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From There To Here (With An Awful Lot In Between): A Memoir
FROM THERE TO HERE (WITH AN AWFUL LOT IN BETWEEN) is a memoir, a tale with many twists and turns along the way.
Travel with the author, as she recounts her journey from an ordinary upbringing in a council house in England, to a life of plenty on the other side of the world.
"Life is like a jigsaw, you have to look back at it to see how it all fell into place."
Travel with the author, as she recounts her journey from an ordinary upbringing in a council house in England, to a life of plenty on the other side of the world.
"Life is like a jigsaw, you have to look back at it to see how it all fell into place."
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2021
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Pat Backley
12 books22 followersPat Backley is English, but decided to become a Kiwi when she was 59. She now lives in Auckland New Zealand.
She wrote and published her first book just before her 70th birthday and having discovered her passion, she now intends to write till she dies!
She wrote and published her first book just before her 70th birthday and having discovered her passion, she now intends to write till she dies!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 12, 2022
I'm starting with a quote, this time, however it's hardly a spoiler
"Life can be tough, but try to keep smiling through your tears. When you get knocked down, get up and carry on. You never know what's around the next corner."
.
What can I say? I'm speechless really and if you know me, that's a rarity. I went through a whirlwind that was quite astounding. I always hold high regards to anyone who writes a memoir about their life, they are putting themselves out there, warts in all, exposing parts that are vulnerable to anonymous people, hoping to shed light that life is never perfect.
So as readers we have a contiki tour, alot of places were mentioned, England where the author was born, Fiji where she lived for a couple of years, and a whole lot of other places I will let you discover for yourselves. The highlight for me is when the author discovered New Zealand, where she now lives.
The writing style, humorous and I laughed out loud at various things, especially her calamity days at school, I reminisce with a game called "What's the time Mr Wolf" found out the authors favourite flower is Hollyhocks, was nearly knocked over with surprise as she owned a Morris Minor, which my mother had and too right! that's exactly how they are, they are temperamental and often didn't start in the mornings! Must have been their signature style! I also went back in time when I lived in England and remember making corned beef hash! Although my ex and I used to make stew with ours on fishing trips. Laughed at the "take a plate" incident, although being a kiwi, we say "BYO" (which means, bring your own.). Smiled and nodded knowingly about the teapot collection, although I have a modest 4 and got highly excited about the Albatross Colony, Dunedin and Whittakers peanut slab, and if you haven't had one of those you are absolutely not a true Dunedinite.
I haven't really touched the tip of the iceberg here, this and so much more is written in a jam packed full memoir that's worth reading.
I won this book in a giveaway via Facebook - Global Girls Online Book Club.
Definately a five star read from me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Pauline Reid
New Zealand
"Life can be tough, but try to keep smiling through your tears. When you get knocked down, get up and carry on. You never know what's around the next corner."
.
What can I say? I'm speechless really and if you know me, that's a rarity. I went through a whirlwind that was quite astounding. I always hold high regards to anyone who writes a memoir about their life, they are putting themselves out there, warts in all, exposing parts that are vulnerable to anonymous people, hoping to shed light that life is never perfect.
So as readers we have a contiki tour, alot of places were mentioned, England where the author was born, Fiji where she lived for a couple of years, and a whole lot of other places I will let you discover for yourselves. The highlight for me is when the author discovered New Zealand, where she now lives.
The writing style, humorous and I laughed out loud at various things, especially her calamity days at school, I reminisce with a game called "What's the time Mr Wolf" found out the authors favourite flower is Hollyhocks, was nearly knocked over with surprise as she owned a Morris Minor, which my mother had and too right! that's exactly how they are, they are temperamental and often didn't start in the mornings! Must have been their signature style! I also went back in time when I lived in England and remember making corned beef hash! Although my ex and I used to make stew with ours on fishing trips. Laughed at the "take a plate" incident, although being a kiwi, we say "BYO" (which means, bring your own.). Smiled and nodded knowingly about the teapot collection, although I have a modest 4 and got highly excited about the Albatross Colony, Dunedin and Whittakers peanut slab, and if you haven't had one of those you are absolutely not a true Dunedinite.
I haven't really touched the tip of the iceberg here, this and so much more is written in a jam packed full memoir that's worth reading.
I won this book in a giveaway via Facebook - Global Girls Online Book Club.
Definately a five star read from me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Pauline Reid
New Zealand
September 8, 2022
I was very fortunate to be gifted this memoir. I read it over a 24 hour period. I could identify with some of the author's childhood reminiscing of the UK in the late fifties and sixties. ButPat's life after her teens changed when she married young. Her memoir relates the many twists and turns in her years since then. She has travelled extensively and, despite insecurities and disappointments, has found great joy in meeting and helping others. She is obviously resilient and optimistic by nature. Without wishing to reveal details for those who have not yet read this fascnating life story, be ready to feel amazed at her capacity to move house, restore properties, change careers, go from rags to riches and back again and still find joy and laughter in life. I think a sequel must be in the making!
October 14, 2022
If you enjoy memoirs with lots of detail then you will like this story - it's a very detailed account, but more importantly, this is a very personal memoir about resilience and a love of life and travel. The first half of the book is concerned with the author's childhood, and the second half moves on to the "trouble and tribulation" she faced - and triumphed over - with her verve and positivity, despite many personal disappointments along the way.
August 3, 2022
Keep Getting Up!
