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Old Fools
One Young Fool in South Africa
Who is Joe Twead? Where did he come from? What happened before Joe met Victoria and they moved to a crazy Spanish mountain village?
Joe Twead’s early life in South Africa was very different to Victoria’s in leafy Dorset. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and often magical, his childhood memories are vividly portrayed and give the reader a snapshot of a time and lifestyle that has all but disappeared.
Joe Twead’s early life in South Africa was very different to Victoria’s in leafy Dorset. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and often magical, his childhood memories are vividly portrayed and give the reader a snapshot of a time and lifestyle that has all but disappeared.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 3, 2020
Honest, moving and deeply sincere
Joe Twead grew up in care in Johannesburg; however, he was not an orphan. Sadly, he and his baby sister were the victims of a marriage breakup and subsequent neglect. From a tragically early age, they were placed in institutional care, a situation that was to remain Joe’s until he left school.
Although this memoir is set in South Africa, it’s not about South Africa. It’s about young Joe’s life in the institutions that were all he knew until he was a teenager. However, I still managed to have a great sense of place and I could almost see Jo’burg and its suburbs and especially the south coast of Natal where the Home boys went to Camp every year.
There is also little about apartheid even though the book is set in the apartheid years. But the searing honesty with which the author writes shows that he knew and was keenly aware of how fortunate he was compared to black children in his situation.
The story, though, is his, told from the perspective of his younger self and it’s unlikely that a young boy would have given all too much thought to the plight of others when he was dealing with so many challenges himself.
I found it a profoundly moving and poignant book, and I was incredibly impressed by its candour and sincerity. Joe Twead never tries to excuse his own behaviour, some of which made me wince, but he also bears no grudges or bitterness for his situation, and his powers of forgiveness are truly remarkable. His was not an easy childhood; it was one of survival in an institution based on tough boys’ school rules and pecking orders.
I loved the inserts written by his wife and muse, Victoria. In these, we find Joe Twead’s heartache for his past transgressions in the dialogue between them. They provided a kind, gentle balance to the sometimes harsh scenes he describes.
This is a beautifully expressed, sincere memoir of the author’s childhood and I loved it. Well worth reading and highly recommended.
Joe Twead grew up in care in Johannesburg; however, he was not an orphan. Sadly, he and his baby sister were the victims of a marriage breakup and subsequent neglect. From a tragically early age, they were placed in institutional care, a situation that was to remain Joe’s until he left school.
Although this memoir is set in South Africa, it’s not about South Africa. It’s about young Joe’s life in the institutions that were all he knew until he was a teenager. However, I still managed to have a great sense of place and I could almost see Jo’burg and its suburbs and especially the south coast of Natal where the Home boys went to Camp every year.
There is also little about apartheid even though the book is set in the apartheid years. But the searing honesty with which the author writes shows that he knew and was keenly aware of how fortunate he was compared to black children in his situation.
The story, though, is his, told from the perspective of his younger self and it’s unlikely that a young boy would have given all too much thought to the plight of others when he was dealing with so many challenges himself.
I found it a profoundly moving and poignant book, and I was incredibly impressed by its candour and sincerity. Joe Twead never tries to excuse his own behaviour, some of which made me wince, but he also bears no grudges or bitterness for his situation, and his powers of forgiveness are truly remarkable. His was not an easy childhood; it was one of survival in an institution based on tough boys’ school rules and pecking orders.
I loved the inserts written by his wife and muse, Victoria. In these, we find Joe Twead’s heartache for his past transgressions in the dialogue between them. They provided a kind, gentle balance to the sometimes harsh scenes he describes.
This is a beautifully expressed, sincere memoir of the author’s childhood and I loved it. Well worth reading and highly recommended.
March 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book but it’s not in the same league as the other Victoria Twead ‘Old Fools’ books. As a South African I’m familiar with the landscape but was moved by the harshness of Joe’s upbringing: his neglectful Mother and absconded Father led to him and his sister being sent to a tough children’s home. In all he lived in three and survived harsh discipline, and corporal punishment and rough tough boys. He did get a good education and and in spite of it all became a fine upstanding young man.
