World War II veteran, Harry Leslie Smith, was born in 1923 in Barnsley, Yorkshire England. After the war, he worked in a number of professions and now splits his time between Canada, the UK and Portugal.
In this first volume of his memoirs, Smith chronicles the tragic story of his early life. He presents his family’s early history-their misfortunes and their experiences of enduring betrayal, inhumane poverty, infidelity, and abandonment. )I can relate to this because my father’s family was poor and they were forced to send some of their children to The Orphan Homes of Scotland.)
1923: A Memoir presents the story of a life lyrically described, capturing a time both before and during World War II when personal survival was dependent upon luck and guile. During this time, failure insured either a trip to the workhouse or burial in a common grave. Brutally honest, Smith’s story plummets to the depths of tragedy and flies up to the summit of mirth and wonder, portraying real people in an uncompromising, unflinching voice.
I can’t wait to curl up and read it. I think I had best keep a box of tissues at hand because I think I’m going to need them.
1923: A Memoir is available in paperback or for the Kindle, Nook, or Kobo at the following
Harry is an amazing man, who has had an amazing life. It’s wonderful when you can connect in some way to something an author has written and stories of real-life adversity and survival inspire us all! Lovely words Melanie, for a lovely man.
Thanks Linn. Looking forward to reading Harry’s memoir. As I said in my post, I think I’ll need a box of tissues close at hand when I read it,