Gypsy Boy: The bestselling memoir of a Romany childhood - Softcover

'Mikey Walsh provides an unsentimental and compelling look at the louche and brutal culture of Romany Gypsies in the U.K. ... Walsh analyzes the grotesqueries of Gypsy life in painful detail--garish trailers, stifling family ties, crime and crudeness, and the constricted options for women who are considered old maids at 21. Yet despite his gruesome experiences, he also praises the fierce loyalty and cultural continuity that have allowed Gypsies to maintain their dignity in the face of hatred for centuries.' * Publishers Weekly * 'Reading Gypsy Boy, I felt invited into a secret society. I've always found Gypsies mysterious and even slightly dangerous, and Mikey Walsh does an excellent job describing the cloistered lifestyle and fascinating traditions of the Romany people. Moreover, Mikey's personal story of being a misfit among misfits is both compelling and universal. I cheered for him every step of the way.' * Julia Scheeres, author of Jesus Land * A poignant memoir that bears comparison to the bestselling Running With Scissors--but better written and far darker. * Kirkus Reviews * This stunning childhood memoir takes readers into the insular culture of Romany Gypsies. ... It is astounding that Walsh survived such brutality, without emotional support or formal education, to pen this unflinching but oddly generous memoir, demonstrating a respectful attitude toward Romany culture and affection toward his family * Library Journal * 'An inside look at the Gypsy world through the eyes of a Gypsy.... Read this book, and you'll never look at, or think of, a Gypsy in the same way.' * The Washington Times * 'Harrowing ... exposes disturbing connections between culture and abuse.' * The Washington Post * 'Absolutely can't be missed. If you're up for a funny, brutal, sharp memoir, this is the book you want.' * The Washington Blade * Gypsy Boy tells the poignant story of a boy living in an unusual and secretive environment of shoplifting, boxing, and virtual illiteracy, a boy who desperately wants to please his abusive father but all the while grapples with his own clandestine issues. This extraordinary memoir about resilience and the human spirit is a rare glimpse into a world few of us can imagine * The Advocate * Mikey Walsh's memoirs were an unexpected smash hit last year and the audiobook version is every bit as enjoyable. * HEAT * He's an irresistible guide through this secret world, and the tour is strongly recommended. * The New York Times Book Review * Explosive, sparkling and hugely entertaining - this is a twisted fairytale from a truly original mind * Hayley Atwell, star of Agent Carter and Captain America * Gypsy Boy is a brilliant but bittersweet story, which reads like a magical fairytale. Although he could be excused for doing so, Mikey never descends into self pity - and has found the perfect balance between humour and harsh reality. Gypsy Boy sits somewhere between the grittiness of Irvine Welsh, and the charming warmth of Frank McCourt. * Dermot O'Leary * The earthy, violent, funny memoir of a gypsy boy in England. It's absolutely riveting, un-put-downable. * Anne Lamott, The Miami Herald * This is a wonderfully readable tale of love, abuse, and eventual escape - all lived in the heart of an English Gypsy family. The father is one of the most frightening figures I've encountered in years. * Edmund White, author of A Boy's Own Story * Touching, insightful, funny and incredibly shocking **** * HEAT * Best memoir since Running with Scissors * Attitude * A sobering and compelling portrait of Gypsy life that is written by an insider. * The National * In this violent yet often comic memoir, Walsh writes of life as an English Gypsy ... Gypsy Boy feels, in all its cocky, awkward affection and anguish, like the real deal. * The Boston Globe * Brash and frightening and funny - tonally, think of Frank McCourt meeting Axl Rose. * The New York Times * It was a revelation. Moving, terrifying, funny and brilliant. I shall never forget it - an amazing achievement * Stephen Fry *

**SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH** 'It was a revelation. Moving, terrifying, funny and brilliant. I shall never forget it - an amazing achievement' STEPHEN FRY 'Brash and frightening and funny' NEW YORK TIMES * * * * * * The Sunday Times bestselling Gypsy Boy was the first commercial memoir written by someone on the inside of the notoriously secretive culture of the Romany Gypsies. MIKEY WAS BORN into a Romany Gypsy family. They live in a closeted community, and little is known about their way of life. After centuries of persecution Gypsies are wary of outsiders and if you choose to leave you can never come back. This is something Mikey knows only too well. Growing up, he rarely went to school, and seldom mixed with non-Gypsies. The caravan and camp were his world. But although Mikey inherited a vibrant and loyal culture, his family's legacy was bittersweet with a hidden history of grief and abuse. Eventually Mikey was forced to make an agonising decision - to stay and keep secrets, or escape and find somewhere he could truly belong. Mikey's amazing story is continued in the sequel Gypsy Boy on the Run.