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Lucky Jack
"One of the perils of being a sniper during the First World War was the likelihood of a grenade going off right next to you and burying you alive”.
Meet Jack Rogers. Born in 1894, he once locked eyes with Queen Victoria and was one of the first travellers on London’s ‘Tube’. An early car owner, he had many escapades on his days out to Brighton, including a time when his brakes failed and he had to drive through central London without them!
His skills as an entertainer earned him popularity throughout his life, and kept him out of the deadly mines while a prisoner during the First World War. At the tender age of 103 Jack earned the title of ‘The World’s Oldest Columnist’ as he began dictating his life’s exploits to a reporter from the local newspaper.
“Wonderful memories and some harrowing ones as well. A treasure trove of memories indeed spanning a century.“
Rebecca Hislop
“An interesting read with a personal touch.”
Patricia Ellis
Meet Jack Rogers. Born in 1894, he once locked eyes with Queen Victoria and was one of the first travellers on London’s ‘Tube’. An early car owner, he had many escapades on his days out to Brighton, including a time when his brakes failed and he had to drive through central London without them!
His skills as an entertainer earned him popularity throughout his life, and kept him out of the deadly mines while a prisoner during the First World War. At the tender age of 103 Jack earned the title of ‘The World’s Oldest Columnist’ as he began dictating his life’s exploits to a reporter from the local newspaper.
“Wonderful memories and some harrowing ones as well. A treasure trove of memories indeed spanning a century.“
Rebecca Hislop
“An interesting read with a personal touch.”
Patricia Ellis
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2021
49 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
S. Bavey
11 books72 followersAn English Mum of two, living in Massachussetts since 2003 with her husband, kids, a cat named Midnight and a leopard gecko named Ziggy Stardust.
Lucky Jack is her grandfather, Henry John Rogers’ biography .
Blog: www.suebavey.com
Lucky Jack is her grandfather, Henry John Rogers’ biography .
Blog: www.suebavey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 16, 2021
LUCKY JACK is an absolute delight. This anecdotal memoir of a World War I vet who lived to the ripe old age of 106 is by turns entertaining, informative, and affecting. Bavey has done a marvelous job of pulling together her grandfather’s notes, diaries, columns, and other writings to create a narrative that personalizes some of history’s biggest moments while also providing insight into daily life over the course of the late 19th century all the way through the end of the 20th. It’s a pure joy to immerse yourself in the small moments of Jack Rogers’ life—he was most definitely the kind of gent you’d want to pop ‘round to the pub with.
January 20, 2022
First of all I wanted to say I am honored to read about the incredible life of Jack Rogers.
What a life you have lived Jack, oh what a life.
Sue Bavey has compiled the most wonderful biography of her grandfather, from his childhood antics, horrendous time as a sniper in World War 1, to having a family of his own. Through loss, laughter, good times and bad.
Jack Rogers has experienced so much all while the World it's self was experiencing growth of industry and loss of life.
To be honest Sue, the fact that you were born at all is amazing in its self. As Jack has gone through many near death experiences from the tender years of childhood, from being buried alive in WWI and taken as a pow.
I think I would liked to have know this soul, it seems that Jack was quite the hilarious fellow, oh how I laughed aloud multiple times whilst reading. And Jack I agree with you Queen Elizabeth had a crush on you, I mean she did write you 3 times.
Jack Rogers lived a life that is hard to imagine, living in 3 different centuries, even if the 3rd was only to be a couple of months. But old man you made it to 106, at one point the oldest living man in Britain. You saw and lived things that not everyone was lucky enough to witness. And some of these things luck is right word. But lady luck was surely watching out over you.
Lucky Jack felt less like I was reading the events of someone's life and more like I was sitting down in the same room with them. I was imaging sitting down with Jack and over a cup of tea he was telling me the stories of his life.
Thank you sir for service.
RIP
1894-2000
I was given a copy for review via R&R book tours, originally posted on : I Can Has Books
What a life you have lived Jack, oh what a life.
Sue Bavey has compiled the most wonderful biography of her grandfather, from his childhood antics, horrendous time as a sniper in World War 1, to having a family of his own. Through loss, laughter, good times and bad.
Jack Rogers has experienced so much all while the World it's self was experiencing growth of industry and loss of life.
To be honest Sue, the fact that you were born at all is amazing in its self. As Jack has gone through many near death experiences from the tender years of childhood, from being buried alive in WWI and taken as a pow.
I think I would liked to have know this soul, it seems that Jack was quite the hilarious fellow, oh how I laughed aloud multiple times whilst reading. And Jack I agree with you Queen Elizabeth had a crush on you, I mean she did write you 3 times.
Jack Rogers lived a life that is hard to imagine, living in 3 different centuries, even if the 3rd was only to be a couple of months. But old man you made it to 106, at one point the oldest living man in Britain. You saw and lived things that not everyone was lucky enough to witness. And some of these things luck is right word. But lady luck was surely watching out over you.
Lucky Jack felt less like I was reading the events of someone's life and more like I was sitting down in the same room with them. I was imaging sitting down with Jack and over a cup of tea he was telling me the stories of his life.
Thank you sir for service.
RIP
1894-2000
I was given a copy for review via R&R book tours, originally posted on : I Can Has Books
October 29, 2022
It was truly a terrific book! In fact I was very honored, in many ways, to journey along with Jack Rogers in his exceptionally space long and fruitful life.
I loved how the book was written in small chunks, it made me stop and think about each section individually.
Because it was in small chunks it was rather easy to read, and very easy to follow.
I highly recommend this book, for no other reason to honor the man’s life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I loved how the book was written in small chunks, it made me stop and think about each section individually.
Because it was in small chunks it was rather easy to read, and very easy to follow.
I highly recommend this book, for no other reason to honor the man’s life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
November 29, 2021
What a truly amazing man Henry John Rogers ‘Lucky Jack’ was. What a long and remarkable life he had. He considered himself to be lucky and I think it was because of his particularly optimistic outlook on life as he endured a great deal during his lifetime. How the world changed during his lifetime. I loved the way it was written in the first person which hooked me from the start. He described himself as a born entertainer and he put this talent to good use, especially as a POW during WW1 Sit down with a cuppa and listen to Jack telling stories of his life, from getting his first car, television, messages from the King and Queen to being awarded the ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’. Wonderful memories and some harrowing ones as well. A treasure trove of memories indeed spanning a century. A terrific and moving tribute to Lucky Jack.
