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Rabbit Stew and a Penny or Two: A Gypsy Family's Hard Times and Happy Times on the Road in the 1950s
Born on a Somerset pea-field in 1941, the second of eight children in a Romani family, Maggie Smith-Bendell has lived through the years of greatest change in the travelling community's long history. As a child, Maggie rode and slept in a horse-drawn wagon, picked hops and flowers, and sat beside her father's campfire on ancient verges, poor but free to roam. As the twentieth century progressed, common land was fenced off and the traditional Gypsy ways disappeared. Eventually Maggie married a house-dweller and tried to settle for bricks and mortar, but she never lost the restless spirit, the deep love of the land and the gift for storytelling that were her Romani inheritance.
Maggie's story is one of hardship and prejudice, but also, unforgettably, it recalls the glories of the travelling life in the absolute safety of a loyal and loving family.
Maggie's story is one of hardship and prejudice, but also, unforgettably, it recalls the glories of the travelling life in the absolute safety of a loyal and loving family.
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 20, 2022
Many of us were born out on the pea fields. I was born on the pea field at Thurloxton, just up the road towards Bridgwater, so I felt right at home in the peas. Me dad always said that the best pickers were born in the fields, but I knew that was a load of bull to get me to pick faster. He must have thought me daft.
Born the second of eight children, Maggie was a Traveller—where working was a mainstay, where horses were treated better than family, and the seasons determined where you parked your wagon and for how long. It was a life of traditions, culture, and family, but being Romani also meant a way of life met with resistance, discrimination, and abuse. As a child, Maggie flourished in her surroundings. As an adult, she would spend every waking hour fighting to protect and maintain a culture and a people that were under never-ending assault.
Maggie Smith-Bendell’s biography is a fascinating and rare look into the lives of the Romani Gypsy. Maggie lived within an incredibly tightknit community that valued tradition and thrived on the open road. Their nomadic lifestyle brought plenty of adventure, danger, uncertainty, and joy, but also its share of mistrust and mistreatment from the gorgies (non-Romani people) living in the towns where the Romani came to trade, shop, and sell their goods. Maggie’s words are so mesmerizing and poignant, that we somehow become immersed in her wonderful Gypsy world: smelling the smoke from the family’s campfire; feeling the blackberry brambles tear at our flesh; and weeping as we follow a casket moving slowly to its final resting place. It’s quite an accomplishment given what little formal education she received.
Perhaps the most inspirational part of Maggie’s story was her tireless advocacy work on behalf of the Romani people and her commitment to preserving their culture. Although she could have settled for a quiet, married life raising her children, she chose to dedicate her adult life to fighting for the Romani’s right to own and live upon their own land and to help them acquire homes, an education for their children, and healthcare. Maggie mentions the obstacles, defeats, and setbacks in her work, but she knows that it’s the victories that matter. The chance for another Romani to be able to claim a little piece of this planet as their own. As Maggie put it, “There is no feeling like the peace that comes with having a base to live from, to have a gate of your own to shut at night. The settled community take this security for granted, having known no other way of living. This is right and proper, but for us to share that security is really something else. It’s like catching up with the rest of the world.”
At eighty years of age, Maggie continues to fight for the rights of Gypsies and their way of life. Some have branded her a “land grabber” while she—on her Linkedin page—refers to herself as a “trouble maker”. Regardless of titles, she seems to take it in stride. After all, she knew from quite early on that the world was made up of different kinds of people—those who would accept her people and those who would curse their very existence. Maggie describes an encounter her father had with a police officer and wrote, “Some people did stop to have a word with us, and we enjoyed it when they took the time to speak. Others would pass us by, keeping their eyes on the road or in the hedge, not even glancing at the side of the road where we were stopped. Me dad always said that it took all sorts to make the world. It wouldn’t do for us all to be the same, would it?” Perhaps not all the same, Maggie, but a few more Gypsies might not be so bad.
Born the second of eight children, Maggie was a Traveller—where working was a mainstay, where horses were treated better than family, and the seasons determined where you parked your wagon and for how long. It was a life of traditions, culture, and family, but being Romani also meant a way of life met with resistance, discrimination, and abuse. As a child, Maggie flourished in her surroundings. As an adult, she would spend every waking hour fighting to protect and maintain a culture and a people that were under never-ending assault.
