Gyppo

by Mary Margaret Doherty

Moss Side, Manchester during the 1960s and 70s as seen through the eyes of an Irish Traveller child. A community rich with diverse cultures, humour and warmth; but behind closed doors, mopping up her Mother’s blood became a gruesome task all too familiar in a world of domestic violence, oppression and neglect. A story of alcohol fuelled domestic abuse, of secret lives beyond the windows veiled by the pristine white net curtains; which proudly proclaimed a women’s worth as much as a black eye marked her not as a victim, but as a man’s property. Though amidst the stark reality of a bygone era, there is also an affectionate account of love and family bonds on a street that often echoed with the sounds of children’s laughter.

214 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2017

Reviews

[Samantha Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read

I thought this book would be interesting as I imagined it would talk about traditional gypsy ways and lifestyle. However it wasn’t about the gypsy life at all really, mainly about domestic violence and abuse and growing up in old terraces houses in Manchester . I still enjoyed the book although they were some spelling and grammar errors throughout.

[Michaela sammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

I would recommend this book as its wrote from the heart and very well written with great reality well done

[Jeannie Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and Bad

I found this a very well written account of a young girls family life. I am a traveller but was brought up in Brick mixing with two breads of people. Travellers and Gorgis. Good and bad in both. Sometimes hard to work out whom I was. My parents taught me there ways but also allowing me to progress with education and to find a happy medium to both Traveller and Gorgy ways. I am proud to be who I am just like the girl in this story.

[Suzanne Merrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to to the audiobook; the reader was delightful! 😊 Made a “just okay” story worth finishing. The author says she is (or was) an Irish Traveler, but from her writing it seems her family didn’t actually live that lifestyle as she was growing up. It’s a short book that focuses more on the dysfunction of her family than the uniqueness of the Traveler life.

[nicola devlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, honest and emotional

An insight into the quite secret life of Travellers instead of the ridiculous image portrayed in Big Fat Gypsy Weddings. Shows also the change in society for all minorities. Liked how we got to find out how life panned out for them

[gail watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good short story

Would love to read more in depth about Margaret Marys life moving on into adult hood. Domestic violence bred in the home but now the circle is broken as she works with other victims

[Vicky]

I was disappointed with this book personally. I thought it would be more of an insight into traveller life but although her family background is travellers I don't feel she really had that type of life.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Liked the book although i think it was lacking a little . I cant put my finger on it .

[Alison Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave lady

Thank you for sharing your experience. I cried for you but I am in awe of you. Thank you x

[sonia lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Love this book
Well told life story of a young traveller girl
And her family and what she had to go through at
Such a young age.

[Kathleen Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gypo

Very pleasant book seems very true to life enjoyed reading this but got through it to quickly I enjoyed it very much

[brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book really liked it

Was a really good book I enjoyed this story with being a travler
Myself it was actually nice to read about my own culture

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Read this book in 3 days brilliant just brilliant reminded me of my grandma and her stories about growing up in Ireland

[Nicki Dolman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story from beginning to end 📚

[Kimberley Dorsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read.

Fantastic read. Interesting and inspiring. I couldn't put the book down. Really good insight into life in the 60/70s. Highly recommended.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insight into travellers

Good insight into what travelled communities and family's went through. Good book and enjoyed reading it. What a life they lead

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting reading

Enjoyed this book. Fascinating insight into how people lived in the 60s the stories made me laugh and made me sad.