June 26, 2022
What a delightful character Jack was. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his personal anecdotes about his long and varied life. Spanning a complete century and experiencing two world wars as an adult, this book is both a remarkable collection of memoirs and a valuable historical document. Jack's world was as one of the people, and this is real history as it was lived.
However, what makes it even more special was his charming, cheerful and positive personality. His experiences during WW1 were horrific enough to have scarred him for life, but Jack rose above the deprivation and harshness of a POW's existence and focused on keeping his fellow prisoners' spirits high, a talent he continued to use for the rest of his very long life. Lovely.
I'm so glad I've read this. I feel as if I've been sitting with him enjoying his tales first hand.
However, what makes it even more special was his charming, cheerful and positive personality. His experiences during WW1 were horrific enough to have scarred him for life, but Jack rose above the deprivation and harshness of a POW's existence and focused on keeping his fellow prisoners' spirits high, a talent he continued to use for the rest of his very long life. Lovely.
I'm so glad I've read this. I feel as if I've been sitting with him enjoying his tales first hand.
July 19, 2022
In Lucky Jack, the author has used family memories and published anecdotes from her grandfather’s time as ‘The World’s Oldest Columnist’ for his local newspaper to construct a first person account of his life.
In the first section of the book Jack recalls childhood scrapes, mischievous pranks, family holidays and days out, as well as occasions when he was the witness to significant events such as the opening of the London underground. Later he reflects on events such as acquiring his first car, his marriage and the birth of his son. The threads that run through Jack’s life are family, hard work and a sense of fun.
However I’m sure I won’t be alone in finding the sections of the book in which he recalls his experiences during the First World War to be the most powerful. (I believe an expanded version could have made a book in itself.) Like many of the other young men who signed up, he had no idea what was awaiting him in France. ‘Waiting to go over the top was a terrible, gut-wrenching feeling.’ Somehow he survives being buried by debris from an explosion and endures unimaginably harsh treatment during his time as a prisoner-of-war. ‘The hunger and weakness we experienced as prisoners is like nothing else I have ever had to endure in all of my long life.’ He describes some terrible experiences but with a remarkable degree of equanimity, perhaps due to the passage of time or because of his positive approach to life. Nevertheless it’s clear the memories of those events, and of the comrades who didn’t make it back, stayed with him forever.
Lucky Jack is a remarkable account of a long life well-lived. Although Jack describes himself as having been ‘blessed with good luck’, I’d say that it’s his fortitude, determination and cheeky sense of humour that shines through. You can view many photographs of Jack and his family, including those in the book, on the author’s website.
In the first section of the book Jack recalls childhood scrapes, mischievous pranks, family holidays and days out, as well as occasions when he was the witness to significant events such as the opening of the London underground. Later he reflects on events such as acquiring his first car, his marriage and the birth of his son. The threads that run through Jack’s life are family, hard work and a sense of fun.
However I’m sure I won’t be alone in finding the sections of the book in which he recalls his experiences during the First World War to be the most powerful. (I believe an expanded version could have made a book in itself.) Like many of the other young men who signed up, he had no idea what was awaiting him in France. ‘Waiting to go over the top was a terrible, gut-wrenching feeling.’ Somehow he survives being buried by debris from an explosion and endures unimaginably harsh treatment during his time as a prisoner-of-war. ‘The hunger and weakness we experienced as prisoners is like nothing else I have ever had to endure in all of my long life.’ He describes some terrible experiences but with a remarkable degree of equanimity, perhaps due to the passage of time or because of his positive approach to life. Nevertheless it’s clear the memories of those events, and of the comrades who didn’t make it back, stayed with him forever.
Lucky Jack is a remarkable account of a long life well-lived. Although Jack describes himself as having been ‘blessed with good luck’, I’d say that it’s his fortitude, determination and cheeky sense of humour that shines through. You can view many photographs of Jack and his family, including those in the book, on the author’s website.
January 28, 2022
What a delightful read. Jack is a lucky man indeed to have lived until 106. But he’s had his share of bad luck too and almost lost his life a number of times. I think we all have our share of good and bad luck. The difference is some people dwell on their bad luck and forget the good.
Jack is just the opposite. He loved life and people. He never had a bad word against anyone, not even his German captors. Whenever he had a stroke of good fortune, he would play it up and spin it into a charming story.
At parties, such as his 101st, 102nd, 103rd etc birthdays, he regaled friends and family with his tales and jokes. I think it was his way to spread joy.
When the local paper offered him a column to tell his life stories, we’re all in luck. We can hear in his own words the secret to his “luck.” The author, his granddaughter, did an admirable job of weaving his stories into an uplifting book.
Jack is just the opposite. He loved life and people. He never had a bad word against anyone, not even his German captors. Whenever he had a stroke of good fortune, he would play it up and spin it into a charming story.
At parties, such as his 101st, 102nd, 103rd etc birthdays, he regaled friends and family with his tales and jokes. I think it was his way to spread joy.
When the local paper offered him a column to tell his life stories, we’re all in luck. We can hear in his own words the secret to his “luck.” The author, his granddaughter, did an admirable job of weaving his stories into an uplifting book.
January 19, 2022
“Lucky Jack” was such an incredible memoir, and I loved every moment I read about this amazing man’s life! I adore history, and this book is a treasure trove of first hand accounts of numerous key historical moments. I am so happy that his life and stories have been preserved, and put together in a way that is a totally immersive and compelling read.
Not only that, but you can also feel you get to know Jack's entertaining spirit, and in that way, we get to know him personally as well. I think the choice of making this a first person narration helped forge this connection between the reader and Jack even more.
Bavey has done a seriously stupendous job of collecting and putting all of Jack’s memories together to create this engrossing memoir. It’s truly breathtaking to think all of the things this man saw and survived! There are parts that are downright hilarious, and others that are truly moving. The stories about WWI especially.
I highly recommend this memoir!
Not only that, but you can also feel you get to know Jack's entertaining spirit, and in that way, we get to know him personally as well. I think the choice of making this a first person narration helped forge this connection between the reader and Jack even more.
Bavey has done a seriously stupendous job of collecting and putting all of Jack’s memories together to create this engrossing memoir. It’s truly breathtaking to think all of the things this man saw and survived! There are parts that are downright hilarious, and others that are truly moving. The stories about WWI especially.
I highly recommend this memoir!
