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Disappearing Home
Deborah Morgan's debut novel, Disappearing Home, is a thriller about a young girl, whose life is in danger. It is 1974, ten-year-old Robyn is about to go into senior school. Terrified, but afraid to let Nan know the truth about her home life, she and her mother hide their bruises. Her mother doesn't have the strength to leave, so Robyn finds the courage to run away, and ends up on the streets homeless. Her true guide is, Nan, who is a comfort and an inspiration, and her friend, Bernie, a young lad who finds her fascinating. Robyn is always looking behind her, waiting for her step-father to find her. And, deep down, she knows he will find her. The Guardian 'Shot through with gorgeous images and subtle humour.' Herald Scotland 'Has an emotional honesty, not easily forgotten.' The Observer 'The strength of Morgan's writing, she has an ear for dialogue, believable characterisation and memorable imagery.' Jimmy McGovern 'I found the novel authentic and compelling.' Carol Birch 'Robyn, the protagonist was great company.' Alan Bleasdale 'A remarkable first novel.'
- GenresFiction
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
206 people are currently reading
1221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 5, 2012
I don't want to give away any spoilers but from the first introduction, I wanted to take Robyn home and nurture and protect her.
This story is one of heartbreak and hope, where dreams are measured in cartwheels and curry with chips is a luxury.
I absolutely loved the writing, so exquisite and real, so much so that I didn't want the story to end.
Being a writer myself, I learned much from this excellent piece of writing and urge for more of the same.
If I could have given twice as many stars allowed, it still wouldn't have been enough.
Superb - thank you.
This story is one of heartbreak and hope, where dreams are measured in cartwheels and curry with chips is a luxury.
I absolutely loved the writing, so exquisite and real, so much so that I didn't want the story to end.
Being a writer myself, I learned much from this excellent piece of writing and urge for more of the same.
If I could have given twice as many stars allowed, it still wouldn't have been enough.
Superb - thank you.
March 8, 2019
Robyn is a young girl who just wants a loving home where she isn’t scared for her own safety as well as her mother’s. It would be hard not to get wrapped up in what is going on in Robyn’s life. My heart literally broke for her as she struggles with friendship, home life and wanting a stable home with a loving family.
Robyn’s ‘dad’ is a nasty piece of work who certainly rules the roost. He takes his anger and frustration out on both Robyn and her mother. Forced into stealing to benefit others, I was so worried for what the future would hold for Robyn and wanted to wrap my arms around her and save her from any further harm.
The story will send you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride. At times I was angry and sad, yet at other times I found the book to be heart warming and endearing. Especially the parts to do with Robyn and her Nan. Robyn’s Nan is a wonderful character who is one of those salt of the earth people who is torn with over stepping the mark with her daughter for the sake of her granddaughter. The parts where Robyn reads to her Nan, I adored and reminds you of that wonderful bond children can have with their grand parents.
Disappearing Home is a commendable debut. From reading the blurb I knew I had to read Robyn’s story and I was so glad I did. We only get to see a short period of time of Robyn’s life and I would have liked to have seen more, solely because I was that invested in it and it does make for some compelling reading. Can’t wait to see what the author brings us next.
Robyn’s ‘dad’ is a nasty piece of work who certainly rules the roost. He takes his anger and frustration out on both Robyn and her mother. Forced into stealing to benefit others, I was so worried for what the future would hold for Robyn and wanted to wrap my arms around her and save her from any further harm.
The story will send you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride. At times I was angry and sad, yet at other times I found the book to be heart warming and endearing. Especially the parts to do with Robyn and her Nan. Robyn’s Nan is a wonderful character who is one of those salt of the earth people who is torn with over stepping the mark with her daughter for the sake of her granddaughter. The parts where Robyn reads to her Nan, I adored and reminds you of that wonderful bond children can have with their grand parents.
Disappearing Home is a commendable debut. From reading the blurb I knew I had to read Robyn’s story and I was so glad I did. We only get to see a short period of time of Robyn’s life and I would have liked to have seen more, solely because I was that invested in it and it does make for some compelling reading. Can’t wait to see what the author brings us next.
July 23, 2018
I received a signed copy of this book from my sister in law for my birthday. I did not realise until half way through that it was fiction. A great read and I found it thoroughly addictive, I enjoyed the tales of the tenement blocks as my mum also grew up in them in Liverpool so i found the story really nostalgic. A really charming read that also cuts to the bone of what it was like growing up back then in a deprived area. Loved it!
June 17, 2019
GOOD THRILLER. I loved robin's story was really good. A slow start but then found myself grasp into the story. Growing up in the 70's Liverpool Robyn suffers terrible abuse physically. But loved her strength of character. Found the story moving throughout.
