Handstands in the Dark

By: Janey Godley

Narrated by: Janey Godley

THE MOVING AND HONEST MEMOIR OF SURVIVAL FROM JANEY GODLEY: 'AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE' - BILLY CONNOLLY

'An inspirational book - DAILY MAIL

'A harrowing memoir . . . Unlike a lot of comics she's brave and honest enough to reveal her innermost emotions, and it's this sincerity that gives her streetwise revelations such bite' - GUARDIAN

'Genuinely compelling and very brave' - GLASGOW HERALD

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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 1980s, 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

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 and very relatable.

Excellent and very relatable.
I grew up in the West End but had family both in East End and South side of Glasgow with similar struggle. Tough life Janey, you’re amazing, with the strength of elephants to get you where you are.

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.