Maggie Smith-Bendell’s biography is a fascinating and rare look into the lives of the Romani Gypsy. Maggie lived within an incredibly tightknit community that valued tradition and thrived on the open road. Their nomadic lifestyle brought plenty of adventure, danger, uncertainty, and joy, but also its share of mistrust and mistreatment from the gorgies (non-Romani people) living in the towns where the Romani came to trade, shop, and sell their goods. Maggie’s words are so mesmerizing and poignant, that we somehow become immersed in her wonderful Gypsy world: smelling the smoke from the family’s campfire; feeling the blackberry brambles tear at our flesh; and weeping as we follow a casket moving slowly to its final resting place. It’s quite an accomplishment given what little formal education she received.
Perhaps the most inspirational part of Maggie’s story was her tireless advocacy work on behalf of the Romani people and her commitment to preserving their culture. Although she could have settled for a quiet, married life raising her children, she chose to dedicate her adult life to fighting for the Romani’s right to own and live upon their own land and to help them acquire homes, an education for their children, and healthcare. Maggie mentions the obstacles, defeats, and setbacks in her work, but she knows that it’s the victories that matter. The chance for another Romani to be able to claim a little piece of this planet as their own. As Maggie put it, “There is no feeling like the peace that comes with having a base to live from, to have a gate of your own to shut at night. The settled community take this security for granted, having known no other way of living. This is right and proper, but for us to share that security is really something else. It’s like catching up with the rest of the world.”
At eighty years of age, Maggie continues to fight for the rights of Gypsies and their way of life. Some have branded her a “land grabber” while she—on her Linkedin page—refers to herself as a “trouble maker”. Regardless of titles, she seems to take it in stride. After all, she knew from quite early on that the world was made up of different kinds of people—those who would accept her people and those who would curse their very existence. Maggie describes an encounter her father had with a police officer and wrote, “Some people did stop to have a word with us, and we enjoyed it when they took the time to speak. Others would pass us by, keeping their eyes on the road or in the hedge, not even glancing at the side of the road where we were stopped. Me dad always said that it took all sorts to make the world. It wouldn’t do for us all to be the same, would it?” Perhaps not all the same, Maggie, but a few more Gypsies might not be so bad.
July 7, 2011
This wasn't a book that gripped me, hence it took me ages to read (with umpteen other books read in between). The reminiscences of a gypsy childhood were very well depicted & interesting to read, & the matter-of-fact way in which the author described some of the tragedies which befell her family only made them more tragic; since the book was a memoir of the author's life, it naturally chronicled the changes to the gypsy peoples' freedom wrought by legislation & police pressure, but the final few chapters I felt fizzled out into barely more than a list of organisations & attendances at committee meetings.
I hope I haven't slated this book too much, as I'm definitely glad that I read it
I hope I haven't slated this book too much, as I'm definitely glad that I read it
October 15, 2016
I have never read such an honest and open account of a Romany family! It was fascinating reading and told from the author's pov as a young girl with all her memories growing up in the life. She tells it with their expressions and lovely brogue-ish way (they are not Irish) that is quite endearing. It dispels myths that all Romany's were fortune tellers or robbers. So many were hardworking families and led honest and entrepreneurial livings. A lovely read!
February 2, 2017
This book was OK, which is really the only thing I can say about it. After reading the Little House books, I was hoping for the same day to day depth from this book, but there wasn't really a lot to it.
It was one of those autobiographical stories that flit from subject to subject, but never delve very deep. Family life, history, death, birth, marriage and day to day life are presented in the slimmest of detail, and I got all the different 'characters' mixed up because they weren't described much, just introduced and then left to one side. The last section was very different to the rest of the book, as it was all about the authors efforts to allow Gypsys to live on their own land - which wasn't what I thought the book would be about from the title. In fact, it wasn't really about the fifties at all.
I would have read a book three times this length if there had been the right level of detail and insight, but this was a pretty basic book that didn't really add to my understanding of Gypsy life, which is not great.
