This evocative memoir recalls the long, heady days of Liverpool in the summer of 1969, as seen through the eyes of eleven-year-old Deejay. Infused with a distinctive Scouse sense of humour, this book tells the story of how Deejay filled his summer holiday having adventures – and misadventures – with his mischievous gang of young friends and working at Wellington Dairy, the family-owned, horse-drawn milk business located in the Liverpool suburb of Garston. Deejay intends to be the next in a long line of dairy farmers and sets about learning as much as he can about the family business. Amusing and entertaining, surprising and sometimes moving, Deejay’s account vividly captures one boy’s growing appreciation of the family history that preceded him and a growing understanding of his place in the world. Key to that understanding is the very special relationship that can exist between a boy and his dad.
My Family and Other Scousers by Dave Joy is the story of his adventures and experiences as an eleven year old by in the summer holidays of ’69. Dave helped out at the family dairy in Garston, where he revelled in spending time with the horses, playing with his friends (the Duke Street Kids) and harboured aspirations to become the next in a long line of Joy’s to run the dairy.
The story is told from the point of view of David himself, and because of this all events are tinged by his youthful naivety. We learn about his love for the horses and the feeling of importance as he accompanies his charismatic father and quiet Uncle George on the milk rounds and helps out with chores. ‘I took great delight in being there, working with the horses and spending time with the adults.’ His irritation at being a middle child and not being able to do all that his older sister is permitted to do whilst not being able to get away with things that his little brother is allowed to do. ‘Anne had been allowed to ride in the milk float – “you're too young, besides there’s only room for one passenger” I had been told by Mum. I so wished I had been born first.’ And the antics that he and the other local boys get up to when they think that no-one is watching! ‘One of the challenges we set ourselves was to see who could jump off the highest rung on to the hay below.’
Dave perfectly details the personality traits of his friends and family making the reader feel as though they know the protective and understanding Bonzo or loving and obliging Dad. The journey of growing up and learning of things such as illness, death and compromises make this a very touching novel. Dave also mentions momentous events, such as the assassination of President Kennedy and the Apollo moon landing, that would have left a lasting impression on everyone and make this novel a must read for those growing up in the late 60’s! It would also make an enjoyable read for anyone who grew up in Liverpool around the same time as Dave describes the local area, people and games of children which they may recognise. My Family and Other Scousers contains many emotional highs and lows which draw the reader in and make it impossible to put down.
Book: My Family and Other Scousers
Author: Dave Joy
Review by Rachel Gardner
Rachel Gardner is a history student at the university of Nottingham. She enjoys reading and horse riding in her spare time, and aspires to become a history teacher.