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Orphan Boys
1976, the hottest summer for a generation and life was perfect for the two young brothers Philip and Roger. They lived an idyllic life on a farm in the picturesque dales of the north of England. With their days spent on the farm, playing on Tarzan swings, building dens and swimming outside, their perfect existence was plunged into darkness when tragedy struck the family. Within a ten week period, the boys lost their parents and were left orphans.
This is the story of Philip and his brother Roger, how their grandparents stepped in to bring them up and how a family and community came together to deal with the consequences that the devastation of death had left behind. Orphan Boys is not a misery memoir, it's a story full of love, strength and hope. This book is an uplifting tale of a family's survival and how they faced the huge challenges that life threw at them.
This is the story of Philip and his brother Roger, how their grandparents stepped in to bring them up and how a family and community came together to deal with the consequences that the devastation of death had left behind. Orphan Boys is not a misery memoir, it's a story full of love, strength and hope. This book is an uplifting tale of a family's survival and how they faced the huge challenges that life threw at them.
352 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2018
11 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Phil Mews
2 books8 followersHaving worked in television production for over more than two decades across some of Britain’s most popular programmes, it is Phil's work in the world of entertainment that inspired him to write his first novel, The Girl On The Red Carpet.
Phil says "People are curious about the world of television and celebrity culture and are always eager to find out what really goes on behind the scenes. After more than twenty-four years in TV, I know that the real drama and the best stories happen behind the camera, not necessarily in front".
Phil has been writing for some years now and his first book Orphan Boys, a childhood memoir published in 2018, was written under the mentorship of his friend, the writer and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig. Orphan Boys went on to become an Amazon bestseller garnering over 400 five-star reviews and firmly established Phil's reputation as an author.
In his TV work, Phil has worked alongside Graham Norton, Barbara Windsor, Liza Minnelli and, of course, Sandi Toksvig while on the red carpet, he has interviewed a host of stars including Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Ricky Gervais, Peter Kay and David Jason. He also writes the hugely popular Facebook series The Corned Beef Chronicles, the first book of which will be published in August 2023.
Phil lives in County Durham with his husband and their Jack Russell terrier.
Phil says "People are curious about the world of television and celebrity culture and are always eager to find out what really goes on behind the scenes. After more than twenty-four years in TV, I know that the real drama and the best stories happen behind the camera, not necessarily in front".
Phil has been writing for some years now and his first book Orphan Boys, a childhood memoir published in 2018, was written under the mentorship of his friend, the writer and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig. Orphan Boys went on to become an Amazon bestseller garnering over 400 five-star reviews and firmly established Phil's reputation as an author.
In his TV work, Phil has worked alongside Graham Norton, Barbara Windsor, Liza Minnelli and, of course, Sandi Toksvig while on the red carpet, he has interviewed a host of stars including Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Ricky Gervais, Peter Kay and David Jason. He also writes the hugely popular Facebook series The Corned Beef Chronicles, the first book of which will be published in August 2023.
Phil lives in County Durham with his husband and their Jack Russell terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 27, 2020
This is a memoir full of warmth, even though it is tinged with the kind of tragedy few of us can even comprehend. To lose one parent while growing up would be traumatic enough but to lose the other while you are still coming to terms with your pain is heartbreaking. Sadly, this isn't the end of the heartache for Phil and his younger brother Roger, with darkness haunting them every few years as they grow up in the north of England.
Yet the author proves that children can adapt to even the most horrendous of circumstances as this book refuses to dwell on their harrowing loss and focuses equally on the little wonders of childhood.
With his mum and dad gone, the burden of raising the two boys falls upon their grandparents while teenage elder brother Richard is forced to tend to the family farm.
The local masonic lodge then intervenes to fund a scholarship at a local private school for both Phil and Roger, changing my perception of a shadowy organisation that I had always associated with trying to influence the refereeing of Scottish football.
This changes the tone of the book a little as it becomes a public school memoir in parts, complete with the obligatory bullies and unhinged teachers. The controlling Mrs Sherbrooke emerges as the villain, causing both Phil and Roger trauma that remains to this day, while my favourite teacher was Old Hay, an alcoholic whose ultimate discipline was getting a terrapin to bite the ears of pupils.
