Brilliant

Had me laughing out loud. Conjured up memories of the 80s and how tough it was. Absolutely brilliant 10.10 from me

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A lovely book

A very real account of a child growing up with all what this woman did

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Excellent - very moving

Maggie and Me is an excellently written account of Damian’s journey through childhood in Margaret Thatcher’s Britain, his acceptance of his own homosexuality, and his survival of numerous traumas and neglect. I found it deeply sad in places, but the matter of fact narration style for me, prevented the story from becoming too depressing, as I think it might have done if I’d read the book. I also found it an interesting insight into what it was like at quite a pivotal time for Scotland. Damian’s experiences show the real and lasting impact of Thatcher’s rule. A thought provoking book!

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Heartfelt story of 1980s Scotland & growing up gay

Would you listen to Maggie & Me again? Why?

This story is endearing, exciting, funny and overall a very enjoyable way to spend 7 hours and 27 minutes. While listening, I was entertained and really felt a connection to story teller’s dry humour and witty banter. It was so enjoyable to hear all the fantastic Scottish-isms and the insight into how hard it must have been to grow up in an area of deprivation during the time that Thatcher was in power.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Maggie & Me?

It was really nice how Damien is introduced and the listener learns more about him as he learns more about himself as he grows up. The realisation that he is growing up gay in a difficult time in a difficult part of the country make you feel very close to him.

What about Damian Barr’s performance did you like?

The performance of the reader was perfect. His delivery was warm, funny, honest and occasionally bitchy which added perfectly to the story.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was difficult not to laugh heartily out loud at some points (embarrassing if listening while on the tube). Really felt that by the end you knew exactly what Heather, Granny Barr and Teeny would have been like if you met them in real life!

Any additional comments?

Overall, excellent, I would recommend this to anyone.

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Brings the 1980s back to life

If you were growing up in the 80s, this memoir will have you laughing out loud. It’s also harrowingly gritty made all the more poignant by being read by the author. A great reminder of how hard it was to be homosexual and how far we have come. Highly recommend!

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Maggie, Damian and Me

What made the experience of listening to Maggie & Me the most enjoyable?

What made this title so good, was it was read by the author Damian Barr. He lived it, suffered it, then had the balls to write it.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved this story, because it finds humour in the adversity of a terrible childhood and adolescence. When you listen / read this book, the listener is so busy laughing they completely forget how terrible Damian Barr's circumstances really were. I don't know if this is typical of the Scot's attitude to life or whether it is an intrinsic part of their Celtic make up.

Have you listened to any of Damian Barr’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

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Informative & emotionally evocative

Interestingly written, with hard hitting chunks of reality. Very engaging story with hard hitting emotion. Would recommend to all Glaswegians.

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Best Book I've read/listened to in 2019.

A gem of a book, recommended to anyone born in the 70's and who grew up in the 80's & 90's. A true memory poke.

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a really enjoyable read

loved this book! heart-warming witty and hilariously funny in places. wonderful narration by Damian Barr.

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Flashback to the 80s

Would you consider the audio edition of Maggie & Me to be better than the print version?

This audio book brought the stories of Damian Barr to life for me, far more than if I'd read it myself.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Maggie & Me?

There is a short reference to the local ice-cream van, and my own memories of chasing the ice-cream van flashed back. I had to stop reading and phone a friend.

What does Damian Barr bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Damian Barr is clearly the character in this book. I would not have enjoyed it had it not been read by the author.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many moments in this book that moved me. There were many that caused me great anguish and concern. At one point, I thought things were going to turn too nasty to continue reading.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book and its narration. Afterwards, I phoned a few friends I went to school with back in the 1980s and we discussed may of the stories in the book. Crystal Gayle for example.

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2 people found this helpful