Would It Surprise You to Know...?
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Would It Surprise You to Know...?
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Narrated by:
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Ronnie Archer-Morgan
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin.
For decades, Ronnie Archer-Morgan has brought to life the fascinating, often surprising backstories behind our most cherished heirlooms, antiques and household objects. Now, he tells his own unlikely story.
Born in the '50s to a Sierra Leoneon mother battling mental health problems, Ronnie spent his childhood in and out of care. After difficult beginnings, marked by abuse, racism and brushes with both criminals and the police, he got into music, managing to get DJ gigs and, later, as a celebrity hairdresser for Vidal Sassoon and Smile in the height of '70s London. A flair for spotting antiques led him to start his own Knightsbridge gallery, ultimately becoming one of the most respected figures in the industry, culminating in a regular spot as an expert on Antiques Roadshow.
Told with rich warmth, this is an extraordinary journey from deprivation and abuse to adventure and success against the odds—with stories of the incredible objects which shaped the way.
©2022 Ronnie Archer-Morgan and Janet Gleeson (P)2022 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Would It Surprise You to Know...?
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wayne
- 23-06-22
A must read - Ronnie bares his soul in this book
My God! Ronnie has been through so much in his life. Such intense child abuse by a sick (and I think evil) mother. How he has survived this long is both amazing and inspirational.
Ronnie, if you are reading this; you have my utmost respect and through your storytelling I now have a bar to compare events in my life that I thought were bad enough, but I am no where near the literal suffering you have experienced. Thank you for sharing, I'm sure you thought long and hard about revealing so much, but I'm so pleased you did. This is a story that must be heard and I think many people will benefit from listening to it, probably more than you'll ever know.
For what it is worth, and I mean this from my centre:
"You are a true gentleman, and beautiful in every possible way"
I was ".. surprised to know..." and I think many others will be too.
To everyone else, buy this book - it is essential reading
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- caro Hoppy
- 02-12-23
Remarkable Ronnie
Fascinating life of hardship and difficulties but through sheer grit and taking opportunities presented to him he has become a successful man in the world of antiques, very much enjoyed his story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 03-07-22
Emotional rollercoaster biography. Fantastic!
inspirational and so humble. what a guy!! well written and narrated. i would recommend.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Grecian
- 14-11-22
Great story we'll told
Very well narrated by the author who has lived an extraordinary life. Thanks for sharing it Ronnie.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Za
- 03-06-23
Amazing life story
What a story.
This book moved me to tears, laughter, amazement & shocking at times.
I would like to thank Ronnie for sharing his story, what a life & the man you are is truly great.
Every one should read this book. I have even brought a paper copy to keep, in the hope that one day I get to meet Ronnie shake his hand & thank him in person for sharing his story.
I’m never been so moved form reading a book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Crops
- 17-10-23
Incredible man, incredible story.
Ronnie Archer Morgan's story is an inspiration to us all. Having him narrate his autobiography lends extra weight to the highs and lows he has experienced to date in his varied, colourful rollercoaster life.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rosie L.
- 30-05-24
A difficult yet uplifting life story
Heartbreaking to hear such physical and emotional abuse described as if it was deserved. The racial prejudice, the injustices and the physical torture made me feel ashamed of the human race. But it was balanced in the telling of kindness, friendship and joy. Thank you for this book Ronnie
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stephen
- 09-07-22
Heart warming read
I seldom read …. Or listen to biographies….. as an avid viewer of the AR I have always been impressed by Ronnie’s depth and breadth of knowledge as well has his warm and engaging personality. So I took the plunge and wasn’t disappointed. His story brought me to tears and made me smile and chuckle too. As a white man I am appalled at the mindless racism he has had to suffer in parts of his life but humbled at his attitude and his refusal to let it make him embittered. His warmth and almost childlike enthusiasm draws you in so that at the end of the book you feel like your friends and want to give him a ring and suggest going for a drink to catch up.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr
- 30-09-22
Gripping
An extraordinary story of an indomitable spirit well told. Ronnie not only survived maternal neglect and cruelty but also many instances of racism.
It’s an “unputdownable” book. Do read it.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Claire
- 10-07-22
a fantastic story so well told
I enjoyed Ronnies story and have so much admiration for him - what an incredible life !
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1 person found this helpful