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Handstands in the Dark

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Handstands in the Dark

By: Janey Godley
Narrated by: Janey Godley
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About this listen

THE MOVING AND HONEST MEMOIR OF SURVIVAL FROM JANEY GODLEY: 'AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE' - BILLY CONNOLLY

'An inspirational book - DAILY MAIL

'A harrowing memoir . . . Unlike a lot of comics she's brave and honest enough to reveal her innermost emotions, and it's this sincerity that gives her streetwise revelations such bite' - GUARDIAN

'Genuinely compelling and very brave' - GLASGOW HERALD

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A unique life story from a true survivor, read by the author.

Born in the tough East End of Glasgow and married into one of the city's most notorious criminal families, Janey Godley's young life was far from ordinary. From the grim and far-from-swinging 60s, to the discos of the 70s, to the tidal wave of heroin addiction which engulfed Glasgow's East End during the 1980s, Janey was witness to an extraordinary underworld - as well as religious sectarianism, abject poverty and a frightening family of in-laws. Throughout it all, her indomitable spirit - and her vivid sense of humour - kept her alive.

A vivid, intimate and darkly funny account of a life less ordinary, Handstands in the Dark tells the story of how one girl escaped a chaotic family and became one of the UK's most popular comedic talents.

©2005 Janey Godley (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Abuse Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Child Abuse Dysfunctional Families Entertainment & Celebrities Parenting & Families Relationships Women Celebrity Funny Emotionally Gripping Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Heartfelt

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I thoroughly enjoyed Janey’s book although it’s an extremely hard listen at times, I frequently found myself in tears. Beautifully written and narrated I was totally immersed in the sights and sounds of the time.

Wonderful book

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Repulsive treatment of an innocent wee girl, recounted by someone who has obviously toiled and fought through the aftermath. Inspiring, fast paced and really funny. All credit to you Janey for every aspect of this story.

Fabulous listen

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loved this. can relate to lots of things in my hometown of Glasgow. Janey Godley is a survivor! not only did she survive horrendous events she saw justice served on her perpetrators. Not ONLY that, she's made a living from it.
I loved that Janey narrated it herself.
Good luck with the rest of your life and the same to your wonderful daughter Ashley.

quite a story!

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Thank you for sharing your story Janey.
And so well narrated. A the end I just wanted to hear more. Didn't want it to finish.

Hugely Recommended

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I absolutely loved this book. I will be recommending it to everyone. Being a Glaswegian of the same age I knew every street and occasion mentioned. I'm so relieved Janey survived her upbringing, not many do. I'm now following her on Facebook.

This is now my Number1 favourite book.

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This is one of those unputdownable books. It is heartbreaking and shocking but full of the kind of resilience that I can only marvel at. I shall join the rest of the disappointed listeners and readers who wish for a follow up but have already been told no. I shall just have to try her novel instead and hope she reads that too as her voice is in my head and I am going to miss it.

Compelling, heartbreaking but resilient

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A brutally honest account of an amazing life. Survival, strength and dark humour. I loved it.

An unbelievable story

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I have not lived myself as Janey did but in my work I saw lives like those. People have forgotten how close that poverty and deprivation is to what grew out of it for the better, although we seem determined to hurtle backwards to it. 60 years ago I went to Glasgow to stay with family. I was shocked at the drunks in the streets and the desperate, depression of it all. This story reminded me of that visit and the way it scared me then. I know she is very ill now and wish her all the best her life has been such a rich journey and I am grateful that she found the time to share it.

Nostalgic

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Brutally honest. Sad, funny & hard to stop listening from beginning to end. The courage to write this very personal life story & then do the audio …. I am in awe of Janey Godley. Thankyou for sharing.

Outstanding

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What a woman, such a horrible and tough up bringing in difficult times living on the edge and in poverty. Such a strong and determined woman, James deserves every credit and praise for telling her storey.

Amazing storey

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