One interesting aspect the book touched on all too breifly was that Gypsy men served in both world wars, and were conscripted, their horses taken into service, and their waggons left stranded, their women and children left to fend for themselves. That would had made an interesting book all its own, and it was a shame that after three pages the topic was abandoned.
The book yo-yos all over the country, seasons pass within sentances, and overall it felt rushed.
Still, it was good enough for me to finish, and informative for a totally clueless person like me.
It was one of those autobiographical stories that flit from subject to subject, but never delve very deep. Family life, history, death, birth, marriage and day to day life are presented in the slimmest of detail, and I got all the different 'characters' mixed up because they weren't described much, just introduced and then left to one side. The last section was very different to the rest of the book, as it was all about the authors efforts to allow Gypsys to live on their own land - which wasn't what I thought the book would be about from the title. In fact, it wasn't really about the fifties at all.
I would have read a book three times this length if there had been the right level of detail and insight, but this was a pretty basic book that didn't really add to my understanding of Gypsy life, which is not great.
One interesting aspect the book touched on all too breifly was that Gypsy men served in both world wars, and were conscripted, their horses taken into service, and their waggons left stranded, their women and children left to fend for themselves. That would had made an interesting book all its own, and it was a shame that after three pages the topic was abandoned.
The book yo-yos all over the country, seasons pass within sentances, and overall it felt rushed.
Still, it was good enough for me to finish, and informative for a totally clueless person like me.
January 26, 2021
This was a fascinating read about Romani ways of life in past decades and nowadays. It was a shame the section on her adult life was so rushed and felt disjointed with a lot of plot gaps e.g. how did Terry learn Romani chib? and did her children learn any Romani traditions?
May 16, 2018
pleasantly surprised at this book, good account of a girls life as a traveller in the fifties. She brings to life the sounds smells and wildlife of the outdoors like no other. You feel the pain of every insult , hit and humiliation that they endured just for being different, and can clearly see the other side of the story of the predjudice that they face from other residents at each village or town that they pass through. Even after all this you see maggies great inner strength as she grows up to then be a great support to her ppl by taking on legal challenges to enable them to live among homeowners.
February 1, 2011
An incredible read. A fascinating insight into the Romani culture of the 50s. Very upsetting towards the end reading about the continuing hardships experienced by Romani Gypsies as they struggle to find land, acceptance and dignity.
I get so angry when I read or hear ignorant people discriminating against Gypsies. It seems to be a socially acceptable form of racism, which is just wrong. I wish everyone could read this book, but they won't. Glad I did though.
I get so angry when I read or hear ignorant people discriminating against Gypsies. It seems to be a socially acceptable form of racism, which is just wrong. I wish everyone could read this book, but they won't. Glad I did though.
October 30, 2020
Not what I would normally choose to read but I really enjoyed this book. What an amazing insight into the Romani life back in the 1950's, and the fight that still goes on today. Read in a day.
January 21, 2022
oh my goodness i had no idea about any of this stuff and such an excellent recount of their life she is possibly one of the original girl bosses. pls read, i cried and finished in 2 days
October 12, 2022
Delightful! I do not know much about traveler culture but this account seems to me to provide an accurate/no-nonsense snapshot into their ways. Maggie tells it how it is in a humorous and kind voice. Very enjoyable and informative
March 14, 2019
I had a hard time getting interested in the book in the beginning, but by the end, I was really inspired and really loved the simple but very emotional writing. Plus, the pictures were very beautiful too. This book managed to initiate an interest in Romani gypsies for me, and I think opened up a new genre for me: autobiographies!
December 7, 2021
It's hard to find the happy times in this very interesting of Traveller (Gypsy) life in the 1950's. It is comparable to Grapes of Wrath only in the UK and during the 50's. The Travellers are migrant workers, but they have plenty to eat and get paid enough to exist on. But they are continually harassed by police, being told to move on. The children try to go to school, but that doesn't go well and there is harassment of the children by the students and the teachers. They purchased land so that they could live as they wished, but they find that they were told they had to build permanent structures, not just camp in their wagons. Many places had rules that would prevent the Travellers from buying land. Part of the problem was that the Travellers had no birth certificates and most never attended any kind of schooling. The last chapters cover the fight to get their rights to own land and do what they want on that land.
