Biography
Find this ebook at your favourite retailer below:
Peter Carton discovered his Irish family history contained hidden secrets, stretching back 100 years, involving religious prejudice that divided family members; bravery in service with the British Army; a presence at a Dublin massacre; an ambush by the IRA; elopements and hastily arranged marriages and, personal to himself, a startling revelation of the birth and burial of two twins. Together with his older brothers he encountered the, sometimes, rather harsh discipline of a Catholic education before discovering the joy and beauty of the City of Oxford.
This is the story about the author’s parents, Mary and Paddy. Commencing with their own background and lives in the rural counties of Wexford and Carlow, in Southern Ireland, it follows them on their journey, beginning with their momentous and life changing decision in 1958, to emigrate from Ireland. Determined to start a fresh life in England to secure a better future for their eight young children, this is informative of their day-to-day struggles to feed, clothe and educate them all in frequently difficult circumstances that required them to work so long and hard all their lives before the toil and stress eventually took its toll.
On behalf of the author, and his sisters and brothers, this book is written as a tribute and a thank you to them both, for a joyous childhood and a more prosperous adulthood bequeathed to both their children and grandchildren.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Your book is wonderful. Thank you so much . I love your writing style. An incredibly moving and informative read.
Just finished your book. I really don't read enough but I just couldn't put it down. Read it over two evenings . From the first page I could empathise with it. Some happy memories you wrote about along with some not so good. Anyway, a great read. Well done, Neville.
I finished reading your book recently and I've got to say what a fabulous book! You write so beautifully Peter; there were some beautiful poetic sections and it was so visceral. I loved that you had the poetry and also told the story in a chatty, anecdotal tone. It was so nice to get a sense of the family and the history we are all connected to. Really delighted you published this. Oh and you took me back to my own school days. The cornflake desert thing was also one of my favourites- I'd forgotten all about it until I read the book!!
I loved reading Mary and Paddy, Joy Wrapped in Tears, and the journey from a small town in Ireland (Bagenalstown) to beautiful Oxford. So many happy memories but sadly life also brings sad times. Beautifully written and so proud of you and the wonderful memories it has brought back and the good life that Mary (Mum) and Paddy (Dad) gave us children.
I thought I'd write to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your book. It was so very interesting and particularly poignant in parts; re reference to the religious aspects and re reference to St. Aloysious, St Giles, Oxford which became an Oratory which I know quite well. As I had a boyfriend at Exeter College I knew the city quite well and many of the pubs. I also used to stayin Oxford when I was working there in my Helena Rubinstein days and fondly remember the Elliston Cavell store and, of course, it has made me realise I must have many relations in Ireland. It must have been a daunting project to undertake but such a satisfying one. I applaud you, very well done.