My only gripe is that the author seems to gloss over the darkness of boarding school a little, describing stunts such as chucking pupils down the stairs inside a trunk as horse play. He admits bullying even made him contemplate suicide at one point but it's only a brief part of the novel. However, having suffered so much pain at home, it's perhaps understandable that he wishes to focus on the positives from his time at school.
I'm just a few years younger than the author so I enjoyed the cultural references dotted around the book as it evoked memories of my own childhood in Thatcher's Britain. There's also humour in the book, most memorably when religious zealots burn Phil's copies of the Omen books while dousing the surrounding area with holy water. You get a real picture of this changing time in society, adding general appeal to this touching personal story.
The real hero of this book is Phil's redoubtable Grandma who, along with his brothers, is the only constant in his continually changing childhood. You really feel for this incredible woman as she overcomes trauma after trauma while refusing to break. In many ways, this book is a love letter to her. Well worth checking out.
Yet the author proves that children can adapt to even the most horrendous of circumstances as this book refuses to dwell on their harrowing loss and focuses equally on the little wonders of childhood.
With his mum and dad gone, the burden of raising the two boys falls upon their grandparents while teenage elder brother Richard is forced to tend to the family farm.
The local masonic lodge then intervenes to fund a scholarship at a local private school for both Phil and Roger, changing my perception of a shadowy organisation that I had always associated with trying to influence the refereeing of Scottish football.
This changes the tone of the book a little as it becomes a public school memoir in parts, complete with the obligatory bullies and unhinged teachers. The controlling Mrs Sherbrooke emerges as the villain, causing both Phil and Roger trauma that remains to this day, while my favourite teacher was Old Hay, an alcoholic whose ultimate discipline was getting a terrapin to bite the ears of pupils.
My only gripe is that the author seems to gloss over the darkness of boarding school a little, describing stunts such as chucking pupils down the stairs inside a trunk as horse play. He admits bullying even made him contemplate suicide at one point but it's only a brief part of the novel. However, having suffered so much pain at home, it's perhaps understandable that he wishes to focus on the positives from his time at school.
I'm just a few years younger than the author so I enjoyed the cultural references dotted around the book as it evoked memories of my own childhood in Thatcher's Britain. There's also humour in the book, most memorably when religious zealots burn Phil's copies of the Omen books while dousing the surrounding area with holy water. You get a real picture of this changing time in society, adding general appeal to this touching personal story.
The real hero of this book is Phil's redoubtable Grandma who, along with his brothers, is the only constant in his continually changing childhood. You really feel for this incredible woman as she overcomes trauma after trauma while refusing to break. In many ways, this book is a love letter to her. Well worth checking out.
June 10, 2019
What an amazing story! Well written, and heart wrenching.
The author tells the story of his young life, and tells it very well in plain English, not hiding from any difficult memories. Losing both parents at a young age, within a couple of months of each other, he and his brothers face the changes to their lives that these deaths bring, supported by their loving family and especially their grandparents. The older brother finds himself the youngest farmer in Weardale, still only in his teens. The two younger boys are supported with a scholarship to boarding school, where they have both good and bad experiences. Throughout the story I was reminded of so much from my own childhood in a world very different to that of today.
This could so easily have been a 'poor me' sentimental tale; instead he tells it truthfully and clearly, leaving the pathos to speak for itself. Really readable, you rejoice with their triumphs and cry at the tragedies life has thrown this family.
A cracking read.
The author tells the story of his young life, and tells it very well in plain English, not hiding from any difficult memories. Losing both parents at a young age, within a couple of months of each other, he and his brothers face the changes to their lives that these deaths bring, supported by their loving family and especially their grandparents. The older brother finds himself the youngest farmer in Weardale, still only in his teens. The two younger boys are supported with a scholarship to boarding school, where they have both good and bad experiences. Throughout the story I was reminded of so much from my own childhood in a world very different to that of today.