January 3, 2019
Disappearing Home is by Deborah Morgan. This is a thriller about a young girl whose life is in danger and she is helpless to do anything about it. It is designed to make us aware of childhood poverty, child abuse, spousal abuse, and what is being done or not done to help it.
Robyn was ten when she first started stealing. Her parents forced her to do this and had her repeat it especially when they needed food, although she did it for other people too. Robyn knows what is right and wrong and knows she is doing wrong but does not know how to let anyone know what is going on. She is afraid of what will happen when her Dad finds out she told. So, she doesn’t tell anyone what is going on. She is an outcast at school but is very bright and does well with her studies. She knows her Dad will eventually kill her because he told her so. She just can’t figure out why he seems to hate her so. Her main source of solace is her Nan. Nan has moved into a place of her own so instead of seeing her daily, Emma sees her occasionally and loves to visit her. However, Nan can’t do anything to help her either, although she told the police differently. Bernie is her other friend. Bernie is a street urchin who, like herself, has no father to help him. He seems to be in charge of everything, his sister, his sons, and his Mother. He would like to help but doesn’t know how. Thus, Robyn is left on her own. Can she help herself
This is an interesting book and it took me a while to get into it; but after I finally figured out what was going on, I had to go back and reread what I had already read.
Robyn was ten when she first started stealing. Her parents forced her to do this and had her repeat it especially when they needed food, although she did it for other people too. Robyn knows what is right and wrong and knows she is doing wrong but does not know how to let anyone know what is going on. She is afraid of what will happen when her Dad finds out she told. So, she doesn’t tell anyone what is going on. She is an outcast at school but is very bright and does well with her studies. She knows her Dad will eventually kill her because he told her so. She just can’t figure out why he seems to hate her so. Her main source of solace is her Nan. Nan has moved into a place of her own so instead of seeing her daily, Emma sees her occasionally and loves to visit her. However, Nan can’t do anything to help her either, although she told the police differently. Bernie is her other friend. Bernie is a street urchin who, like herself, has no father to help him. He seems to be in charge of everything, his sister, his sons, and his Mother. He would like to help but doesn’t know how. Thus, Robyn is left on her own. Can she help herself
This is an interesting book and it took me a while to get into it; but after I finally figured out what was going on, I had to go back and reread what I had already read.
February 2, 2024
Robyn is a ten-year-old girl, who wants to be able to have her friends round and be happy. Instead, she has a stepdad who likes alcohol too much, and thinks nothing of giving Robyn and her mum a slap or a punch.
They make her steal from shops, as neither of them are working. Robyn is only truly happy when she spends time with her Nan, on the whole, she doesn’t like her life.
This was a fast and pacy story. A well thought out plot, that makes you stop and think about how lucky you are.
The story is set in Liverpool in the 70s, and you can picture the markets and life back then from the style of writing.
Robyn is quite a remarkable girl and I really took to her character. I felt for her, as all she wanted was friends, but that was difficult with her home life. There were some great and quirky characters throughout.
Quite a harrowing story, and at times, it was hard to read.
They make her steal from shops, as neither of them are working. Robyn is only truly happy when she spends time with her Nan, on the whole, she doesn’t like her life.
This was a fast and pacy story. A well thought out plot, that makes you stop and think about how lucky you are.
The story is set in Liverpool in the 70s, and you can picture the markets and life back then from the style of writing.
Robyn is quite a remarkable girl and I really took to her character. I felt for her, as all she wanted was friends, but that was difficult with her home life. There were some great and quirky characters throughout.
Quite a harrowing story, and at times, it was hard to read.
August 6, 2023
This was a heartwarming, heartbreaking, emotional story (Trigger warnings, domestic violence)
The story is told by Robyn, a young girl who is so loving and kind. Growing up in a deprived area of Liverpool in the 70's, she is enlisted by her parents to thieve to support living and their drinking. Robyn knows it's wrong and she doesn't want to participate, but with the wrath of her stepfather being the alternative, she sees no other choice.
The story sees her face challenges both at school and home. The story is captivating and instantly you just want to pick Robyn up and look after her. Feisty little thing though, she stands her ground when needed and with the love and support of Nan May she makes friendships along the way and is steered towards the right path.
A nostalgic read being from Liverpool myself. Looking forward to the second book which follows Robyn's journey into her teens.
The story is told by Robyn, a young girl who is so loving and kind. Growing up in a deprived area of Liverpool in the 70's, she is enlisted by her parents to thieve to support living and their drinking. Robyn knows it's wrong and she doesn't want to participate, but with the wrath of her stepfather being the alternative, she sees no other choice.
The story sees her face challenges both at school and home. The story is captivating and instantly you just want to pick Robyn up and look after her. Feisty little thing though, she stands her ground when needed and with the love and support of Nan May she makes friendships along the way and is steered towards the right path.
A nostalgic read being from Liverpool myself. Looking forward to the second book which follows Robyn's journey into her teens.
