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Slum Boy
- A Portrait
- Narrated by: Juano Diaz
- Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins
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Slum Boy
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Summary
'This is a heart-breaking story, beautifully told. I hope it finds a million readers' - Andrew O'Hagan
'What a brave and powerful story. If you like Shuggie Bain and Damian Barr then Slumboy is for you' - Lemn Sissay
'Compulsively readable, it's Dickensian in its rich cast of Glaswegian characters' - Patrick Gale
John MacDonald must find his mother.
Born into the slums of Glasgow in the late '70s, a 4-year-old John's life is filled with the debris of alcoholism and poverty. Soon after witnessing a drowning, his mother's addictions take over their lives, leaving him starving in their flat, awaiting her return.
A concerned neighbor reports her, and he is forcibly taken away from his mother and placed into the care system. There, he dreams of being reunited with her. His mind is consumed with images and memories he can't process or understand, which his eventual adoptive parents silence out of fear as he grows into a young man within a strict Catholic and Romany Gypsy community.
This memoir is about how John found his way to his true identity, Juano Diaz, and how, against all odds, his unstoppable love for his mother sets him free.
What listeners say about Slum Boy
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- St3veboy
- 03-03-24
Heart breaking, vivid and truly inspirational
Such a well written book! The narrator describes horrific situations with vivid clarity and delivers his story with graphic detail and raw emotion combined with a touch of humour, it makes the book difficult to put down. An inspiring story of poverty, neglect, abuse and survival. Highly recommend.
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- Janine
- 06-03-24
Absolutely Amazing Couldn’t Put it down
Such a true heartfelt book! I couldn’t put it down. Brilliantly written and read gutted it finished
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- doodle
- 30-03-24
For fans of Shuggie Bain.
This is a beautiful, yet harrowing tale about a young boy’s search for belonging. Brought to life through the voice of the author, Young John/ Juano will stay with you long after listening to his story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs Victoria Jansen
- 20-04-24
beautifully written and narrated
this is a harrowing story that had me gripped the whole way through. the fact that it is a biography makes it even more compelling. it is beautifully written, taking you into John's world. I finished this book getting home, privileged and grateful for my childhood and love. That John has achieved what he has and the success he has is nothing short of amazing, and a true example of resilience. thank you.
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- russell
- 11-03-24
Amazing
This book is probably one of the best books I’ve ever listened to. The story is amazing and heartfelt, the audio version also brings it to life with the real Scottish accent. I would recommend this book to anyone. It really is fantastic.
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- Patricia mcnamee
- 01-03-24
all of it
this young boy was my daughters friend and I was friendly with his adoptive parents such a lovely family all round
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- Joanne Warburton
- 06-03-24
The hardship of a young boy journey in life, To the person he’s has become today!
What an amazing, heart felt, tearful story of a young boys journey living life from a boy to a man and how he’s turned his life around to a successful future!
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- MRS MHAIRI BROWN
- 22-03-24
Heartbreaking and inspiring
I can't stop thinking about Slum Boy and didn't want it to end. I'd love to hear the last part of how Juano got to where he is now in Book 2, I've never rooted for a person in a book so much. Here's to the Sister Paulines, adoptive families and Hannahs who give kids like John the hope they deserve x
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- Tracey
- 01-03-24
Moving
Despite the trauma and tragedy, this is an inspiring read. Beautifully read by the author.
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- g512p
- 23-04-24
amazing
this book is an amazing read , I highly recommend it. this young boy has been to hell and back through the care system. it makes you laugh and then cry. brilliant read .
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