T'ree Tin of Turpentine

T'ree Tin of Turpentine

By Tim O'Sullivan

Genre:-Non-Fiction/Memoir

Pages:-262

Publisher:-Long John Publishing

Blurb:-"Go on say "T'ree tin of turpentine!," you bogtrotter!" was one of many jeers towards Irish families in Leicester in the 1950s, and is the inspiration behind the title of Tim O'Sullivan's debut book.

 In 2008, after realising how much people enjoyed his stories at family gatherings, weddings and funerals, Tim picked up a dictaphone and began verbally recording his memories. Originally a passion project destined to be read by the wider O'Sullivan family, Tim was inspired by his son, Ryan, to publish his memoir.

 Tim's anecdotal accounts give harrowing and humorous, insights into life as a marginalised child in the 1950s. Born to a dirt-poor Irish mother, Tim weavers rich tales of living in extreme poverty on the unforgiving Mowmacre Hill council estate. This book will strike a chord with baby boomers and entertain any reader looking for first-hand nostalgic recollections of post-war. poverty-stricken Britain.

 From narrowly avoiding sexual abuse at a children's home, becoming a teenage father and enduring two prison sentences, Tim's life is a rich jigsaw of highs, lows and laughs. He recounts his mother's struggles at single parenting while avoiding destitution and the shock return of his biological father after being estranged for 17 years. Tim's brotherly bonds are brought to life with stories of John-the brother Tim didn't know he had for the first few years of his life and the tragic addiction-fuelled unravelling of his sister, Mary.

 Tim's determination to rewrite his childhood narrative resulted in a rock-solid marriage to his wife, Pam, unshakeable devotion to his children, and numerous business ventures that accrued great wealth.

 T'ree Tin of Turpentine encourages you as a reader to think about your own stories and how they will be passed down to your future generations.

 Tim's work is an inspirational reminder that no matter how hard you experience childhood suffering, with faith, love, hard work and a lot of laughter, it is possible to overcome adversity.

 Thank you @zooloobooktours #Ad #Gifted #Bookstagram

My Review:-The book starts by telling a bit about Tim's mother and father. Tim tells us what it was like growing up in the 60s and 70s. We get some funny bits in through the book, 'Tim was about 3 when his was running around the ground with nothing on, because his pants were full and he had took them off and posted them through the letter box as he didn't get an answer off mam.'  Tim didn't find out he had an older brother until he saw his mother walking down the street with him. There is so much I could tell you but it would spoil the book, it's something you would enjoy reading yourself. While reading this book it brought back memories of my Nana, as she would tell me about going to church in your Sunday best and how things were when my mother was little. Memories are things that should be made to share, Thank You Tim for sharing yours.