September 17, 2016
Loving the 'Two Old Fools' series as many folks do - this book was a must for me. I felt immediately hooked into this Memoir by Joe Twead - yep - right from the off-set. It was, (speaking as a mum), a difficult read at times - BUT I LOVED it - absolutely loved it. (admittedly I wanted to pick the 'young' Joe up and smother him with cuddles, love etc) - although - through what were pretty harsh difficulties - he survived - learned lots of lessons - often the hard-way!! He really did have a hell of a time of it though from very young. It's written very well in my humble opinion and takes you right there to South Africa in the 60's - the Home - it's surroundings, the teacher masters and other members of the staff... I won't give too much away about the main details. It made me chuckle that Victoria Twead (Joe's wife) was never far away from him whilst he was working on this Memoir - they do make you laugh the pair of them. I sincerely hope there will be a sequel to this Memoir Mr Twead!!
August 7, 2017
Readable but Boring!
Having enjoyed all of Vicki Tweed's books in the past I really looked forward to reading Joe's book, but found the chronology confused. The narrative I found boring, and really rushed thru it because I could not wait for the torture to end. Please Vicki write another book.
Having enjoyed all of Vicki Tweed's books in the past I really looked forward to reading Joe's book, but found the chronology confused. The narrative I found boring, and really rushed thru it because I could not wait for the torture to end. Please Vicki write another book.
September 21, 2016
Great story by a man who overcame his not so great child hood
Joe Twead tells his story of growing up in a boys home in South Africa with bad times as well as some truly amazing experiences. He tells his story with honesty even when it isn't flattering for him. Those of us who have read Chickens Mules and Two Old Fools know that he managed to go on and live a very nice life.
Joe Twead tells his story of growing up in a boys home in South Africa with bad times as well as some truly amazing experiences. He tells his story with honesty even when it isn't flattering for him. Those of us who have read Chickens Mules and Two Old Fools know that he managed to go on and live a very nice life.
September 10, 2016
From the dedication through the epilogue
This book captures your heart and soul. The author has climbed from relative obscurity as the beloved husband in the mule series to a full blown author in his own right with the same astounding sense of humour as his wife. I fully expect this book to join those of Victoria Tweed on the New York Times best seller list. He took me back to my own boarding school days in 50s and 60s England and elicited both laughs and tears. I hope Joe will share with his readers his thoughts and feelings about his time in Spain. Being someone who constantly has to struggle with word counts (why not use 100 even if one or two would do) I did enjoy the descriptions of architectural details of the home. Lastly the interplay between two fabulous people who I have come to love and respect ties together so well the chicken series to date. As always I eagerly await the next installments of their life story. Well done Joe......no longer one author living under your roof
This book captures your heart and soul. The author has climbed from relative obscurity as the beloved husband in the mule series to a full blown author in his own right with the same astounding sense of humour as his wife. I fully expect this book to join those of Victoria Tweed on the New York Times best seller list. He took me back to my own boarding school days in 50s and 60s England and elicited both laughs and tears. I hope Joe will share with his readers his thoughts and feelings about his time in Spain. Being someone who constantly has to struggle with word counts (why not use 100 even if one or two would do) I did enjoy the descriptions of architectural details of the home. Lastly the interplay between two fabulous people who I have come to love and respect ties together so well the chicken series to date. As always I eagerly await the next installments of their life story. Well done Joe......no longer one author living under your roof
October 18, 2016
Coming in as the sixth book in the "Old Fools..." series, Victoria is joined by her husband Joe in writing of life before they met and became foolish together. I found this book quite challenging as Joe recalls his early life as one of abandonment and growing up in boys' homes in Johannesburg. The brutality of institutionalisation dealt by both staff and other students is carefully balanced with some wonderful African adventures, camping, hiking and coming face to face with the wildlife. While some of Joe's recollections are confronting, I never got the feeling that he ever intended to allow the system to win as he grew and emerged into adulthood.
