I rarely read autobiographies but, having met Jean, heard her speak and enjoyed so many of her novels, this one was a must! Being a Londoner myself and of very similar age to the author, there was much here that brought back memories, of those times when we were kids- the food, school games lessons, shopping, clothes, Saturday jobs and more. An absorbing and nostalgic read, taking us from Jean's childhood through her fashion and early police careers to her wedding. The nursing that followed is mentioned only in passing, so I can't help wondering if there might be a book two to come one day?

What a great book looking in depth at life in the East end in the 60s and beyond.

The author gave such brilliant descriptions of the different areas that at times you felt you were almost there, this lady did lead a fascinating life.

If you've never been to London it gives you a great peek into eastend life and the struggles of the early days.

They had to put up with small cold homes, with no bathroom or inside toilet, no heating, and no privacy as their homes were so small sometimes just a couple of rooms. But they got on with it. With most of the streets taken up by the same family, they could always call on a family member for help.

We follow Jean from her days as a child going through school, her family life, her different employments, and up to when she joined the police force all so descriptive that your memory ran riot. We lived through the ups and downs in her life.
I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this interesting book. xx

This lady I feel has written a very heartfelt, honest insight into what it was like and I feel honored to have read it.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is definitely one of my favourite books of the year, historic, nostalgic, happy sad a brilliant read. Recommended

I don't think I have read any Jean Fullerton books before but this one was a fascinating insight into her life. Certainly brought the post war era in London to life. For me it brought back memories on my Nan and Grandad - from the stories that they told me. I am now excited to read her Ration Book Series.

Beautiful. Poignant. Phenomenal.
This was a beautiful read and I learnt so much. I cried and I smiled and there was nothing more that I wanted from this book. Truly a gem.

I really enjoyed this book about Jean Fullerton’s childhood in the East End of London during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Told with honesty and in an engaging style. Highly recommend!

I love Jean as an author especially her Ration book series, and so I was interested to find out more about the author herself. Brought up in the 1950’s East End, I’m sure many people can see the resemblance to their own families as I definitely did. My Dad was from Bow and my Mum from Hackney and both sides of my family moved to Dagenham to nice new houses. My Dad even worked at Ford’s, so I felt our family story had a lot of similarities to Jean’s. It’s a great read and also an emotional read that shows the camaraderie that the Londoner’s had even after the long hard years of the War. I would definitely recommend this book.

This was a wonderful childs view of growing up in the east end of London i have loved reading Jean Fullerton's Life Story as she writes brilliant books and i have to say this is the first memoir i have read and loved it and can highly recommend it to her fans.5*

I received this arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A truly remarkable memoir
I enjoyed learning more about this way of life and what it was really like

I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Very different Jean Fullerton book as it’s a true story based around her childhood and early adulthood. It was nice to get to k ow the author more although I was left wanting more about her adult life. Book 2??? Thanks to Jean and her publisher. Also thanks to NetGalley.

This was a really lovely read, on many levels. The author was born just a few years ahead of me, and the school life she describes in East End London resonated with my experience in Nottingham a few years later. She describes a way of life that was just disappearing, as the slums of London became gentrified and changed beyond all recognition. Born into a poor, but very close family, her descriptions were just a joy to read.

The book is also an autobiography, chronicling her early life, her wish to become a fashion designer (and I could empathise instantly with those who's parents would not fund their further education as it wasn't for the likes of them, as well as her own father's insistence on her bringing home her board which denied her the chance to follow her dream). And her life as a young WPC in a very male world. She tells it all, no holds barred, warts and all.

A brave and very interesting book. Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I like Jean Fullterton's books and loved this one based on her memories. It's an interesting way of learning about life in East End London and what meant to grew up in the 50/60s
The author did an excellent job, never sugarcoated reality, and made me learn something new.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A unique book of true accounts of Jean Fullerton's inspiring childhood.
In the east end of London August 1954 Jean came into the world, the only daughter along with her brother Andrew from a big line of Fullerton's This book has it all on her life growing up in the 60's and 70's of London activities, that a lot bring back memories of my childhood too, looking at school holidays childhood games and haunts the shops Jobs and of course the food that is there to read and enjoy.
A full filling inspirational reading with the added bonus of photos of young Jean and London map, it a true story that will pleasure all readers.
I could not fault any of it you read like you are sharing all the moments along with Jean, all I can say is how fabulous and a joy all on it's own from me it gets a definitely top 5 stars.
I will be recommending this to all my reader friends.

What an enlightening book!

Even though a lot of what Jean Fullerton talks about is in living memory I learnt so much. Maybe because so much of the way things were done are old hat, I never see any of this explored in TV and film so I was fascinated by a lot of it. I couldn't stop gushing to my relatives "did you know in the 70s it was like this?!" I'm so grateful to have all the modern conveniences that we have now!

Aside from the stellar content I did feel that the organisation of the narrative was a little scattered. Because Fullerton divides the chapters by topic, rather than chronologically, I felt that I lost where I was at times.

Jean Fullerton gives a us an insight, into growing up in the East End of London in the Post war years . A fantastic read . Really enjoyed reading it . Well done Jean Fullerton another fantastic book..

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Many thanx to Jean Fullerton, the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read and review this book.
Although I was not born and brought up in London's East End this book gave me constant reminders of being a child in the 1950's! From the outside loo, scrubbing the landing and stairs to putting the baby and pram outside in all weathers with no fear of the child being stolen!! The premise for doing this was to give the baby fresh air...........although it could be tipping down and freezing cold!!
Also the memories of the butcher's shop and the window display which would really not be readily accepted nowadays!!
What a wonderful way the author brings a smile to your face, or maybe a quite unpleasant memory! Lovely book told with no flourish, just honest, down to earth, as it was memories! Will be watching for her next book with great interest!

What an education this book is!
Firstly, life in the east end of London which I was only familiar with through reading books. The descriptions of families and family life, which honestly could have applied to my own upbringing in Glasgow about the same time.
The descriptions of school life gave some laughs and cringes when you applied to your own school life. Then the social scene, well the highlight for me was mr Environmental Health man, funny!
Secondly the descriptions of police entry, training and life were most interesting.
Enjoyable read.

A Child of the East End by Jean Fullerton

I really enjoyed this biography of growing up in the 50s/ 60s in the East end of London , and what a journey it was .
You always hear about growing up in a deprived east end ( Call the Midwife , tv series )but what it often shows is how the people come together and look out for each other , and Iran's story also showed aspects of this .
I liked the authors way of writing and really felt for some of the people she came across in post war London.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this ARC

Wow what a wonderful read Jean Fullwrton this had so many emotions from page to page.

I could not put this book down