Pat Beckley has lived a life of whimsy and resiliency. Her optimism through hardship is magnetic. She has experienced setbacks, but transitions into new energizing beginnings, passions, and experiences. Her travels around the world are exciting adventures for someone who has never had opportunity to travel outside the US! Ms. Backley is an engaging author. I also experienced some laugh-out-loud moments, with her dry sense of humor. This is a memoir of hope and resiliency. I'm so glad I read this special memoir!
Pat Beckley has lived a life of whimsy and resiliency. Her optimism through hardship is magnetic. She has experienced setbacks, but transitions into new energizing beginnings, passions, and experiences. Her travels around the world are exciting adventures for someone who has never had opportunity to travel outside the US! Ms. Backley is an engaging author. I also experienced some laugh-out-loud moments, with her dry sense of humor. This is a memoir of hope and resiliency. I'm so glad I read this special memoir!
February 6, 2022
I read from There to Here as an E-Book from Amazon.
The name is apt as this memoir is a tour through the different stages of the author's life.
Pat grew up as a child in England 1950's and attended a private girls school. Moving into her teen years she describes the music, food and activities she enjoyed and began dipping her toe into the world of boys and dances.
She starts to find love, and is sadly unlucky in love as she searches for someone worthy of the love she has to give. She mostly remains upbeat, "Whatever life throws at you, never give up. Just learn to adapt and change. This was my new mantra."
Pat enjoys her many travels and the beautiful cultures she immerses herself in when she travels for her husband(s) work, spending years in Fiji and New Zealand. "shoals of vividly coloured fish in shades of mauve, yellow, blue, black, and white. The coral was a sight to behold as well, in delicate hues of white, beige, tellow, blue, mauve, pink, and red."
With or without a partner, Pat is apt at enjoying her surroundings and the company with friends and relatives while she hopes and waits, her romantic dreams eventuate.
She has some health issues that challenge her, again, she bounces back.
It's a well written journal of a lovely woman who loves travel and the different countries she fell in love with.
The name is apt as this memoir is a tour through the different stages of the author's life.
Pat grew up as a child in England 1950's and attended a private girls school. Moving into her teen years she describes the music, food and activities she enjoyed and began dipping her toe into the world of boys and dances.
She starts to find love, and is sadly unlucky in love as she searches for someone worthy of the love she has to give. She mostly remains upbeat, "Whatever life throws at you, never give up. Just learn to adapt and change. This was my new mantra."
Pat enjoys her many travels and the beautiful cultures she immerses herself in when she travels for her husband(s) work, spending years in Fiji and New Zealand. "shoals of vividly coloured fish in shades of mauve, yellow, blue, black, and white. The coral was a sight to behold as well, in delicate hues of white, beige, tellow, blue, mauve, pink, and red."
With or without a partner, Pat is apt at enjoying her surroundings and the company with friends and relatives while she hopes and waits, her romantic dreams eventuate.
She has some health issues that challenge her, again, she bounces back.
It's a well written journal of a lovely woman who loves travel and the different countries she fell in love with.
April 24, 2021
A Great Reminder of What Resilience Looks Like in Life
I held off giving this book a review straight away, as I wanted to see how it would land with me and I’m glad I did. As the reader, there are things I would have liked to be explored in more detail e.g., the relationships with husbands. I suppose the fact that less attention was paid to them reflects the author’s view of them, through the lens of distance. What really stayed with me is that, while things might not turn out like we hoped, the human is resilient and it won’t turn out as horrendously as we feared either. Its also a great reminder of grabbing opportunities and living life. It’s an easy and engaging read.
I held off giving this book a review straight away, as I wanted to see how it would land with me and I’m glad I did. As the reader, there are things I would have liked to be explored in more detail e.g., the relationships with husbands. I suppose the fact that less attention was paid to them reflects the author’s view of them, through the lens of distance. What really stayed with me is that, while things might not turn out like we hoped, the human is resilient and it won’t turn out as horrendously as we feared either. Its also a great reminder of grabbing opportunities and living life. It’s an easy and engaging read.
January 2, 2022
loved learning about Pat’s life in this book! I love her writing and the kind humor that comes out when you read her story :)
March 27, 2021
Great read
Great read could reflect on the times, even though I am a man,
But at times it didn't sound true, but who cares, gteat.
Great read could reflect on the times, even though I am a man,
But at times it didn't sound true, but who cares, gteat.
November 10, 2021
A good easy read of the authors life. It started out a bit slow but really improved as she got older.
October 21, 2022
I’m off to Fiji - well vicariously at least!
Reading ‘From There to Here (With an awful lot in between)’ by @patbackleyauthor had me drooling over many of my favourite places in the world.
Pat highlights her most memorable stays in places she loved, but most captivating is the way Pat describes her relationships - both strained and close.
I so appreciated her honesty in the retelling of her story, it made for an entertaining and emotive read. Well done Pat.
Reading ‘From There to Here (With an awful lot in between)’ by @patbackleyauthor had me drooling over many of my favourite places in the world.
Pat highlights her most memorable stays in places she loved, but most captivating is the way Pat describes her relationships - both strained and close.
I so appreciated her honesty in the retelling of her story, it made for an entertaining and emotive read. Well done Pat.
April 14, 2025
This was a wonderful read, thank you to Pat for sending me her book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about her life, in England and her subsequent times spent living in other countries, especially loved the Fiji and New Zealand parts as both of those countries are dear to my heart.
There were some really funny moments which had me laughing out loud.
It was a five ⭐️ read for me
There were some really funny moments which had me laughing out loud.
It was a five ⭐️ read for me
July 20, 2025
Enjoyed. Lots of twists and turns.
The blurb says it all.
The blurb says it all.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews