Overview

A story about how a child overcomes personal problems and abuse.

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9780862438692

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Reviews

Hartzenberg's tale is an account of the life of a Welsh boy called Harry, from infancy to adulthood, into his early twenties, marriage and fatherhood. Much is written in the first person, as Harry gives his side of the problems that besieged him. As a small boy Harry lived in Caerphilly with his father Arnold and his mother Paula. His brother Anthony was six years his elder; Harry worshipped him and Anthony reciprocated. At the age of three Harry is knocked over by a hit-and-run driver and suffers irreparable brain damage; Harry's suffering after the accident is the subject of Hartzenberg's story. His parents' marriage fails as his father turns to alcohol. Harry's mother finds it difficult to manage Harry and is delighted when the landlord of a local pub, Tom, takes a 'fancy' to her, and offers to help with the child-minding and suchlike. At first all seems to be too good to be true -- which indeed it proves to be. Tom turns out to be a psychopath and Harry is the ideal tool for his 'exploits'. Eventually Paula leaves Tom, though not in time to save Harry from his continuous downhill spiral, in and out of institutions. Harry grows into a man and meets Rosie, his salvation. Hartzenberg writes with an almost nave simplicity. The book intrigues me as much as it saddens me. So many questions are left unanswered; I want to know so much more about Harry's dysfunctional family, prior to his life with Rosie and their daughter Lucy. Then I would like to hear how they are faring as parents and their continuous battle with the social services. We are told Harry has found God. Harry's Troubled Life is a small book with much to say. Norma Penfold It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddior adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council

Author Information

Joshua Hartzenburg is originally from Blackwood but now lives in Newport. He's married to Myra and has a four year old daughter called Bethany.

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