February 23, 2022
What an incredible autobiography! Told in small anecdotal portions in chronological order, the extraordinary life of Lucky Jack is entertaining, easy to read, and fascinating. What I liked about this structure was that I could pick up the book and read one, two, or three in a sitting and be swept into the world and life (and adventures!) of this man's life. If ever there was a person graced with luck and long life it was Jack. I particularly enjoyed the early childhood tales, as they gave a picture of turn-of-the century London and also the Great War (in which he served) - the personal account of the experience is important historical record as we move farther and farther away from these events. My thanks to S. Bavey, author or her grandfather's writings, for providing me with a review copy.
December 29, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable read, recounting the life of an extraordinary ordinary person.
I couldn’t put this book down. It was a fascinating insight into the life of a man whose experience spanned three centuries, and six monarchs; two of whom were the longest-reigning in British history. Jack was an entertainer, and his story is beautifully told in his own words. It felt like sitting down for a chat with an old friend.
Born in the reign of Queen Victoria, Jack’s spent his early life in an almost Dickensian London: with streets lit by gas lights and plied by horse drawn carriages. His first-hand account of both the everyday, and bearing witness to giant leaps in technology, such as the advent of the London Underground, cars, television, and the first man on the moon, are not just fascinating to read, but form a compelling social history.
Compiled by his granddaughter from his own written archive, the story is told in Jack’s own voice. In spite of the hardship and horrors he endured, most notably surviving two world wars, his personality and positivity shine through. Lucky Jack survived trench warfare on the Somme and at Passchendaele, going ‘over the top’, being buried alive when a grenade detonated next to him, then being captured and interred under starvation conditions in a prisoner of war camp.
I loved the photos included in the book. These were the icing on the cake of this wonderful personal history.
Jack was an extraordinary ordinary person, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in his company.
I won a copy of this book in a competition, but am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review.
I couldn’t put this book down. It was a fascinating insight into the life of a man whose experience spanned three centuries, and six monarchs; two of whom were the longest-reigning in British history. Jack was an entertainer, and his story is beautifully told in his own words. It felt like sitting down for a chat with an old friend.
Born in the reign of Queen Victoria, Jack’s spent his early life in an almost Dickensian London: with streets lit by gas lights and plied by horse drawn carriages. His first-hand account of both the everyday, and bearing witness to giant leaps in technology, such as the advent of the London Underground, cars, television, and the first man on the moon, are not just fascinating to read, but form a compelling social history.
Compiled by his granddaughter from his own written archive, the story is told in Jack’s own voice. In spite of the hardship and horrors he endured, most notably surviving two world wars, his personality and positivity shine through. Lucky Jack survived trench warfare on the Somme and at Passchendaele, going ‘over the top’, being buried alive when a grenade detonated next to him, then being captured and interred under starvation conditions in a prisoner of war camp.
I loved the photos included in the book. These were the icing on the cake of this wonderful personal history.
Jack was an extraordinary ordinary person, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in his company.
I won a copy of this book in a competition, but am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review.
January 22, 2022
3.5 🌟 rounded to 4 🌟
🍀 Lucky Jack is definitely a unique biography that Bavey has written about her grandfather, Henry John Rogers. He had met with a reporter and Bavey’s mother kept all of the newspaper clippings. Bavey used these to write her grandfather’s life story.
🍀 It is unique in that it is comprised of short anecdotes in Jack’s voice. It really reminded me of listening to my own grandpa tell stories about his life. It always amazes me how much the older generation seems to remember about their lives.
🍀 What a truly amazing life Jack had, too. Not many people will ever be able to say that they lived in THREE different centuries of time. Quite a feat! From funny, simple life stories to being a POW in WWI, it is a biography filled with endearing narratives about a man that lived life to the fullest!
Thank you to R & R Book Tours and S. Bavey for this #Gifted ecopy in exchange for my honest review.
🍀 Lucky Jack is definitely a unique biography that Bavey has written about her grandfather, Henry John Rogers. He had met with a reporter and Bavey’s mother kept all of the newspaper clippings. Bavey used these to write her grandfather’s life story.
🍀 It is unique in that it is comprised of short anecdotes in Jack’s voice. It really reminded me of listening to my own grandpa tell stories about his life. It always amazes me how much the older generation seems to remember about their lives.
🍀 What a truly amazing life Jack had, too. Not many people will ever be able to say that they lived in THREE different centuries of time. Quite a feat! From funny, simple life stories to being a POW in WWI, it is a biography filled with endearing narratives about a man that lived life to the fullest!
Thank you to R & R Book Tours and S. Bavey for this #Gifted ecopy in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I have provided below.
Some of us granted a long life - unfortunately - do not necessarily, for a variety of reasons, get to enjoy a well-lived life.
Jack Rogers was not one of those people.
Jack was blessed with the gift of entertaining others, was a brave and skilled soldier, and a great family man, whose life was filled with joy, excitement, and overall, happiness and fulfillment.
Jack evidently made the most of his 106 years on earth, and the story of what he did with those 106 long years is fascinating, poignant, and simply delightful. The daughter of Jack's only son John - Sue Bavey - has published Jack's memoir, entitled "Lucky Jack".
It is a wonderful read, and fitting tribute to a man who lived life to the fullest, right up until the end.
The memoir chronicles Jack's beginnings from precocious, mischievous child growing up in Victorian London, England at the end of the 19th century, to centenarian and beyond, dubbed "The World's Oldest Columnist" when he related his life story to local newspapers at 103 years old.
The memoir is filled with humour, whimsy, dark moments, but at all times the upbeat and infectiously positive tone of a man who was inherently grateful for life, and all the blessings he received that he considered made him "Lucky Jack."
The hard-working, persistent, and dynamic Jack Rogers survived wartime, and POW camp, as a World War One prisoner of the Axis, lived to marry, raise a family, and run a successful business. Jack also bore witness to some of the great events of 20th century Britain (and indeed Western civilization). These watershed moments include: being among the first to ride the new London Underground; Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee; and the Battle of Passchendaele.
Related first person, from Jack's point of view, the memoir is penned in an autobiographical, straightforward, and easy-to-digest writing style, that will encourage the reader to soak in the highly moving, and engaging book in one sitting.
Some parts of the memoir made me laugh (particularly at Jack's pluck and audacity), some brought me to tears, but overall it was a fantastic experience, seeing a slice of history through the eyes of Jack, via his granddaughter Sue Bavey's book.
Sue Bavey's book is wonderful, and she is obviously fortunate to have a loving and incredible grandfather like "Lucky Jack", who inspired her to write the book.
I was honoured to be able to read his story. Thank you Sue Bavey, for the opportunity.
Some of us granted a long life - unfortunately - do not necessarily, for a variety of reasons, get to enjoy a well-lived life.