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April 9, 2020I was fortunate to win a copy of Disappearing Home from Deborah Morgan, the author. Disappearing Home shows how many children live on the fringe never really being noticed by anyone other than the very people supposed to love and protect her and do anything but! Robyn is a good kid, loves her grandmother and sometimes her Mother. Her Mother has no idea how to love herself let alone love, care and protect her child. A kid navigating life at age 10 raising herself, watching out for fists, trying to protect her Mom, navigating the neighborhood and the people who live there. I ended up loving Robyn and wanted her to have everything children deserve, now what she had. I can recommend this book as an excellent read.
January 27, 2025
I love Deborah Morgan's writing style. The story of the life Robyn a 10 year old growing up in poverty in the tough streets of Liverpool are heartbreaking. You feel like you want to hug her and offer her a better life. She virtually has to bring herself up and educate herself because of a mother crushed by domestic violence and a brutal alcoholic father who has no love for anyone. Despite the bleakness of her situation you can't help championing her because you know despite the difficulties she will succeed eventually. I loved this book as it brings to light the need for more help for women and children in trouble and the need for others to show more compassion to those we may not understand. Loved this book as I have her others.
June 23, 2023
One of the light readings to try out.
A young girl living with her mother and an abusive stepfather. She learns to do what she doesn't want to do, like stealing and lying to survive. Her mother keeps making the same mistake of sticking with her abusive husband.
The story describes how she survived her childhood and all her thoughts about what was going on with her.
I find the story could have evolved much more than that, and deeper feelings could have been used. There is room for evolution if the topic is personal or close to being personal in the next story.
I liked being in the mind of the girl and the struggle of what to do and say and what to not.
A young girl living with her mother and an abusive stepfather. She learns to do what she doesn't want to do, like stealing and lying to survive. Her mother keeps making the same mistake of sticking with her abusive husband.
The story describes how she survived her childhood and all her thoughts about what was going on with her.
I find the story could have evolved much more than that, and deeper feelings could have been used. There is room for evolution if the topic is personal or close to being personal in the next story.
I liked being in the mind of the girl and the struggle of what to do and say and what to not.
May 13, 2021
Disappearing Home. by Deborah Morgan.
This is the story of Robyn who as a lot of people in her area are not that well off but tend to get by ...
But Robyns family ... they shoplift and sell the few meagre items to have money for booze! Now they are making her shoplift! She hates her dad who hits her mum and is hitting her too now! All she wants to do is get away from there ... can she do that .... you will have to get the book to find out!
A pretty good read!
This is the story of Robyn who as a lot of people in her area are not that well off but tend to get by ...
But Robyns family ... they shoplift and sell the few meagre items to have money for booze! Now they are making her shoplift! She hates her dad who hits her mum and is hitting her too now! All she wants to do is get away from there ... can she do that .... you will have to get the book to find out!
A pretty good read!
July 17, 2023
I received an advanced copy through Goodreads. This is about a little girl living with her abusive stepfather and mother. They make the little girl steal, hit her and it only gets worse from there. I had great trouble reading this. It did not flow, the characters were not like able at all. I did not like the writing style.
August 28, 2018
Afraid this disappointed I kept reading and reading waiting for something to happen and right at the end it was all rushed and almost predictable to a point. A sad story and in an ideal world I had hoped the main character would get a much better ending .
June 27, 2019
Compelling story
Sometimes when I am in the middle of a book and it is boring, I can't wait to finish it to get it over with. This is completely opposite to that. This young girl is so brave and admiral I had to read it all the to the end and enjoyed every minute.
Sometimes when I am in the middle of a book and it is boring, I can't wait to finish it to get it over with. This is completely opposite to that. This young girl is so brave and admiral I had to read it all the to the end and enjoyed every minute.
August 8, 2023
When I first started reading this e-book from Goodreads, I wasn't certain that I wanted to continue. After a few pages, however, I was hooked. An illuminating story that shows no matter how difficult the circumstances, a supportive person can make a difference.
January 29, 2025
Disappearing Home by Deborah Morgan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A thriller told by Robyn a 10 year old who is in danger. Her father slaps her and her mother around and has no remorse. Neither of her parents work so they make her steal things.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A thriller told by Robyn a 10 year old who is in danger. Her father slaps her and her mother around and has no remorse. Neither of her parents work so they make her steal things.
November 1, 2018
Brilliant
This book is a really good read. Enjoyed every page of it. Highly recommended too everyone who likes a good book
This book is a really good read. Enjoyed every page of it. Highly recommended too everyone who likes a good book
April 25, 2021
Emotional and sometimes hard to read, this book pulled me into Robyn’s world and I found it hard to put down. Brilliant writing all I wanted to do was hug and protect Robyn from her harsh upbringing.
