“Woodsmoke and Waggons” - A Romany childhood on the road - TT book review
Andree Morgan Andrews, a Welsh Romany Gypsy, reviews “Woodsmoke and Waggons”, an account of a Romany childhood on the road in the 1960's.
This book was a lovely read. It felt as if the writer was in the room with you reminiscing and sharing stories. It was easy to bring graphic images to life in your head but the photos and the illustrations added to the beauty of the book.
The book was nostalgic and several of the stories made me think of similar experiences in my own life. So I felt I was reading about the familiar and had a bond with the author.
The idea of someone doing up a phone box to be comfortable was not that unusual in those days especially in the smaller villages where villagers took pride in their chocolate box images, however in the 21st century it would be considered an art installation and be eligible for Lottery funding!
Ryalla takes us not only into her home but into her family; we feel their grief when her mother miscarried, the anxiety when her mother is badly burnt. Although her dad in a lot of ways seems like a very reserved person, we sense the pain he must feel when providing for his family gets difficult but at the same time it's hard not to smile with pride when he sells his first bird house!
For me though what really is important is the way the book describes the social history of 1950/60's Britain for Gypsies before the development of the municipal reservations that councils created as suitable accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers! It also gives the reader an insight into Gypsy culture and language with the Romanes words scattered throughout.
There is a melancholy to these stories and a nostalgia for what used to be - it definitely brought a lump to my throat several times!
An invaluable resource for Gypsies, Travellers and Gorjas who are interested in learning a little of the social history of British Gypsies in the 1950's and 60's and for our grand children to remind them what the life was like.
(c) Andree Morgan Andrews
Woodsmoke and Waggons, by Ryalla Duffy, is the sequel to Pinnies and Pegs which was published seven years ago.
Woodsmoke and Waggons chronicles life in a horse drawn waggon, travelling through the commons and byways of England and Ireland as the era of Waggon Travellers drew to a close to be replaced by the motor and trailer.
For those with an interest in Gypsy life, country life and nostalgia, washed down with some heartfelt good humour....this is the book for you. Maybe you had a similar childhood yourself? A valuable addition to any a Gypsy book collection, it includes over 40 photographs.
Orders taken by email...ryalla.duffy@hotmail.com Or via Facebook group Woodsmoke and Waggons. Or Via Publishers, Robert Dawson, Blackwell Publishing.
Priced to please at £12, including postage and packing. Inbox for details to order and payment available via CQ, PO or Paypal. Trade enquiries welcome.
For a double order of BOTH books £ 20 including package books £ 20 including package and posting. (A saving of £4)
Wherever possible orders will be despatched same day as received.