This could so easily have been a 'poor me' sentimental tale; instead he tells it truthfully and clearly, leaving the pathos to speak for itself. Really readable, you rejoice with their triumphs and cry at the tragedies life has thrown this family.
A cracking read.
August 12, 2018
This is the story of two boys, Philip and Roger, who lose their parents just a few weeks apart. I had so many mixed emotions reading this book; so heartbreaking but charming at the same time. My heart went out to Philip sent to boarding school aged 8 not long after his parent's death where he had to muddle his own way through his grief as no support was offered there. In fact it was quite the opposite! His house mother was cold and cruel woman only adding to his grief.
I loved reminiscing back to the late 70's and early 80's. Played all the same games and watched all the same TV shows!
A really heart warming and well written book
I loved reminiscing back to the late 70's and early 80's. Played all the same games and watched all the same TV shows!
A really heart warming and well written book
August 8, 2018
Book Review
The Orphan Boys by Phil Mews
‘It takes a village to raise a child’.
This book struck a deeply resounding chord with me in more ways than one. I was taken on a journey which truly encompassed the full emotional spectrum & left me reeling by the time I got to the end. I delayed reading the final chapter for several days because I just did not want the journey to end.
I also grew up in the North East of England & in the same generation as the author so many things he wrote about – trips to Barnard Castle & High Force, the Bat Mobile that used to shoot matches out of the back (my older brother had exactly the same model – he used to fire the matches at my face!) – All these related experiences struck a resounding nostalgic chord with me. The language of the author’s family reminded me of home & took me back to a period of intense happiness.
The humbling and incredibly pure way in which the book is written allows you to feel as though you are almost re-living the grief along with the two young boys. I think that it is an astonishing feat as a writer to be able to take his readers back with him into such an immensely painful time & to write in a way that the experience also becomes our own. It feels as if many parts are absolutely written through the eyes of a child, no mean feat for a writer in their forties. And the incredible sense of loss seeps off each and every page.
Yet, this book isn’t a misery memoir by any means. What truly impressed and moved me the most about this book is the resounding message of togetherness. In our harsh modern world where all sense of real hands-on community seems to have been swallowed up by our current online world, the most resounding message is an incredibly positive one but also a second poignant reminder of loss - that we, as communities, no longer embrace many aspects of real togetherness.
This is the message we need to take from this book. And maybe, just maybe, we will all become slightly better people for reading it. How small actions can have a powerful impact & how doing something, however little, is far better than doing nothing.
I would like to thank the author for sharing his intensely personal journey.
Thank you Phil.
The Orphan Boys by Phil Mews
‘It takes a village to raise a child’.
This book struck a deeply resounding chord with me in more ways than one. I was taken on a journey which truly encompassed the full emotional spectrum & left me reeling by the time I got to the end. I delayed reading the final chapter for several days because I just did not want the journey to end.
I also grew up in the North East of England & in the same generation as the author so many things he wrote about – trips to Barnard Castle & High Force, the Bat Mobile that used to shoot matches out of the back (my older brother had exactly the same model – he used to fire the matches at my face!) – All these related experiences struck a resounding nostalgic chord with me. The language of the author’s family reminded me of home & took me back to a period of intense happiness.
The humbling and incredibly pure way in which the book is written allows you to feel as though you are almost re-living the grief along with the two young boys. I think that it is an astonishing feat as a writer to be able to take his readers back with him into such an immensely painful time & to write in a way that the experience also becomes our own. It feels as if many parts are absolutely written through the eyes of a child, no mean feat for a writer in their forties. And the incredible sense of loss seeps off each and every page.
Yet, this book isn’t a misery memoir by any means. What truly impressed and moved me the most about this book is the resounding message of togetherness. In our harsh modern world where all sense of real hands-on community seems to have been swallowed up by our current online world, the most resounding message is an incredibly positive one but also a second poignant reminder of loss - that we, as communities, no longer embrace many aspects of real togetherness.
This is the message we need to take from this book. And maybe, just maybe, we will all become slightly better people for reading it. How small actions can have a powerful impact & how doing something, however little, is far better than doing nothing.
