A must read autobiography (Ma, He Sold Me for a Few Cigarettes - Martha Long)

Member Name: kezziefaerie

Product:	Ma, He Sold Me for a Few Cigarettes - Martha Long
Date:	15/01/09 (226 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great read, well written and inspirational

Disadvantages: sad and disturbing in some places, made me cry!

As a fan of autobiographies and true stories, this book caught my eye at the school I volunteer in. The book people bring in products for us to look at and purchase every few weeks and this one was an absolute bargain at just £4! RRP is £9.99

The title grabbed my attention immediately and when I read the back and discovered it was an autobiography, I placed my order. When the book arrived the following week, I started reading it straight away. Once I opened it, I couldn't put it down. Following the heart rendering story of Martha had me in tears from laughing one minute and sadness the next.

The book is written from the point of view of Martha, born a bastard to a teenage mother, growing up in slums of 1950's Dublin and the various trials and tribulations she has to overcome.

The story begins with a nearly four year old Martha living with her Mother, Auntie and Cousin and remembering a relatively ok childhood with some happy memories, compared to those later on in her life. Her mother then has another 'bastard' child; a little boy named Charlie and is in and out of hostels with no money or food for her children.

Martha's real troubles begin when her mother meets Jackser, an abusive, violent man who makes sure Martha knows she is not wanted, especially when her mother has baby after baby with him. The 'family' live in several squalid, freezing rooms and flats, often not being able to feed or clothe the children. Martha is forced to beg and steal to provide for her uncaring mother, an alcoholic Jackser and the other children.

Throughout her childhood she is forced to grow up quickly and learn how to take care of herself and the babies. Even losing her innocence to Jackser and his friends won't break this strong, intelligent girl who is determined to survive. The book ends with Martha at 12 years old being taken in to care for the final time after being caught stealing yet again.

I loved the way the book is written through the eyes of a child, yet you can tell she has a wit and wisdom far beyond her young years. She has such a great spirit, and refuses to give up even when things seem they couldn't get any worse. This is a tale of courage from a child who never stops believing she is worth more than the way she is treated and knows one day she will get out. An absolute must read.

I am now looking forward to the release of Martha Long's second book 'Ma, I'm locked up in the mad house'. The first book leaves you wanting to know what happens to Martha next, so hopefully this will hold the answers!

Extra Info-
Size: 23.4cm x 15.4cm
Publisher: Ebury Press
No. of pages: 480
Format: Paperback

also on ciao

Summary: emotional journey of a childs lost innocence