June 19, 2021
Good book but A sad. The main character living in an abusive homelife but intended to have a better life one day.
August 31, 2021
Superb!
Gripping and gritty with characters so real that you feel you’re in the book with them. A brilliantly told story.
Gripping and gritty with characters so real that you feel you’re in the book with them. A brilliantly told story.
December 23, 2022
Disappearing Home
Quite the page turner this book was. The characters were great. I am looking forward to more books by this author.
Quite the page turner this book was. The characters were great. I am looking forward to more books by this author.
January 28, 2023
Good read
A page turner.well worth a read.you want the best for the girl,for her to survive.not everyone has a good start and happy family .
A page turner.well worth a read.you want the best for the girl,for her to survive.not everyone has a good start and happy family .
June 28, 2024
Good read
I rea!ly enjoyed.this book. I couldn't put it down. Felt like you were living it with them. Would recommend ot
I rea!ly enjoyed.this book. I couldn't put it down. Felt like you were living it with them. Would recommend ot
July 22, 2025
Quite an interesting subject. I found the writing, I presume through the eyes of Robyn, quite disjointed. This makes it not flow. I will read the next book, but I'll read something else first.
January 12, 2016
A very quick read because it was so compelling I was glued to every page. Although my childhood was very different, I am almost the same age as Robyn. I have visited Liverpool and seen the waterfront and the buildings with the golden Liver birds (rhymes with "fiver", not "river" -- for those that didn't know). Oh, and my grandma used to mail us English comics, which means I even read Bunty when I was a kid. So some of the little touches of popular culture in the story really resonated with me, though I was more of a Shaun Cassidy fan than a David Cassidy one.
Despite the age of the protagonist, there is nothing "young adult" (YA) about this novel. Her home life is not pleasant, and the author does not sugarcoat it in any way. You get a real feeling of Robyn's hopelessness from the situations she puts up with. That being said, the relationship Robyn has with her friend Bernie sort of reminds me of the similar friendship in The Book Thief, although that was a YA novel where the really bad stuff was seen through a soft focus lens.
To sum up, this is a book worth reading, but don't mistake it for a typical YA novel. It's best for a mature audience.
Despite the age of the protagonist, there is nothing "young adult" (YA) about this novel. Her home life is not pleasant, and the author does not sugarcoat it in any way. You get a real feeling of Robyn's hopelessness from the situations she puts up with. That being said, the relationship Robyn has with her friend Bernie sort of reminds me of the similar friendship in The Book Thief, although that was a YA novel where the really bad stuff was seen through a soft focus lens.
To sum up, this is a book worth reading, but don't mistake it for a typical YA novel. It's best for a mature audience.
September 16, 2013
It feels wrong to say it was "great" story because it was a harsh, sad story about poverty and a beautifully clever girl growing up (or trying to grow up)in a bad situation with no-one to help her. I loved the way it was written from her point of view (11-12 year old) it was very clever.Very descriptive writing - here is an example: "Once our front door is open, you step straight into the lobby. It takes two cartwheels from here to get to the living room. It takes half a cartwheel to get from one side of the kitchen to the other. You have to finish the cartwheel with the soles of your feet facing the ceiling, then bring them straight back down to the position they started in, so it’s not really even half a cartwheel. It’s probably more like a handstand. The cooker is the only thing in the kitchen that’s not cupboards or a sink. It has four grey electric rings that swirl round like licked liquorice."
September 3, 2020
Disappearing Home by Deborah Morgan is a haunting story of young, innocent Robyn's childhood. Her mother is so co-dependent upon an abusive man that she's unable to put her daughter's needs ahead of her own.Robyn is 11 years old, and just wants to escape the everyday abuse of her mother's husband, who is not her biological father. They both barely escape a deadly end, but I truly have no hope for this mother changing her ways, as the ending is left to make the reader wonder! I enjoyed the book and think that most of my well read friends would also, but it makes me sad and anxious to know that this is a common experience for far too many children in this world who are meant to have a carefree, happy childhood!
October 1, 2013
This is a story of hope and heartbreak. Robyn does what she has to do to survive, shoplifting when she has to. Her Grandmother is a fun loving women who offers her wisdom, comfort and hope. She hopes Robyn will be different than her parents. Meanwhile Robyn is learning about the unpredictable ways of the people around her and about her own potential. A very emotional read i just wanted to take her home and protect her.
October 29, 2012
Robyn is an 11-year-old girl with parents who have forced her to become street smart. They've shown her how to shoplift and expect her to steal everything on their shopping list. They are verbally and sometimes physically abusive. Robyn continues to love her mom through it all. They both do their best to survive and finally turn to drastic measures.
June 17, 2012
Touching, true, absorbing and moving without being sentimental or special pleading - one of those novels you almost slide through it is so smoothly written and yet throughout you are completely engaged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews