written this book about his life until after he had passed. He really was an inspiration and I urge you to read this book.

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book club read, the 95 year old author is coming to our meeting this week!
7/10