Jack Rogers was not one of those people.
Jack was blessed with the gift of entertaining others, was a brave and skilled soldier, and a great family man, whose life was filled with joy, excitement, and overall, happiness and fulfillment.
Jack evidently made the most of his 106 years on earth, and the story of what he did with those 106 long years is fascinating, poignant, and simply delightful. The daughter of Jack's only son John - Sue Bavey - has published Jack's memoir, entitled "Lucky Jack".
It is a wonderful read, and fitting tribute to a man who lived life to the fullest, right up until the end.
The memoir chronicles Jack's beginnings from precocious, mischievous child growing up in Victorian London, England at the end of the 19th century, to centenarian and beyond, dubbed "The World's Oldest Columnist" when he related his life story to local newspapers at 103 years old.
The memoir is filled with humour, whimsy, dark moments, but at all times the upbeat and infectiously positive tone of a man who was inherently grateful for life, and all the blessings he received that he considered made him "Lucky Jack."
The hard-working, persistent, and dynamic Jack Rogers survived wartime, and POW camp, as a World War One prisoner of the Axis, lived to marry, raise a family, and run a successful business. Jack also bore witness to some of the great events of 20th century Britain (and indeed Western civilization). These watershed moments include: being among the first to ride the new London Underground; Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee; and the Battle of Passchendaele.
Related first person, from Jack's point of view, the memoir is penned in an autobiographical, straightforward, and easy-to-digest writing style, that will encourage the reader to soak in the highly moving, and engaging book in one sitting.
Some parts of the memoir made me laugh (particularly at Jack's pluck and audacity), some brought me to tears, but overall it was a fantastic experience, seeing a slice of history through the eyes of Jack, via his granddaughter Sue Bavey's book.
Sue Bavey's book is wonderful, and she is obviously fortunate to have a loving and incredible grandfather like "Lucky Jack", who inspired her to write the book.
I was honoured to be able to read his story. Thank you Sue Bavey, for the opportunity.
January 8, 2022
Jack Rogers was my father-in-law so I am very pleased to have all of his stories together in a handy book. The chapters are short and that makes the pace fast and keeps you reading. My daughter has done a great job pulling all of this together and making an interesting and sometimes educational read from Jack’s stories. He was such an interesting character in life and that is preserved on the page. Well done!
April 16, 2022
An inspiring story of 106 years of living life to its fullest by a compelling storyteller.
I felt I was sitting drinking a cup of tea and listening to Henry Jack Rogers (Jack) recounting his adventures. It is wonderful that at over 100 years old he was able to tell his story in newspaper columns and on radio as it is certainly a life worth sharing, as his granddaughter has done in this biography.
Jack was born in 1894 and shares stand out moments in his long and hard working life from being held aloft on his father’s shoulders and getting a special wave from Queen Victoria, to receiving the telegram for his 106th birthday from Queen Elizabeth II.
What came across from the first page to the last is that Jack was not just lucky, but also courageous, hard working, kind hearted and entertaining, especially when things were tough.
There were so many ‘firsts’ during Jack’s lifetime including cinemas, cars, radios, televisions, which he embraced as soon as he could with some hair raising escapades driving on excursions with family. What I found particularly entertaining was his recollections of travelling on the first tube trains in early 1900s, visiting travelling fairs including seeing Buffalo Bill Cody, and his life long love of entertaining others.
From 1914 to 1918 Jack was in the Sherwood Foresters and saw action in the major battles as a sniper and observer before being captured. As a prisoner of war Jack and his comrades faced untold hardships and this is when his spirit really shone through keeping him alive to enjoy the rest of his long life.
The book is easy to read, well written, and entertaining and I can highly recommend.
I felt I was sitting drinking a cup of tea and listening to Henry Jack Rogers (Jack) recounting his adventures. It is wonderful that at over 100 years old he was able to tell his story in newspaper columns and on radio as it is certainly a life worth sharing, as his granddaughter has done in this biography.
Jack was born in 1894 and shares stand out moments in his long and hard working life from being held aloft on his father’s shoulders and getting a special wave from Queen Victoria, to receiving the telegram for his 106th birthday from Queen Elizabeth II.
What came across from the first page to the last is that Jack was not just lucky, but also courageous, hard working, kind hearted and entertaining, especially when things were tough.
There were so many ‘firsts’ during Jack’s lifetime including cinemas, cars, radios, televisions, which he embraced as soon as he could with some hair raising escapades driving on excursions with family. What I found particularly entertaining was his recollections of travelling on the first tube trains in early 1900s, visiting travelling fairs including seeing Buffalo Bill Cody, and his life long love of entertaining others.
From 1914 to 1918 Jack was in the Sherwood Foresters and saw action in the major battles as a sniper and observer before being captured. As a prisoner of war Jack and his comrades faced untold hardships and this is when his spirit really shone through keeping him alive to enjoy the rest of his long life.
The book is easy to read, well written, and entertaining and I can highly recommend.
January 1, 2023
4.5*
Lucky Jack is the story of a remarkable man told through his own recollections written, as a centenarian, for a local newspaper.
Jack Rogers lived in three different centuries and his tales of his experiences covered innovations such as silent movies accompanied by a pianist, seeing Buffalo Bill Cody perform, driving a car that was started with a crank handle, right up to being trapped in his room when aged 93 during a storm that the weatherman Michael Fish had dismissed as nothing to worry about.
Jack’s accounts are honest, humorous and frequently told at his own expense, such as when he’d measured his garage to check it was big enough for his new car – without leaving enough room to open the car’s doors once in there.
Not all of Jack’s memories were happy ones. He enlisted as a young man during WWI and vividly describes the horrors of the Somme. His account of life as a prisoner of war doesn’t dwell on the hardships but he doesn’t gloss over them, either.
Each account is fairly brief – some of them are only half a page long – which makes the book ideal to dip into during those times when you’re too busy to devote your attention to something like a full-length novel.
Lucky Jack is the story of a remarkable man told through his own recollections written, as a centenarian, for a local newspaper.
Jack Rogers lived in three different centuries and his tales of his experiences covered innovations such as silent movies accompanied by a pianist, seeing Buffalo Bill Cody perform, driving a car that was started with a crank handle, right up to being trapped in his room when aged 93 during a storm that the weatherman Michael Fish had dismissed as nothing to worry about.
Jack’s accounts are honest, humorous and frequently told at his own expense, such as when he’d measured his garage to check it was big enough for his new car – without leaving enough room to open the car’s doors once in there.
Not all of Jack’s memories were happy ones. He enlisted as a young man during WWI and vividly describes the horrors of the Somme. His account of life as a prisoner of war doesn’t dwell on the hardships but he doesn’t gloss over them, either.
Each account is fairly brief – some of them are only half a page long – which makes the book ideal to dip into during those times when you’re too busy to devote your attention to something like a full-length novel.
January 23, 2022
Let’s kick this one off by saying that I enjoyed Lucky Jack from the get go. It’s one of those books that you cannot help but like due to its inherent charm.
Now I know that from the name, the main genre that I tend to go for is Fantasy (nooooo, what gave it away?). However, I do have other interests and one of these is history. Lucky Jack definitely falls into that, even though it is a memoir of one Henry ‘Jack’ Rodgers.
I think that whenever you read a review of this book, the word ‘charming’ is going to come up several times, due to the fact that Jack Rodgers has an ineffable charm and wit that immediately makes you warm to him.
The book deals with a massive period of time due to the fact that these are the personal observations of a man who lived through three centuries, being born in the mid-1890s and gracing us with his presence until 2000, leaving us at the impressively statuesque age of 106. And in that time, he had seen all manner of things, as well as being involved in the First World War, when he fought in his regiment The Sherwood Foresters.
Lucky Jack is full of anecdotes from his life, encompassing times from when he was a boy in Hammersmith, to moving to Brighton and finally spending his twilight years in Lincolnshire.
It’s a fascinating tale and sheds a light on life in England throughout copious different ages, and when you read this book, all these different time periods of British history are brought colourfully to life with the beautifully conversational style that he delivers his memoirs.
The memoirs are made up of observations and articles that have been lovingly brought together by the author and Jack’s grand daughter, Sue Bavey.
There is a lovely laconic style to the book due to the nature of the stories that are between the pages. However, what struck me is that sometimes these stories belie the momentous events that Jack has been witness to, and it took me a moment to realise exactly what these events were, such as when he describes watching the Hunger Marches in 1930’s. I had to do a double take on that one when I realised what he was talking about.
Not only are there moments of great history in the book , but there is also the microcosm of family life throughout the ages. From stories of when he was a young boy and getting himself stuck in iron railings to moving up to Lincolnshire to stay in a retirement home.
When it really hits home is when he describes conditions and life in the trenches in the First World War. Even though Jack has a wonderfully optimistic nature, the true horrors of his experiences do permeate through the narrative, and in one or two sentences the stark reality of the situation hits you right between the eyes.
Lucky Jack was a wonderful little read that you cannot help but love. When you read it, you can feel Jack and his wonderfully optimistic view on life shine through the pages, even through the darkest of times. I think the other thing that made this such a good read was the fact that when you read it , you feel that Jack is telling these stories to you personally and you are the one laughing and smiling along with him at some of the things that happened throughout his life.
My advice! Read it!
Now I know that from the name, the main genre that I tend to go for is Fantasy (nooooo, what gave it away?). However, I do have other interests and one of these is history. Lucky Jack definitely falls into that, even though it is a memoir of one Henry ‘Jack’ Rodgers.
I think that whenever you read a review of this book, the word ‘charming’ is going to come up several times, due to the fact that Jack Rodgers has an ineffable charm and wit that immediately makes you warm to him.
The book deals with a massive period of time due to the fact that these are the personal observations of a man who lived through three centuries, being born in the mid-1890s and gracing us with his presence until 2000, leaving us at the impressively statuesque age of 106. And in that time, he had seen all manner of things, as well as being involved in the First World War, when he fought in his regiment The Sherwood Foresters.
Lucky Jack is full of anecdotes from his life, encompassing times from when he was a boy in Hammersmith, to moving to Brighton and finally spending his twilight years in Lincolnshire.
It’s a fascinating tale and sheds a light on life in England throughout copious different ages, and when you read this book, all these different time periods of British history are brought colourfully to life with the beautifully conversational style that he delivers his memoirs.
The memoirs are made up of observations and articles that have been lovingly brought together by the author and Jack’s grand daughter, Sue Bavey.
There is a lovely laconic style to the book due to the nature of the stories that are between the pages. However, what struck me is that sometimes these stories belie the momentous events that Jack has been witness to, and it took me a moment to realise exactly what these events were, such as when he describes watching the Hunger Marches in 1930’s. I had to do a double take on that one when I realised what he was talking about.
Not only are there moments of great history in the book , but there is also the microcosm of family life throughout the ages. From stories of when he was a young boy and getting himself stuck in iron railings to moving up to Lincolnshire to stay in a retirement home.
When it really hits home is when he describes conditions and life in the trenches in the First World War. Even though Jack has a wonderfully optimistic nature, the true horrors of his experiences do permeate through the narrative, and in one or two sentences the stark reality of the situation hits you right between the eyes.
Lucky Jack was a wonderful little read that you cannot help but love. When you read it, you can feel Jack and his wonderfully optimistic view on life shine through the pages, even through the darkest of times. I think the other thing that made this such a good read was the fact that when you read it , you feel that Jack is telling these stories to you personally and you are the one laughing and smiling along with him at some of the things that happened throughout his life.
My advice! Read it!
January 13, 2022
This is such a great project to have undertaken; Sue says she wanted to get Jack's story down for her own children, and generations to come.
It's a charming book, starting with London life in the late Victorian times - Jack was one of those rare people who have actually lived in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. At one time he was officially Britain's oldest man, and at the age of 103 co-wrote a column for the Lincolnshire Echo for a while.
Although this memoir covers some tragic times, such as the two world wars, it is mostly kept to a lighthearted vein, though I have to say that the section that I found most memorable was his time in a German POW camp during WW1, when he and his friends suffered hardship we cannot even imagine in these times. I also found the chapter about living in the flight path of Heathrow Airport oddly poignant; he talks of a time before, when seeing planes take off was a novelty for him and his wife, only to find, later, that living in its immediate vicinity was no joke. I felt sad to think of the pub he loved which, of course, disappeared under all that concrete.
An interesting surprise for me was that Jack opened his surgical boot making business in 1920, at a premises in Goldhawk Road, Stamford Brook, which is in Hammersmith, North London. My mother was born in 1926 and, until the late 1940s, lived in her family home in Vaughan Avenue, Stamford Brook - which happens to be just off Goldhawk Road - I looked up a street map of the area. So Mum must have known of Jack's shop; she may have even met him! Small world indeed.
The secret of Jack's long, healthy and lucky life seems, from what I read in this book, to have been his positive attitude and adaptability, taking the enormous changes in the 106 years of his life in his stride. We can only imagine what it must be like to have seen so, so many changes in the world. I bow with respect.
It's a charming book, starting with London life in the late Victorian times - Jack was one of those rare people who have actually lived in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. At one time he was officially Britain's oldest man, and at the age of 103 co-wrote a column for the Lincolnshire Echo for a while.
Although this memoir covers some tragic times, such as the two world wars, it is mostly kept to a lighthearted vein, though I have to say that the section that I found most memorable was his time in a German POW camp during WW1, when he and his friends suffered hardship we cannot even imagine in these times. I also found the chapter about living in the flight path of Heathrow Airport oddly poignant; he talks of a time before, when seeing planes take off was a novelty for him and his wife, only to find, later, that living in its immediate vicinity was no joke. I felt sad to think of the pub he loved which, of course, disappeared under all that concrete.
An interesting surprise for me was that Jack opened his surgical boot making business in 1920, at a premises in Goldhawk Road, Stamford Brook, which is in Hammersmith, North London. My mother was born in 1926 and, until the late 1940s, lived in her family home in Vaughan Avenue, Stamford Brook - which happens to be just off Goldhawk Road - I looked up a street map of the area. So Mum must have known of Jack's shop; she may have even met him! Small world indeed.
The secret of Jack's long, healthy and lucky life seems, from what I read in this book, to have been his positive attitude and adaptability, taking the enormous changes in the 106 years of his life in his stride. We can only imagine what it must be like to have seen so, so many changes in the world. I bow with respect.
July 12, 2022
Lucky Jack by S Bavey is a marvellous read. It is the biography of the author’s grandfather who lived a long and eventful life from 1894-2000.
The book is fascinating and absolutely amazing to read of all the events that happened over the course of a very long life – several monarchs, the invention of the car and television, talking pictures, two world wars, walking on the moon.
Lucky Jack is the story of a full life lived well. There were tragedies and there was also some luck involved. We ‘hear’ all the events through Jack’s voice as the book is written in the first person. Jack has a very personable style, making it feel as if we are hearing from a dear friend.
I loved the inclusion of photos to enable the reader to put faces to names.
Lucky Jack was extremely interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The book is fascinating and absolutely amazing to read of all the events that happened over the course of a very long life – several monarchs, the invention of the car and television, talking pictures, two world wars, walking on the moon.
Lucky Jack is the story of a full life lived well. There were tragedies and there was also some luck involved. We ‘hear’ all the events through Jack’s voice as the book is written in the first person. Jack has a very personable style, making it feel as if we are hearing from a dear friend.
I loved the inclusion of photos to enable the reader to put faces to names.
Lucky Jack was extremely interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2023
Reading this delightful memoir was like stepping back into times past where one did not need a driving licence or driving lessons – one just learned to drive by driving along fairly empty roads devoid of traffic lights. When motoring took off I was interested to read how traffic police hid in bushes and jumped out at motorists in 1930, raking in thousands of pounds in fines if drivers failed to stop at the new ‘Halt’ signs. Hah… so what’s new?
Jack was there to see the new London ‘tube’ trains. He remembers no escalators, and how people had to queue for a lift to take them down to the underground platform.
Jack was very good at billiards as a young man, and won some prizes (he tried to play again when elderly but couldn’t see the end of the cue!). At twenty one he joined the Sherwood Foresters Regiment and fought in the First World War until he was taken prisoner. He remembers the ever present mud, lice and death, and so much noise from guns that he lost his hearing in his left ear. He remembers being buried alive and his helmet falling over his face and saving his life. He was too old to enlist in WWII, but spent the war working as an air raid warden.
Also interesting was the fact that the Isle of Wight (now where we have our caravan) was turned into a mini-fortress during WWII. Tourists were evacuated and barbed was put up everywhere, along with mines on the main beaches. Nobody was allowed to go anywhere near the beaches. The PLUTO pipeline, some of which can still be seen at Shanklin Chine, was assembled on Shanklin beach to carry fuel under the English Channel to the Allied Forces when they reached the French beaches.
I was interested to read how Heathrow airport started out as just a very small aerodrome just before WWII. Noise increased as the airport expanded and people living in the area qualified for double glazing from the council and for new rooves as planes could cause a vortex which would rip off roof tiles from houses below the flight path. Jack and his wife and son had had enough of the airport’s noise by 1958 and moved to Seaford on the Sussex coast, but tragedy befell them within a year of moving there.
Jack eventually began to receive fan mail and became somewhat of a celebrity in his later years, after a young journalist from a local newspaper came to visit him to undertake a series of interviews which resulted in 75 articles for the newspaper. He became Britain’s oldest man in 2000 and the oldest survivor of the First World War.
A recommended 5 star read for fans of memoirs.
Jack was there to see the new London ‘tube’ trains. He remembers no escalators, and how people had to queue for a lift to take them down to the underground platform.
Jack was very good at billiards as a young man, and won some prizes (he tried to play again when elderly but couldn’t see the end of the cue!). At twenty one he joined the Sherwood Foresters Regiment and fought in the First World War until he was taken prisoner. He remembers the ever present mud, lice and death, and so much noise from guns that he lost his hearing in his left ear. He remembers being buried alive and his helmet falling over his face and saving his life. He was too old to enlist in WWII, but spent the war working as an air raid warden.
Also interesting was the fact that the Isle of Wight (now where we have our caravan) was turned into a mini-fortress during WWII. Tourists were evacuated and barbed was put up everywhere, along with mines on the main beaches. Nobody was allowed to go anywhere near the beaches. The PLUTO pipeline, some of which can still be seen at Shanklin Chine, was assembled on Shanklin beach to carry fuel under the English Channel to the Allied Forces when they reached the French beaches.
I was interested to read how Heathrow airport started out as just a very small aerodrome just before WWII. Noise increased as the airport expanded and people living in the area qualified for double glazing from the council and for new rooves as planes could cause a vortex which would rip off roof tiles from houses below the flight path. Jack and his wife and son had had enough of the airport’s noise by 1958 and moved to Seaford on the Sussex coast, but tragedy befell them within a year of moving there.
Jack eventually began to receive fan mail and became somewhat of a celebrity in his later years, after a young journalist from a local newspaper came to visit him to undertake a series of interviews which resulted in 75 articles for the newspaper. He became Britain’s oldest man in 2000 and the oldest survivor of the First World War.
A recommended 5 star read for fans of memoirs.
September 20, 2022
Enjoyed the book. Jack is quite a story teller. Better brush up on the British monetary system. Jack is going to tell you how much every cost through out his life. Pounds, pence, quid, shillings and crown, value are mandatory knowledge. But that is to be expected from someone over a 100 years old. But was a very enjoyable read.
July 11, 2022
Lucky Jack by S Bavey has received a Chill with a Book Readers' PREMIER Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
www.chillwithabook.com
July 23, 2022
As someone who has been on the genealogy trail for about twelve or so years, I have been saying for years that I am going to write up my own family history into a book, but I have yet to actually complete it and start writing. But, hey; one day I may actually complete my own. So when I saw this book, I was instantly interested in reading it.
This is the biography of the author’s grandfather; Jack Rogers, an ordinary man who lived a pretty extraordinary life. This documents his early life right up to his elderly years. I have to admit it was the period between the pre-WW1 and the chapters which covered his life in the trenches which caught my attention far more. The descriptions of his fears as a sniper of the simple day-to-day tasks while standing his ground in those awful conditions really grabs your attention and ignite your imagination.
The chapters covering his time during WW1, from the Somme to being a POW are powerful, it’s hard-hitting and full of raw emotion, I was particularly misty-eyed when it came to him describing his time as a POW, the descriptions of the conditions and the constant hunger was incredibly emotional. My own great, great uncle was a WW1 soldier who survived the entire war until he (like Jack) was taken as a POW, unlike Jack my ancestor didn’t come home, so those chapters really hit home for me in particular especially as I have spent the last ten years researching him and his life.
Jack was a remarkable man, he lived a long life, a full life. The author has done a wonderful job at documenting her grandfathers life, I thought that parts were a little slower in pace, especially the younger years but once he grew and started getting himself into scrapes and growing into a man the story moves along at a much steadier pace. Jack was certainly an enigmatic and charismatic chap, I got a sense that he was a lot of fun, he was a little cheeky and determined he liked to enjoy himself but mostly his life revolved around family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I had a feeling that I would as it falls perfectly into the books that I read, plus it’s centred in an era and subject that I am very interested in, but I didn’t quite realise just how much I enjoyed this book.
I don’t often read biographies, but I really liked this one.
This is the biography of the author’s grandfather; Jack Rogers, an ordinary man who lived a pretty extraordinary life. This documents his early life right up to his elderly years. I have to admit it was the period between the pre-WW1 and the chapters which covered his life in the trenches which caught my attention far more. The descriptions of his fears as a sniper of the simple day-to-day tasks while standing his ground in those awful conditions really grabs your attention and ignite your imagination.
The chapters covering his time during WW1, from the Somme to being a POW are powerful, it’s hard-hitting and full of raw emotion, I was particularly misty-eyed when it came to him describing his time as a POW, the descriptions of the conditions and the constant hunger was incredibly emotional. My own great, great uncle was a WW1 soldier who survived the entire war until he (like Jack) was taken as a POW, unlike Jack my ancestor didn’t come home, so those chapters really hit home for me in particular especially as I have spent the last ten years researching him and his life.
Jack was a remarkable man, he lived a long life, a full life. The author has done a wonderful job at documenting her grandfathers life, I thought that parts were a little slower in pace, especially the younger years but once he grew and started getting himself into scrapes and growing into a man the story moves along at a much steadier pace. Jack was certainly an enigmatic and charismatic chap, I got a sense that he was a lot of fun, he was a little cheeky and determined he liked to enjoy himself but mostly his life revolved around family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I had a feeling that I would as it falls perfectly into the books that I read, plus it’s centred in an era and subject that I am very interested in, but I didn’t quite realise just how much I enjoyed this book.
I don’t often read biographies, but I really liked this one.
December 2, 2021
Jack Rogers was a product of his time... resourceful, no nonsense, tackling life as it came at him and able to lever favour and success through his scrappy, uncomplicated pragmatism. I made this conclusion based on his fascinating story told in Lucky Jack.
This biography of his life is written by his granddaughter but in Jack's first-person voice. It's fascinating, endearing, scary and heartbreaking by turns. The twentieth century Jack lived through is brought to life through the events and attitudes Jack tells from his first person perspective but also in the many narrated events and communities he describes. This is a world I barely knew existed, but these rich experiences bring it sharply into relief. He recounts his experiences as a soldier and POW with typically self-effacing understatement, but the thing that really struck me was the driving sequences (something we take for granted today)! The early days of motoring were thrilling and sometimes extraordinarily dangerous in the telling!
I unreservedly recommend this biography to get to know Jack, for the rich history and the experience of the telling.
This biography of his life is written by his granddaughter but in Jack's first-person voice. It's fascinating, endearing, scary and heartbreaking by turns. The twentieth century Jack lived through is brought to life through the events and attitudes Jack tells from his first person perspective but also in the many narrated events and communities he describes. This is a world I barely knew existed, but these rich experiences bring it sharply into relief. He recounts his experiences as a soldier and POW with typically self-effacing understatement, but the thing that really struck me was the driving sequences (something we take for granted today)! The early days of motoring were thrilling and sometimes extraordinarily dangerous in the telling!
I unreservedly recommend this biography to get to know Jack, for the rich history and the experience of the telling.
December 19, 2022
Tales of a Remarkable Life
At 103, Jack Rogers dictated scenes of his life to a newspaper reporter and thus became the world’s oldest newspaper columnist. If that wasn’t remarkable enough, his daughter-in-law then diligently saved every single one of his columns. Clearing out her mother’s attic, author S. Bavey discovered this extraordinary family archive. I’m so glad she edited and published Jack’s story as a book as it is incredible social history. Written in Jack’s first-person voice, the book is laid out as scenes from a long but richly lived life.
If you were a young man from a modest background, born at the end of the nineteenth century in Britain, you were part of the unluckiest generation to have lived. But Lucky Jack somehow not only survived the horrors of the trenches in World War 1, but he also lives to tell a remarkable and gut-wrenching account of his time as a prisoner-of-war. Written without a shred of self-pity, what I admire most is the way Jack’s indomitable spirit shines through, even in the worst of times.
I also enjoyed the more light-hearted moments in the book, especially Jack’s hair-raising accounts of driving, in an era when motorists weren’t even licensed, and cars lacked even the most basic of safety features.
I received a free copy of this book.
Highly recommended.
