Handstands in the Dark

By: Janey Godley

Narrated by: Janey Godley

Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

A unique life story from a true survivor, read by the author.

Born in the tough East End of Glasgow and married into one of the city's most notorious criminal families, Janey Godley's young life was far from ordinary. From the grim and far-from-swinging '60s, to the discos of the '70s, to the tidal wave of heroin addiction which engulfed Glasgow's East End during the '80s, Janey was witness to an extraordinary underworld - as well as religious sectarianism, abject poverty and a frightening family of in-laws. Throughout it all, her indomitable spirit - and her vivid sense of humour - kept her alive.

A vivid, intimate and darkly funny account of a life less ordinary, Handstands in the Dark tells the story of how one girl escaped a chaotic family and became one of the UK's most popular comedic talents.

©2005 Janey Godley (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Not for me

I like Janey Godley’s comedy and thought it would be interesting to read her memoir. I was very, very wrong. To be fair, I did not finish this audiobook. I just couldn’t. I got through 8 hours, which was one relentless slog of violence and misery, before I threw in the towel. It was too emotionally draining to continue to listen. I still find Janey Godley to be funny, but I really wish I had not gotten her memoir.

A triumph from Janey Godley!

Narrated impeccably by the author - this story is about triumph over adversity. Sad, funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure.
HIGHLY recommend.

Authentic and powerful autobiography

This incredibly written/ spoken book holds a life story full of the reality of poverty, drugs, abuse, and death - all woven about the resilience, bravery, and self-awareness that the author continued to cast into the dark troubled waters beyond each step. The light moments and humor were wonderful respites. Wish I were that courageous to write my own.

Excellent

I loved listening to this book, what a story. Janey reading it herself made it even better. Thanks a million for sharing her story.

I wept and I cried listening to Janey's story,...

brilliant, I didn't want it to end. I loved the way Janey told her story, with sadness and humour, never self pity.

SUPER 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A REAL PAGE TURNER

I have read Janey Godlys books few months back my self and enjoyed but the was something I couldn’t put my finger on it , then I came to be I should get it on audiobook. I use when I’m out walking my 2 wee dog I found myself giggling as it played in my ears a great storie about love,loss,illness in a wee pub In Glasgow I would give 100 🌟if I could

Amazing book from start to finish!

Janey Godley has kept us laughing during the COVID-19 pandemic with her voiceovers and livestreams. Having just listened to her recount her life story I am amazed she is not in a padded cell somewhere. She has risen above her humble start in life to become a much loved comedian, actress and broadcaster, a truly remarkable lady!

An unexpected journey

A moving and riveting read. A lesson in survival love, tenacity and intelligent emergence. Thank you for inspiring individuals to have the strength to choose..

Appalling book!

This book is an atrociously written, self-indulgent wallow in misery, re-telling life experiences that a publisher should have been kind enough to stop Janey from putting into print. It is also very badly narrated in a harsh staccato monotone which makes it even worse. I have a lot of time for Janey Godley and admire how she has overcome her truly horrific start in life, and wish her well again in her current health battle, but she still should not have put this sorry tale into print. I have worked with a lot of sexually abused children so it is not that I think the subject is taboo, but this is not a book that educates, enlightens or entertains but is a misery memoir which no one needs to read (just as her husband and daughter have opted not to).

the story beyond the swearing

loved the story except the swearing it reminds me off my own childhood I laughed and cried

Depressing, badly written, avoid

I really tried. Here was an apparently authentic tale from a world I was lucky enough never to have known . I was full of empathy for the first half of this tale until I just couldn't be any more. I found it devoid of anything other than towering self pity, knowingly shocking, lacking in insight. Depressing and boring in equal measure.

Brave and strong woman

What an incredible story. Tragic, heartbreaking and humorous. I loved your narration. Wishing you well Janey.

What an incredible book about survival

Janey is an inspiration to all. If you feel like you can’t do something and need someone to encourage you- This is a book to read. The narrative by Janey is superb. I cannot believe that anyone that has gone through her life and has come out the other end is possible.

What an incredible woman. What a brave woman. Against all odds Janey made it.