Born in 1944, Jennifer had an idyllic childhood – even though some of her earliest memories were that of the terrifying sound of bombers taking off and landing at nearby Tempsford airfield. Raised by her loving family as the youngest of four siblings, Jennifer enjoyed a life of stability and prosperity on the outskirts of England during some of the biggest societal changes the 20th Century ever saw. However, this idyllic existence came to an abrupt halt when her mother tragically took ill and died, thereafter, fracturing the family forever.
By writing about my childhood I discovered that generally I'd had a good upbringing. Along with my older brother and two sisters we were a family and had each other and being country children, we had many enjoyable and adventurous times. The problem was we didn't talk about the difficult times we'd been through, and because of this, my troubles and worries never went away. In fact, they were a burden that I carried with me until my thirties.
It was interesting to read this book. The authors anger and frustration comes across when reading this book. I am sure perhaps many women of a similar generation will relate to this story. I think younger readers will struggle to understand why the author did not leave her husband sooner, as things are so different for women now. I think the author has vent her feelings in print and hence, it has maybe helped her now to move on with her life. It is good to know that she has married again and is now happy.
A gripping read. Living with a husband who behaves as if he is still single, plays the field and revels in telling his young wife. Sickened, maddened and suffering extreme frustration, she was driven to the cliff edge and thoughts of murder. Sadly, women still suffer this type of mental abuse today. Providing insight into attitudes of the 60s and 70s, opening a window into some readers’ mothers’ and grandmothers’ lives. Clearly the author was imprisoned by her innocent upbringing, want of financial independence and growing lack of confidence in this dysfunctional marriage. A book that one day should make a good film. What a story of a woman coming through!