September 9, 2022
Before reading this book, I never knew there was such a flourishing and accountable life of Romani gypsies in the UK. The story of Travellers and the beauty of their free and close to nature living is astonishing and it is so heartwarming to read about how the different groups of Travellers helped each other at times, and how close they were keeping their traditions, regardless of how they were seen by the majority. The book also gives a sense of nostalgia, as it is impossible not to feel sorry for the loss of freedom in the modern world, for the impossibility of continuing with the old way of living on the road and craft-making for a living.
June 28, 2018
[Audiobook version]
This skims the surface of what it was like to be a Romany Traveller in the 1950s -- not especially deep or detailed, but scattered with little nuggets of information. The book abruptly switches track in the last quarter, going from childhood memoir to the author's more recent activities: she's the chair of the UK Association of Gypsy Women, and campaigns for Gypsy rights, helping to preserve their culture and traditions.
This skims the surface of what it was like to be a Romany Traveller in the 1950s -- not especially deep or detailed, but scattered with little nuggets of information. The book abruptly switches track in the last quarter, going from childhood memoir to the author's more recent activities: she's the chair of the UK Association of Gypsy Women, and campaigns for Gypsy rights, helping to preserve their culture and traditions.
November 9, 2017
A rather sweet albeit moving at times, tale of life from the perspective of the traveller people, terribly moving at times but also parts that make you smile too.
Loved the insight and determination to hold on to traditions and cultural beliefs. So pleased I have read this and would certainly recommend.
Loved the insight and determination to hold on to traditions and cultural beliefs. So pleased I have read this and would certainly recommend.
September 4, 2019
An interesting account of a way of life that seems like another era, even though it's still within living memory. Well written and describes the hardships of life as a travelling gypsy as well as the joys.
October 31, 2019
I didn't realize Romani families lived in England until recently so I was fascinated to learn more about them in the book. I thought the tone was full of unexamined nostalgia and I didn't enjoy how quick everyone was to fight, but I appreciate that the author shared her story.
May 9, 2022
A really beautiful story of Romani gypsy life through the eyes of a child. Leading well into the later life of the author who became a supporter of the settling rights of her community. An enticing read that is hard to put down.
September 6, 2022
Interesting tales about the Traveller life. I learned a piece of history previously unknown to me, and enjoyed the author’s style of writing. An added plus was that the book is spotted with old photographs of her family and the places she describes in the story.
December 21, 2023
An enjoyable book about a Traveller family. Maggie tells the story of life on road, pea picking and singing by the fire. Good and bad times are remembered and also how the community were treated by outsiders. Later in life Maggie becomes an advocate for Travellers rights.
May 19, 2025
An easy read about a traditional gypsy life in the 1950s. Maggie lived in a horse drawn caravan, travelling with her family for rural work such a hop picking or pea picking. In later life she became an advocate for travellers' rights.
June 23, 2025
Really enjoyed reading, I loved the childhood memories the best. It made me look up the author and want to discover more. Gypsies were part of my childhood. My grandmother and her mother always used to buy goods from the women coming door to door.
January 4, 2018
I love this book - informative, fun yet incredibly moving. A magical glimpse into life on the road.
November 30, 2017
This is a candid and entertaining account of one woman's life growing up in a gypsy family. It isn't particularly well written, but it is an easy and enjoyable read.
January 23, 2018
Rabbit stew and a penny or two
Absolutely brilliant read around every page was great can not wait to read more absolutely brilliant well recommended very interesting read
Absolutely brilliant read around every page was great can not wait to read more absolutely brilliant well recommended very interesting read
October 26, 2019
A very interesting and enjoyable account of life on the road in the fifties. Loved this book.
April 5, 2020
Intresting look at the lifes of Roma travellers and their traditions
August 13, 2020
Really enjoyed the book
A great insight into the world of romany gypsies and their way of life and traditions really interesting read , really enjoyed
A great insight into the world of romany gypsies and their way of life and traditions really interesting read , really enjoyed
October 13, 2020
loved reading this book
July 18, 2021
Very entertaining & interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews