Neil Mach's Blog - Posts Tagged "gypsy-boy"

Gypsy Boy by Mikey Walsh

My rating: 3 of 5 stars






I have Roma blood running in my family and through my veins, so thought I should read this. It is an anguished story and part of it [though nothing so bad, I'm pleased to say, ever happened to me] resonated with my experiences in a personal and emotional way. Certainly, the requirement to be physically strong and punchy was something I experienced as a lad. Also my father hated the idea that I might grow up into a “poof” [his words.]

This story is often humourless and gloomy ... and reminded me a lot of Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. Except that McCourt's writing is more entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny. I wish this had been the same. But it's far more grim.

Probably this seems stronger and less forgiving than Angela's Ashes because of the inbuilt repression and persistent nagging pain of flagrant homophobia that seems present in every agonized little recollection.

True or not [and to be fair, this biography definitely did ring true to me] this is not a pleasant journey to take. Even though the writing is quick and easy and things get more entertaining as we get into it Poor Mikey ... who goes from one unpleasant disaster to the next in a brutal semi-existence ... can never seem to escape from the brutal life.

Like I say, reminiscent of Angela's Ashes but with less death. And little or no lightness.

Maybe I'll try Caravans and wedding bands by Eva Petulengro next...



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