The Return Ticket by Paul Donoghue

www.thereturnticket.com
The Return Ticket
It’s the story of a young Sheffield lad whose father left the local coal mine to join the Royal Navy in 1960. Sadly, things did not go to plan down south. His mother had a catastrophic breakdown and was sent to an asylum in Hampshire where she was incarcerated for 18 months under the mental health act. Paul was quickly dispatched up north to his native village of Swallownest (Sheffield) to live with his grandparents. It was here a northern adventure began. Paul reflects that most of the wonderful characters in his book have sadly passed away and rest in peace beneath the green green grass of home in his local village cemetery. Paul’s book is a tribute to many characters he observed whilst growing up, and learning his lessons in life.
Book Specifications
Author: Paul Donoghue
ISBN 978-1-3999-0618-7
Pages: 320
Illustrations: 26
Format: Softback
Digital: Amazon Kindle
Size: H 210mm x W 148mm x S 15mm
Weight 415gms
Publisher: Paul Donoghue
REVIEWS AND COMMENTS (pre-release)
Comment/review 1
I have just finished reading the return ticket by Paul Donahue. I was first drawn to it with the colourful cover, and was intrigued by the sketches inside. This book is like a box of chocolates that one keeps dipping into, with some light and sweet moments, and some dark and bitter thoughts, with colourful language mixed in. I love the accents; you could just see the flat caps and fags. A cheerful read and just the thing to brighten up a dull
winter‟s day. It‟s amazing how a child can survive such a mixed-up childhood, but, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. So, the message is keep going despite all hardships.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and hope it goes on to be a best seller. Well done Paul.
Joan Woodhouse. Duffield Derbyshire.
Comment/review 2
A truly charming story of an 11-year-old boy and his turbulent childhood experiences growing up in the steel city of Sheffield. I felt I was right there, watching it all unfold in front of me. I laughed, I cried, and then I laughed again. This marvellous book took me right back to my own childhood. I
felt all the emotions, the good times he had, the sad times, the fears which came over him, the tears, and the laughter. It's all in here.
John Faulkner. Lincolnshire.
Comment/review 3
This book will captivate you from the first chapter. A story of fun times for Paul and the start of a childhood of mischief, friendships, fun and endless trouble. Funny, sad and lots of laugh out loud moments in this book. A real rollercoaster ride following Paul‟s turbulent childhood. You will find yourself racing through the chapters to find out what happens next
to this young, spirited lad who fought through the early years of his life and survived to tell the tale.
Tracey Allen. Chief Editor. The Countryman’s Weekly.
Comment/review 4
Sometimes heart wrenching, always poignant, and more often than not, absolutely hilarious. Paul Donoghue‟s early memoirs of life growing up in the 1960s-70s will tug at your heart strings and have you laughing out loud with the turn of every page. Paul‟s story of his mother‟s harrowing mental illness, his subsequent redemption in his South Yorkshire homeland and his reluctant return „down south‟ will both entertain and move you. A
wonderful story told with warmth and a good old dose of Yorkshire grit.
Lesley Hudson MA, BA (Hons) Former Assistant Editor - The Institution of Mining Engineers.
Comment/review 5
A snapshot in time of a sometimes rebellious but mostly honest boy from a family torn by circumstance intent on living his dream, what a start. His documentation and memories of his early years are a fascinating read from start to finish, written with a clear memory, Paul‟s passion in the writing is often hilarious, some parts sad however you always feel sympathetic to his plight and craving the next chapter. An enthralling book and a great read for any age highly recommended.
Denis Pett Derby
Comment/review 6
Well, what can I say? This book has been quite the journey. I felt like Marty McFly jumping in the DeLorean and travelling back in time to capture a glimpse of my dad‟s childhood. In many ways it‟s similar to Back to the Future. It‟s entertaining, charming, witty and hilarious. However, there‟s a dark undertone and I was genuinely moved to tears whilst learning about
the harsh environment a young Paul Donoghue found himself in. To say his experiences were character building is an understatement, as I don‟t know many people with as much character as my old man. If this book doesn't move you I don‟t know what will.
Well done Dad X
Michael J Donoghue son of the author.