Maybe
It’s Because I’m a Londoner
Edition:
1st
Author:
Bernard Lockett
ISBN:
1905226268
Publishers:
Melrose Books
Price
£15.99
Publication
Date: 2005
Publisher's Title Information
Maybe
it's Because I'm a Londoner is the story of Robert Livsey born in London in
1945, just before the end of World War II.
His home and family life are deeply affected by the ill health of his
mother and a cold, distant father, but he finds the love and stability a child
needs in the care of his maternal grandparents.
This
story describes the boy's deep love of London, in particular the East End,
where he was born and brought up. Into
his tale are woven the life stories of his immediate family, which all revolve
around the area of Bow, before they begin to move out to other parts of London.
"I
was very fortunate from a very early age to be taken to see all the main London
sights and to be told and feel apart of the great traditions and heritage of
the capital. Here began an appreciation
from which I would enjoy and benefit from for all of my life ... all the places
were part of my own territory, my `home patch'. But closest to home and life's
centre for me was Bow. "
Family
treats are related with relish - forays into the capital on public transport to
see the sites, trips to the theatre, to Southend and cruises along the River
Thames - all these things go towards making the young boy's life a magical
adventure. This is a story told with a good deal of lighthearted humour and
vivid descriptions of London which makes for a highly evocative read.
Maybe
it's Because I'm a Londoner serves as a fascinating document that recalls a
unique period in the history of London as seen through the eyes of a young boy.
Following the destruction and privations of the War, the late 1940s and 50s
bring a new sense of possibility and hope as well as structural
development. Maybe it's Because I'm a
Londoner follows Robert's journey in this new and exciting world as his
horizons expand beyond the East End. For any native Londoner, Maybe it's
Because I'm a Londoner will prove a highly redolent and stimulating read, full
of reminiscences of growing up in this great city.
About
the Author
Bernard
Lockett was born in Bow in the heart of London's East End just before the end
of World War Two. He began his career
in the shipping industry in London and then continued to work in shipping,
transport and tourism industries for over 40 years. Bernard Lockett lives with
his wife in South East England.
Maybe
it's Because I'M a Londoner is his first novel. The next two novels are planned to be published over the coming
two years.
The Memories of a City of London Policeman's Daughter 1921-1940