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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 Dysfunctional Relationships Entertainment & Celebrities Parenting & Families Relationships Women Celebrity Funny Survival Emotionally Gripping Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Heartfelt

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All stars
Most relevant  
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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An amazing book, a must listen! I would definitely recommend this very human story. Thank you Janey Godley for writing it.

Wow!

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Loved the book
nice it was Janey that was narrating it made it all the more enjoyable

Good Book

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Janey is an inspiration to all. If you feel like you can’t do something and need someone to encourage you- This is a book to read. The narrative by Janey is superb. I cannot believe that anyone that has gone through her life and has come out the other end is possible.

What an incredible woman. What a brave woman. Against all odds Janey made it.

What an incredible book about survival

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This is one hell of an autobiography, I couldn’t stop listening! A remarkable story of resilience.

What a Story!

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Glasgow was like most big cities "its" underbelly... Poverty.. Violence within the family..Odd family members to avoid.. which most people.. saw... but knew not to talk about it. But lovely warm people.. Well written. Funny..

A really true account of growen-up in Glasgow in the 50.. 60..before and after drug abuse started to take hold..

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Such a good book. The experiences and life lived by the author and narrator is joyous and upsetting in equal measures. I only listened in chunks during dog walks, which I think is the only way. Several times the dog gave me funny looks as I had to stop listening, but this book is great. Please listen.

Amazing, depressing, inspiring, a hard (as it should be) listen.

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Wow! An amazing life story, and what an amazing woman to have not only survived but also thrived. Some really funny and uplifting moments to help through the harder times. I thoroughly recommend the book and following Ms Godley's social media, she's helped me and a lot of people get through 2020 & 21.

Survive and thrive!

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Janey Is a natural story teller and her story is one to be heard. Violence, sexual abuse, gangsters yet she manages to tell her life story with comedy and heart felt warmth

Heartbreaking and uplifting

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