I particularly enjoyed wife Victoria's mentoring attempts when she peered over his shoulder as he typed; I also respected the fact that there were times when he simply ignored her advice and wrote it his way. If you have enjoyed the other books in this series, this is a must read.
I particularly enjoyed wife Victoria's mentoring attempts when she peered over his shoulder as he typed; I also respected the fact that there were times when he simply ignored her advice and wrote it his way. If you have enjoyed the other books in this series, this is a must read.
February 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The story details the life of a young boy abandoned by his mother and institutionalised for all his school age years. Based in South Africa he endured brutal bullying regimes for most of his childhood. Joe describes his adventures, the people he forged friendships with and ultimately where he is now. A great book to recommend, written with the help of his wife interjecting throughout the book. An original concept.
November 22, 2016
Difficult read
I love Joe and Victoria's adventures but Joe's story was almost more than I could handle. What a hard youth he had although he came out on a positive side. I could only read small bits at a time because I got so caught up in it. I can't imagine what he went through although he said it was what is was. So happy he and Victoria have a good life.
I love Joe and Victoria's adventures but Joe's story was almost more than I could handle. What a hard youth he had although he came out on a positive side. I could only read small bits at a time because I got so caught up in it. I can't imagine what he went through although he said it was what is was. So happy he and Victoria have a good life.
September 12, 2016
Such a good read
I was surprised how moving this was what a childhood. .Joe writes with compassion, regret, joy, bitterness, hope...so many emotions. I want more! About after, the UK, Vicky. Reminded me of Time of the Hero by Vargas Llosa.
I was surprised how moving this was what a childhood. .Joe writes with compassion, regret, joy, bitterness, hope...so many emotions. I want more! About after, the UK, Vicky. Reminded me of Time of the Hero by Vargas Llosa.
September 21, 2016
Better and Better
Having read several of VTwead's books, hearing Joe's voice along with her's is an utter delight. I am now more than a huge fan.
Having read several of VTwead's books, hearing Joe's voice along with her's is an utter delight. I am now more than a huge fan.
September 30, 2016
Boys will be boys
Joe's telling of his journey from childhood to young adult is heartfelt. It gave me an insight to the life I have never imagined.
Joe's telling of his journey from childhood to young adult is heartfelt. It gave me an insight to the life I have never imagined.
July 6, 2024
A poignant memoir and historical account.
Having read Victoria Twead's prequel and her memoir about moving to Spain with Joe, I was intrigued to read her husband's prequel also. It is a raw and honest account of his years spent in a home for children and later for boys from the age of 9-18 years in 1960s Johannesburg.
Although it is very sad in parts, it is written objectively which carries the reader through the distressing parts, and it is beautifully crafted with pertinent and interesting dialogue between Victoria and Joe as he types up his memoir - this gives a more lighthearted feel to it, plus some interesting factual background information (such as life in an expensive English boarding school would have been just as harsh, if not harsher maybe, as life in a home for disadvantaged children in South Africa).
Joe bares all. It is as if writing this and exploring his memory of every detail is cathartic, and his disclosures at times are shocking. Peppered throughout the sadness however are highlights of love, hope and heartwarming incidents that build Joe's self-esteem. These, along with his resilience, shines through, and urges him on to pursue his dream to become a pilot.
I love how he writes what he wants to write despite Vicky's advice not to include too many details - I totally concur with Joe that readers can skip any bits they might wish - it’s his book and he can write what he wants to! Memoirs are personal accounts and not all details will appeal to every reader, but others might want to know everything.
It's now left me wanting a sequel to Joe's - and Victoria's - prequels: as Victoria said at the end of her prequel "One Young Fool in Dorset" - can there be a sequel to a prequel? ....I DO hope so, as I'd love to now know how one young fool from South Africa came to meet and fall in love with one young fool from Dorset.