I would like to thank the author for sharing his intensely personal journey.
Thank you Phil.
August 31, 2021
Seldom do I feel a book is worthy of 5 stars but Orphan Boys really is! I could not put it down and read it in 24 hours. It was heartbreaking yet heartwarming, it was sad yet it had some happy moments and it portrayed 1970s and 80s childhood perfectly.
Philip and Roger and their older brother, Richard have an idyllic childhood until both their young parents die within a short space of time. Philip tells the story beautifully of how his beloved Grandparents step in to bring up the two younger boys and how other family and friends rally round to help. If you are reading this Phil, I still feel angry about the rogue builder ripping off your Grandma too!
I often find myself reporting on here that a book is too long and could have been half the length. In this case I would have loved it to be twice the length. Well done Phil Mews!
Philip and Roger and their older brother, Richard have an idyllic childhood until both their young parents die within a short space of time. Philip tells the story beautifully of how his beloved Grandparents step in to bring up the two younger boys and how other family and friends rally round to help. If you are reading this Phil, I still feel angry about the rogue builder ripping off your Grandma too!
I often find myself reporting on here that a book is too long and could have been half the length. In this case I would have loved it to be twice the length. Well done Phil Mews!
May 2, 2017
Such a tragic story of two young boys Philip and Roger losing their parents within ten weeks of each other. Not forgetting their older brother Richard who was left to run the farm. Thankfully they had great support from family espescially Grandma. I was really rooting for her when the insensitive social workers came round but thankfully she got guardianship for the boys. I couldn't get anything done until I finished this story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
August 3, 2018
A sad but heartwarming memoir of two young boys and their older brother tragically losing their mam and dad in quick succession and far too young. A real page turner.
And If grew up in the UK in the 80’s you’ll love it even more!
And If grew up in the UK in the 80’s you’ll love it even more!
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August 4, 2018Inspiring story of true family love and devotion
After reading the original version of this book I knew I had to read this one. Once again I cried and laughed; this story to me is the epitome of true family - loving, caring and looking after one another.
After reading the original version of this book I knew I had to read this one. Once again I cried and laughed; this story to me is the epitome of true family - loving, caring and looking after one another.
December 27, 2018
From beginning to end this story is full of courage. Richard, Philip and Roger who lost their parents in quick succession had to endure the worst kind of heartbreak and I don’t mind confessing that their story touched my heart. When the boy’s grandparents were tasked not only with coping with their own grief but also the struggle to keep the boys and give them a home, I found myself marvelling at their love and strength. I found the book so captivating that I didn’t do anything else until I’d finished reading it. All the way through I was rooting for the whole family as they dealt with tragedy and my heart broke for the two younger boys as they went through boarding school. The expression of community and the way friends and family pulled together during the events made me smile with the knowledge that good people do exist in this world.
September 27, 2020
This was a heartbreaking story of loss experienced by young children. Knowing that this true, made it even more of a compelling read. These boys went through lost their parents at a young age and within a short amount time between each....but what I also read was the community support. I read of the love they had from their grandparents. I enjoyed every turn of the page. Great read!
July 16, 2021
I had never ever experienced an equal handful amount of warmth, joy, relief, grieve and heart-wrenching all in one and this book just teared down the wall. Most of the time I couldn't be bothered to leave a review on books here because I'd rather talk about it physically but I just have to do this because this book need a big fat massive hype.
August 17, 2018
Loved it
From start to finish. So tragic at the start you really feel for the boys and its heartbreaking knowing it's a true story. But loved how the family and friends came together for these boys
From start to finish. So tragic at the start you really feel for the boys and its heartbreaking knowing it's a true story. But loved how the family and friends came together for these boys
August 23, 2018
My kind of book
Very good read really enjoyed it she'd quite a few tears too quite nostalgic with lots of 80s nostalgia highly recommend
Very good read really enjoyed it she'd quite a few tears too quite nostalgic with lots of 80s nostalgia highly recommend
May 18, 2019
Lovely, couldn’t put the book down, cried at the end reading the thank you’s 😢
April 22, 2019
I didn't want this memoir to end. I fell in love with the Mews family, especially his Grandmother and his Auntie Brenda. It is a sad story, but they never have up on building new lives.