At 103, Jack Rogers dictated scenes of his life to a newspaper reporter and thus became the world’s oldest newspaper columnist. If that wasn’t remarkable enough, his daughter-in-law then diligently saved every single one of his columns. Clearing out her mother’s attic, author S. Bavey discovered this extraordinary family archive. I’m so glad she edited and published Jack’s story as a book as it is incredible social history. Written in Jack’s first-person voice, the book is laid out as scenes from a long but richly lived life.
If you were a young man from a modest background, born at the end of the nineteenth century in Britain, you were part of the unluckiest generation to have lived. But Lucky Jack somehow not only survived the horrors of the trenches in World War 1, but he also lives to tell a remarkable and gut-wrenching account of his time as a prisoner-of-war. Written without a shred of self-pity, what I admire most is the way Jack’s indomitable spirit shines through, even in the worst of times.
I also enjoyed the more light-hearted moments in the book, especially Jack’s hair-raising accounts of driving, in an era when motorists weren’t even licensed, and cars lacked even the most basic of safety features.
I received a free copy of this book.
Highly recommended.
July 18, 2022
The synopsis is what got me with this book, the older generation always have such beautiful, intriguing and interesting stories to tell, this is something I have learnt throughout my life so when I read that ‘Jack Rogers’ is the grandfather of the author I just had to jump on the tour!
The author makes it easy for the reader to see life through Jack's eyes, eyes that have seen more than most! We begin in London in the late Victorian era and progress from there. Jack’s experiences are charming and funny, I did laugh out loud a few times and I guarantee you will too!
It’s just fascinating to read the experiences of someone who has been fortunate enough to live through and in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries! Jack really was lucky! This is your opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a man who lived through two world wars, got a wave and a nod from queen Victoria and had a brush with local fame at a young age!
There is so much more to say about this book but I don’t want to spoil it! If you are into exciting life stories that are told in a very humble and positive way then this book is for you!
5 stars.
The author makes it easy for the reader to see life through Jack's eyes, eyes that have seen more than most! We begin in London in the late Victorian era and progress from there. Jack’s experiences are charming and funny, I did laugh out loud a few times and I guarantee you will too!
It’s just fascinating to read the experiences of someone who has been fortunate enough to live through and in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries! Jack really was lucky! This is your opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a man who lived through two world wars, got a wave and a nod from queen Victoria and had a brush with local fame at a young age!
There is so much more to say about this book but I don’t want to spoil it! If you are into exciting life stories that are told in a very humble and positive way then this book is for you!
5 stars.
November 21, 2021
Jack was born in the late 1800 and lived into 2000–how amazing is that. The second oldest of 10 children. I loved this book going thru his life in London and everything he got up to. Then of course came WW1 and he rushed to enlist and became a sniper. Jack joined with two other friends who didn’t return home but as his name implies—Lucky Jack. Life goes on-marriage, a child, work and then WW2 which luckily he was to old but had a 19 yr old son who spent his time in Africa but also made it home. For those that weren’t lucky enough to watch Dad’s Army or have older friends in England I feel sorry for you—I have a friend that was a child living in London during WW2 and by the time I decided to get a tape recorder and tape his stories I became ill and don’t think I will make it back but I have a lot of memories of his stories so this book was wonderful and not full of blood and gore but fun times mostly. I highly recommend this book.
November 21, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story of a centenarian's incredibly long and varied life. I particularly enjoyed the little historical tidbits that the author throws in - like explaining how the money was broken down into shillings and farthings, and how there was no sound in the movies but a pianist would play alongside, and telling us about the first journeys on the Tube - really fascinating to hear about these differences from a "first-hand" account. (Not really first-hand as it's Jack's grand-daughter writing, but she does a marvelous job of making it feel like you are really reading Jack's words.) There are so many memoirs out there of people in our modern era, but very few of someone who's lived as long as he had, which makes this memoir really special and interesting to us modern-day folks. After reading this book, you will feel like you personally knew and loved lucky Jack!
November 21, 2021
I was a fortunate beta reader for this memoir.
Jack, among other things, is an entertainer, with such skills that enabled him to get through some difficult times! - especially during his time in a prison camp during the First World War and, at the incredible age of 103, winning an award - ‘The World’s Oldest Columnist’
An interesting and touching look back at Jack's life in and around London.
Written with a personal touch - quite moving in places.
July 10, 2025
OUTSTANDING Memoir!
Lucky Jack by S. Bavey is an outstanding memoir. The life story of Henry John “Lucky Jack” Rogers is filled with humor. It is often laugh-out-loud funny with heart. Moreover, you will appreciate its emotional content - it's sad at times, but full of wisdom, and moral lessons.
The highlight of the book has to be the author’s first-hand account of trench warfare in World War I. This is not a gung-ho story. Instead, Jack just tells it like it was without sparing the cruelty and horror of war. He often gives vivid descriptions of life on the front without losing his optimism and infectious positivity.
The book is well-written and easy to read. It is a marvelous history guide and good reference work for the period. You will find it to be an incredible collection of stories about a well-lived life.
Overall, this book is inspiring. I strongly recommend. You will be blessed reading about the life and adventures of Lucky Jack.
Lucky Jack by S. Bavey is an outstanding memoir. The life story of Henry John “Lucky Jack” Rogers is filled with humor. It is often laugh-out-loud funny with heart. Moreover, you will appreciate its emotional content - it's sad at times, but full of wisdom, and moral lessons.
The highlight of the book has to be the author’s first-hand account of trench warfare in World War I. This is not a gung-ho story. Instead, Jack just tells it like it was without sparing the cruelty and horror of war. He often gives vivid descriptions of life on the front without losing his optimism and infectious positivity.
The book is well-written and easy to read. It is a marvelous history guide and good reference work for the period. You will find it to be an incredible collection of stories about a well-lived life.
Overall, this book is inspiring. I strongly recommend. You will be blessed reading about the life and adventures of Lucky Jack.
December 13, 2023
A heartwarming biography - I very much enjoyed reading this biography which the author wrote about her grandfather. Jack certainly as lucky - if he'd fallen in mud he'd have come up smelling like roses as they used to say. I warmed to Jack fro the very first chapter and his character and positive outlook on life is a joy. Despite being lucky however this did not shield him from some of life's woes and sadnesses and he had his fair share of these. I was fascinated to read about his experience of WW1 and shocked to read he found being posted to Dublin during the uprising even more challenging. That's something that's rarely recorded surely? I loved how this was written with Jack as the 1st person, it felt like we were having a pint together and he was relating his whole life's story. What a tremendous tribute to her grandfather, this book is.
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