Having read Victoria Twead's prequel and her memoir about moving to Spain with Joe, I was intrigued to read her husband's prequel also. It is a raw and honest account of his years spent in a home for children and later for boys from the age of 9-18 years in 1960s Johannesburg.
Although it is very sad in parts, it is written objectively which carries the reader through the distressing parts, and it is beautifully crafted with pertinent and interesting dialogue between Victoria and Joe as he types up his memoir - this gives a more lighthearted feel to it, plus some interesting factual background information (such as life in an expensive English boarding school would have been just as harsh, if not harsher maybe, as life in a home for disadvantaged children in South Africa).
Joe bares all. It is as if writing this and exploring his memory of every detail is cathartic, and his disclosures at times are shocking. Peppered throughout the sadness however are highlights of love, hope and heartwarming incidents that build Joe's self-esteem. These, along with his resilience, shines through, and urges him on to pursue his dream to become a pilot.
I love how he writes what he wants to write despite Vicky's advice not to include too many details - I totally concur with Joe that readers can skip any bits they might wish - it’s his book and he can write what he wants to! Memoirs are personal accounts and not all details will appeal to every reader, but others might want to know everything.
It's now left me wanting a sequel to Joe's - and Victoria's - prequels: as Victoria said at the end of her prequel "One Young Fool in Dorset" - can there be a sequel to a prequel? ....I DO hope so, as I'd love to now know how one young fool from South Africa came to meet and fall in love with one young fool from Dorset.
May 10, 2020
Moving and emotional
Joe´s memoir from the very beginning describes a very different and harsh childhood upbringing in South Africa to the one Victoria describes in One Young Fool in Dorset. This was a fascinating and very moving read.
Joe and his sister Lizzie are taken away from their neglectful Ma and are placed into care. In the early days of being in the home he has interaction with his sister which stops once she has been adopted into a family.
Joe describes how life his life was institutionalised in a children home followed by boarding school. Some of the horrors of bullying and brutality had me cringing and feeling so deeply hurt on his behalf, all he wanted in life was to be wanted and loved. Despite all his setbacks Joe remains optimistic that life will work out in his favor.
Describing the beautiful South African countryside and environment bring calmer moments to this memoir. The sheer joy radiates out as he experiences life at Camp. From the onset of the train journey, reaching Camp and a new way of life for a few weeks and freedom that this brings him. The boys spend their time swimming, climbing, hitch hiking and just generally enjoying themselves. His happiness of being allowed a week long pass to go hitch hiking to Giant´s Castle.
Joe hinted a couple of occasions ´That is a story for another time´´ I do hope there will be more from Joe...maybe how he and Victoria met and started their life together. Well done Joe but I will say that I loved Victoria´s snippets and words of wisdom as she peered over his shoulder. they are a true team.
Joe´s memoir from the very beginning describes a very different and harsh childhood upbringing in South Africa to the one Victoria describes in One Young Fool in Dorset. This was a fascinating and very moving read.
Joe and his sister Lizzie are taken away from their neglectful Ma and are placed into care. In the early days of being in the home he has interaction with his sister which stops once she has been adopted into a family.
Joe describes how life his life was institutionalised in a children home followed by boarding school. Some of the horrors of bullying and brutality had me cringing and feeling so deeply hurt on his behalf, all he wanted in life was to be wanted and loved. Despite all his setbacks Joe remains optimistic that life will work out in his favor.
Describing the beautiful South African countryside and environment bring calmer moments to this memoir. The sheer joy radiates out as he experiences life at Camp. From the onset of the train journey, reaching Camp and a new way of life for a few weeks and freedom that this brings him. The boys spend their time swimming, climbing, hitch hiking and just generally enjoying themselves. His happiness of being allowed a week long pass to go hitch hiking to Giant´s Castle.
Joe hinted a couple of occasions ´That is a story for another time´´ I do hope there will be more from Joe...maybe how he and Victoria met and started their life together. Well done Joe but I will say that I loved Victoria´s snippets and words of wisdom as she peered over his shoulder. they are a true team.