June 23, 2019
Local author. Interesting read because of links to local area. But I found it depressing, these boys has a tough life. I couldn't sleep due to thinking about some of the things that happened to them.
September 21, 2020
Heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time, and brought back so many memories of my childhood in County Durham. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2021
Great book
I absolutely loved this book. I have been to Stanhope a few times and also to the shows each year.
I absolutely loved this book. I have been to Stanhope a few times and also to the shows each year.
February 27, 2022
Sobbing. My heart aches for them
July 8, 2021
Seriously this book is absolutely HEARTBREAKING!!! My mood while reading this book is everywhere AND THE ENDING so unexpected omg please im gonna cry for one month now :)
August 20, 2025
It really does take a village to raise a child/ren. A beautiful memoir that filled me with so much emotional turmoil for the boys. It touches briefly on superstitions, religion, anxiety and OCD tendencies for coping.
This book is written with so much pain in the words. It covers loss, grief, tragedy, death & suicide, trauma, bullying, love, support, devotion, sacrifice and courage. It’s both heart wrenching and heartwarming all at once. Very inspiring! To be united in grief but living in hope as the book so rightfully states.
Richard was such a stand out for me even though he was rarely mentioned in much detail at all. Running the farm alone at such a young age, taking on the burden of parenting even though he was their big brother, driving everyone here there and everywhere, whenever needed. Being an emotional and physical support for his remaining family members. So commendable and I feel he wasn’t given enough credit.
Some of my favourite quotes:
- “Each day that we have with our loved ones is precious and before too long I would come to learn that for myself.”
- “This house, which had known so much love and laughter, was now immersed in grief and tears.”
This book is written with so much pain in the words. It covers loss, grief, tragedy, death & suicide, trauma, bullying, love, support, devotion, sacrifice and courage. It’s both heart wrenching and heartwarming all at once. Very inspiring! To be united in grief but living in hope as the book so rightfully states.
Richard was such a stand out for me even though he was rarely mentioned in much detail at all. Running the farm alone at such a young age, taking on the burden of parenting even though he was their big brother, driving everyone here there and everywhere, whenever needed. Being an emotional and physical support for his remaining family members. So commendable and I feel he wasn’t given enough credit.
Some of my favourite quotes:
- “Each day that we have with our loved ones is precious and before too long I would come to learn that for myself.”
- “This house, which had known so much love and laughter, was now immersed in grief and tears.”
May 19, 2024
It's been a long time since I have picked up a book which has gripped me with such a force of emotion as the author reveals the true life experiences that he and his brothers experienced growing up. I detested the Mrs Shirebrooke whose escapades are cruel. The sense of family prevails strongly throughout the book and to be honest reading the acknowledgements had me in tears. A very well written book fresh and very authentic leaving the reader also at the end of that journey, Thanks for the privilege of your life experience.
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October 23, 2019Don’t get me wrong a child losing their parents is awful. However 332 pages of mainly waffle and cakes that were baked could have been achieved in 1500 words. Maybe I’ve lost my reading mojo but this book certainly didn’t help. I tend to go for books with four to five stars only in good reads, but seriously questioning the judgement of those that give it 5*!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
This was a hard read for me personally, but it was full of love, hope, and the promise of a brighter future.
I loved how the author dealt with this heartbreaking theme, with compassion, understanding, and pure hopefulness.
Such a wonderfully written, touching story.
I loved how the author dealt with this heartbreaking theme, with compassion, understanding, and pure hopefulness.
Such a wonderfully written, touching story.
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January 28, 2023What an emotional roller coaster! So much grief in this book and a real insight as to what it would have been like as a young lad growing up in this time. Really interesting and moving.
January 2, 2024
A great to read if you live in Weardale County Durham but not from the area.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
February 5, 2025
Loved this book. So well written, interesting and touching
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews