Biography
Set in both the northeast of England and London, Eva Henighan: How We Survived The Twentieth Century is the biography of a much-loved woman. After Eva passed away in the early nineties, a small, hardback notebook, brown and blue in colour, was discovered amongst her belongings. It contained her life story.
The pages revealed the true story of a nineteen-thirties childhood made dangerous by exposure to mental illness, poverty and neglect. Eva wrote fondly about the army of aunts who came to her rescue and about the hardship and joy in equal measure of her teenage years during World War II. The little book revealed for the first time answers to family intrigues and described the circumstances that led to her move to London, marriage and motherhood.
This biography attempts to tie together the personal story of a kind and generous woman with the wider societal changes that shaped her life over the twentieth century. A reliable, and frank witness to events, verified by those who knew her well, Eva's story deserves to be told.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Wonderfully & cleverly written, Eva Henighan is definitely a must read page turner, a true story that will test your emotions to the limit. Compliments to author Yvonne Dykes.
Another beautifully written book from Yvonne Dykes. She certainly writes from the heart. This true story is heartbreaking but Eva’s resilience shines through it all. Such a brilliant read.
A harrowing read of a life that was full of turmoil but the strength of character that Eva possessed got her through some gruelling times, today we have therapy to help us with the worse that life can throw at us; Eva survived because of her determination and her strong-willed nature. Yvonne writes with sensitivity and the fact she is related to Eva results in a journey in time through her own heritage, writing of events and times that resemble more the Dickensian era. It’s compelling and heart-warming as it is shocking with a sense of time and place that will transport you to an era you would prefer not to experience for yourself, this book is a fascinating read on social history and of a lived, true life experience.
Beautiful and Compassionately written by Author Yvonne Dykes. Set in the North of England, a family who went through a trauma time but who survived tragedy and cruelty growing up, Another great read post, Shop Bought Flowers by this Author. Well written book.