April 5, 2022
A coming-of-age story about a young boy who spends his childhood years in boys' homes and is raised by those in authority, Twead's book is both poignant and enlightening. Acclimating to the institutional environment, despite its punitive and harsh nature, he learns the ropes and seems to accept his role in all of it. Even as he turns bully in a leader position when he is older, he realizes he is following the example set before him, and he does not know how to behave otherwise. His expressed regret for some actions is commendable.
Joe’s resilience is to be admired. From the beginning, your heart warms toward this tough little boy who accepts his fate in this institutionalized world and seems to make the best of it. He recognizes the positive influences, and he expresses gratitude for the staff who were kind and for the remarkable adventures he was able to experience. Fortunately, he has opportunities to be with and feel welcomed by other families in their homes and, hence, was able to witness traditional family life. It is heartening to know Joe is now a part of a loving family, which further illuminates the might of his spirit.
Joe’s resilience is to be admired. From the beginning, your heart warms toward this tough little boy who accepts his fate in this institutionalized world and seems to make the best of it. He recognizes the positive influences, and he expresses gratitude for the staff who were kind and for the remarkable adventures he was able to experience. Fortunately, he has opportunities to be with and feel welcomed by other families in their homes and, hence, was able to witness traditional family life. It is heartening to know Joe is now a part of a loving family, which further illuminates the might of his spirit.
January 8, 2023
One Young Fool in South Africa by Joe Twead gives a detailed account of his life as an orphan in South Africa. His mother could no longer care for him and his younger sister, Lizzy so the courts put them in homes when he was about five. She was fortunate to be adopted when about three, but Joe endured the orphan's life up through high school.
There were canings and blood-drawing beatings but through his wife's care-filled encouragement, he wrote the memoir and ultimately saw how blessed he was in the long run. His mother nor father could have never given him the following: annual summer trips to Durban and later to Kruger National Park; studying along with the very wealthy (day-scholars); being hosted by loving families for long stays; playing soccer and hockey, being a drum major and a side-drummer; learning swimming, photography and immensely enjoying books. Each chapter ends with he and Author-Wife, Victoria Twead conversing to keep him moving forward with his writings. A very insightful read!
There were canings and blood-drawing beatings but through his wife's care-filled encouragement, he wrote the memoir and ultimately saw how blessed he was in the long run. His mother nor father could have never given him the following: annual summer trips to Durban and later to Kruger National Park; studying along with the very wealthy (day-scholars); being hosted by loving families for long stays; playing soccer and hockey, being a drum major and a side-drummer; learning swimming, photography and immensely enjoying books. Each chapter ends with he and Author-Wife, Victoria Twead conversing to keep him moving forward with his writings. A very insightful read!
June 19, 2023
I've been enjoying Victoria Twead's "Two Old Fools" series so when I saw that Joe had written about his youth growing up in South Africa, I was very interested as I also grew up in South Africa around the same time. Well I was not disappointed !!!! Yes, Joe can also write !! I love the little inserts in italics, where Victoria and Joe discuss things at the end of a chapter, most of which is "tongue in cheek" !!!! Joe's time spent at camp on the South Coast of Natal really brought back memories for me as I grew up in that same area and many an early morning was spent watching the sun rise over the ocean while my Dad was fishing. A very interesting read.
August 20, 2022
Having only the Joe Twead of “Two Old Fools” fame as a reference I found this memoir painful to read. The brightness of his dialogue with Vicky interspersed throughout saved me. Hearing Joe’s now voice reflecting on his memories as he wrote lessened that pain through his generous humanity. Having never experienced anything close to his upbringing in state institutions bereft of love and care it broke my heart what he endured. I’m so thankful for his relationship with his sister, much interrupted but crucial to his survival. I’m glad for him that the prophesy of the psychic came to fruition.
August 2, 2025
I loved this memoir by Joe and also how he and Victoria chatted back in forth sometimes about what he wrote. What an interesting childhood he had and I am so glad he told it. Just like some travel memoirs who take me places I have never been and am not likely to go, Joe described a life growing up that I could not imagine. It was captivating, even his detailed accounts of some school buildings. The fact that these details stuck with him for decades is telling of how impressionable these things were for him as a child.
September 4, 2020
A genuinely honest memoir
I really enjoyed this memoir. Even thought Joe endured tremendous hardship at the hands of the staff of the institutions where he was placed into care, I felt he always had an inner strength of character to carry on no matter the hand he was dealt. He recalls some wonderful adventures along the way as well. Victoria Twead’s little asides bought some light relief and humour into Joe’s amazing story.
I really enjoyed this memoir. Even thought Joe endured tremendous hardship at the hands of the staff of the institutions where he was placed into care, I felt he always had an inner strength of character to carry on no matter the hand he was dealt. He recalls some wonderful adventures along the way as well. Victoria Twead’s little asides bought some light relief and humour into Joe’s amazing story.
January 25, 2018
Fabulous read
Having read all the Old Fools books I expected a similar tale. However this book is a brilliant account of Joe's turbulent childhood in the care system of South Africa. A real page turner that fully explains Joe's very resilient character and dark humour. Make sure you have ample time to read it as once started you are reluctant to put down.
Having read all the Old Fools books I expected a similar tale. However this book is a brilliant account of Joe's turbulent childhood in the care system of South Africa. A real page turner that fully explains Joe's very resilient character and dark humour. Make sure you have ample time to read it as once started you are reluctant to put down.
May 3, 2023
Down Memory Lane
To write about childhood years is to go back and remove scabs. I think Joe did remove some scabs that might have caused a lot of discomfort by writing this book. He shares highlights of his youth, Camping in the Kruger National Park, and the heartache of a mom and a sister who did not share his life. It is a story that is heartbreaking aswell as an inspiration.
To write about childhood years is to go back and remove scabs. I think Joe did remove some scabs that might have caused a lot of discomfort by writing this book. He shares highlights of his youth, Camping in the Kruger National Park, and the heartache of a mom and a sister who did not share his life. It is a story that is heartbreaking aswell as an inspiration.
February 21, 2025
Wow, Joe had one nasty childhood! An altogether unpleasant example of adults, both personal and institutional, totally failing in their responsibility to a child. I thought the US social welfare system was bad, evidently the UK's is brutal!
I really would have like to know more about his young adulthood and how he met Vicky
I really would have like to know more about his young adulthood and how he met Vicky
May 22, 2018
Joe, you are a funny guy!
I have appreciation for inappropriate humor. I found Joe's life in the "home" dark on one hand and hilarious on the other! I raised boys......keep up the good work..
Pop goes the weasel! Can't wait to use that one!!
I have appreciation for inappropriate humor. I found Joe's life in the "home" dark on one hand and hilarious on the other! I raised boys......keep up the good work..
Pop goes the weasel! Can't wait to use that one!!
June 22, 2018
This is a great book. I enjoyed his attention to detail. It gives the reader a real sense of the time, place and cultural atmosphere.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story told with honesty and a good sense of humor!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story told with honesty and a good sense of humor!
February 25, 2019
Twead writes about his difficult childhood with candor and humor. The fact that he was born three days before me made the differences between our childhoods on opposite sides of the world even more interesting. Well written.
September 9, 2018
A memoir about growing up in a children's home in South Africa - brought back many memories.
December 30, 2018
Joe's childhood story growing up in Sough Africa in the 1950-60s. A great tale with lots of hardship, but fascinating picture of the,life,and times.
February 24, 2023
Written by Joe, the other half of "Two Old Fools." Not as much my cup of tea as the others, mostly because poor Joe had kind of a rough youth.
April 11, 2025
Well that was one eventful read and opened my eyes to
The cruelty of growing up under those circumstances
Really enjoyed Vicky’s interjections even if Joe did not!
The cruelty of growing up under those circumstances
Really enjoyed Vicky’s interjections even if Joe did not!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews