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‘For anyone who has a complex and diverse, let’s say generally dysfunctional but closely knit family, they will relate to this heartfelt memoir from David G Bailey, where he faithfully recounts the days of his childhood as he weaves his way through his early years, learning much and often understanding little.

His clear and often colourful description of family members and their influences on his life captures life as it once was in the 1960’s when growing up was far different to what it is today. Children had more freedom, more responsibility and were expected to be able to simply get on with it, it being whatever was going on at the time. Aunts, Uncles, cousins and even the neighbours were all part of the community that supported one another through both the good and bad times.

Touching on the sensitive issue of domestic violence between his parents has been delicately handled as is the mental health suffered by his father, a man returned from War carrying injuries that were not visible but equally as destructive.

Captured with clarity throughout the story is the social divide and pride once shown to be ‘working class’ and proud of it. Descriptive use of language captures the Fenlands of East Anglia; the fields, the woods, the mud, the fun, and the imagination all children used when they were out of the reach of adults, playing and enjoying life.

The photographs of family placed throughout the story add a poignancy to a well created and enjoyable look at life through the eyes of a child slowly gathering together the threads of his family.

For anyone reading The Sunny Side of the House and who grew up in those now long gone years, will walk down memory lane with David G Bailey and once again enjoy the good bits and nod with wisdom over ‘behind closed doors’ that was and still is, a part of every family.’

‘a heartfelt, no holds barred recollection/discovery of @dgbaileywriter’s Fenland boyhood in the 1960.
Reading partly like fiction, the author introduces the reader to three generations of his family and friends, that were major influences in his life (for good and bad). Most readers will immediately identify with the importance and secrets of their own parents/grandparents… although remembering names/places is hard to take in at first, the detailed chapters and excellent illustrations/family photos, soon enable the reader to gain a vivid picture of life in the Fenland for David and those around him.

As for many families, there are hidden secrets, skeletons in the cupboard and surprises along the way. The author is not afraid to disclose/confront the many challenging themes in life, including mental illness and domestic violence, but tells his story with sensitivity,
empathy and directness, both from a childhood curious perspective and as adult with the hindsight of wisdom and mature life experience. The narration is a well balanced mix of funny anecdotes, acute observation/reflection, mixed with a degree of family detection… a memoir of family life and living in all its glory, highs and lows, heartache and joy, although this is a deeply personal account for the author, his story will resonate with many readers.’

‘This is my second book by @davidgbaileywriter and I just love the way he writes. Although, I didn’t know anyone in the story, it feels like it’s a relative telling you personal family history. The writing is both simplistic and deep, as are all family stories, there’s a representation of different kinds of love, an element of secrets being kept and only being talked about behind closed doors that leads to some dysfunctional family moments. The humour comes from a boy’s perspective of adult life, I couldn’t help but wonder about how differently we all look back on our childhoods and how our parents may remember it differently.’

‘Life, in general, isn’t a picket fence adventure with a delightfully inspiring family and bountiful chapters of joy and peace. It’s usually a roller coaster ride of trauma, pain and realisations with moments of laughter and snuck in for normality.

It’s a story full of self- deprecation, humour and insightful observations. The magnifying glass observation from above, but in a way that doesn’t sever heads or pass judgement – well perhaps a bit here and there.’

‘I think the memories and photographs would be enjoyed by many local people’

AMAZON 5 STAR REVIEW

‘This book has everything from humour to heartache… not only highly readable and enjoyable but incredibly interesting and poignant. The first thing that drew me in was the writing, more importantly tone. It’s light, even when dealing with hard topics. What I mean is you feel like you are sat down with Bailey while he recounts episodes and memories from his past. Having a good conversation over a meal or drink. It draws you in and you remain captivated throughout.

At times the writing and characters are so vivid you may be forgiven for thinking it is fiction but it is rather a testament for how Bailey can weave a story from his past experiences. Tied to this is the way the author does not shy away from highlighting the dysfunction in his family. Some would no doubt try and sugar coat things but not here. We are shown the complexities of life and often with a touch of dark or light humour.

I simply lost myself in the book and soon a 20 minute reading session turned into several hours. An insightful, touching and most of all genuine read. The Sunny Side of The House shows that side of family and life that is not always picture perfect but still sticks with us.’

‘If you are the same as me and don’t normally read non fiction then don’t let that put you off and pick up your copy of this great book today. I have also previously read David Bailey’s book ‘Them Feltwell Boys’ which I really enjoyed so if you enjoy this book I would also highly recommending picking up a copy of that one too.

This book is an absolutely captivating, eye opening, poignant memoir which explores the complexities of family life and boyhood in the 1960’s… filled with humour, personal history, trauma, family, secrets, heartache, revelations, nostalgia and so much more so grab your copy today, get a drink and get comfortable ready for David to take you back to the 1960’s, transport you to Fenland and tell you his unforgettable tale. David’s stunning emotive and evocative descriptions really brings the past and the characters to life in front of your eyes making the reader feel that they can reach out and touch them… moments when I felt anger, joy, sadness and many more emotions on this roller-coaster ride that is David’s childhood.

David has included over 30 illustrations… fantastic idea and they included his family tree, family photos and other photos from his past. These really helped to bring each and every character to life as you turn the pages… I was completely invested in this storyline, David and the rest of the characters and I just could not put the book down which left me devouring it in one sitting of several hours.

There is not much point in writing a memoir if the truth is dressed up all nicely and David really does open up and give the reader the unsettling truths about his family history. I absolutely love David’s humour, wit and wisdom which is weaved throughout this memoir and it is also very smoothly written. The way that David has told his story made me feel like I was sitting next to him in the kitchen drinking a cup of tea while he told me his story, he has that direct type of storytelling ability throughout. The characters in the book are all fully developed, unique, vibrant and all have their own individual flaws, quirks, strengths and weaknesses and some had me laughing until I had tears streaming down my face while others left me shouting at the pages… every single page had something interesting… truly is an honest and open memoir I carried everywhere with me… definitely looking forward to reading more books by this extremely talented author… a fantastic, fascinating read!’

‘David Bailey’s memoir is so beautifully written that it reads like a coming-of-age work of fiction. I got a real sense of family, community and location. With David’s mum and dad each being one of four siblings the family tree at the start of the book was great for keeping track of who was who and the vivid descriptions of Outwell and its surroundings made it feel as if I’d lived there myself.

Creating imaginary worlds, roaming wild from dawn to dusk, the dreaded free school milk, playground shenanigans and foreign exchange students all evoked a wave of nostalgia for the 1960s.

I really liked how humour was tempered by hardship and how the difficult relationship between David’s parents was captured through the eyes of a child. Descriptions of local characters made me smile and the slow unravelling of the darker side of life behind closed doors was extremely sad and moving.

A slice of social history, the muddy flats and strawberry fields of East Anglia, an extended, working-class family – boyhood memories counterbalanced by later learned facts. A deeply immersive and entertaining read.’

AMAZON 5 STAR REVIEW

‘Having just returned from a summer break in the Fenlands myself, I felt an immediate connection to the setting, which Bailey captures with stunning authenticity. His narrative is filled with vivid characters, both humorous and traumatic, anchoring the story deeply in remembered facts and personal history.

The book explores the complexities of family life, focusing on the dysfunction at the heart of a supportive but troubled household. Bailey’s depiction of his parents, teasingly hinted at as “The Hag and the Head,” blends moments of dark humour with emotional insight. The gripping storytelling pulls you in, making me both laugh and reflect as the boy protagonist grapples with adult challenges and unsettling truths about his parents’ past.

Bailey’s writing is as sharp as it is lyrical, and he doesn’t shy away from the hard realities of family dynamics, offering a poignant, nuanced view of growing up in the Sixties. If you enjoy stories that weave together personal growth, family secrets, and a strong sense of place, Sunny Side of the House is an unforgettable read.

Highly recommended!’

‘Humour heartache joy excitement you name it this book had it! Such a poignant book and highly captivating.’

‘from the first page I was immediately drawn into the wit and wisdom of the author… an emotional rollercoaster ride, one moment I find myself laughing out loud and in the next breath I find my heart aching. It really is a lovely book, of growing up in the 1960s and then navigating through life.’

‘This book takes you through the author’s perspective, shifting between boyhood and the realities of a complex family life with the drama, trauma and love that comes with that, with his own flavour of whimsy. He learns things about his family, his parents and their lives, that he has to navigate… sharp, blunt and also witty (there are some real laugh out loud moments as well as some harder parts which he handles sensitively but still make you hold your breath for a moment)… I have never been to the Fens, or Fenlands, but this book does bring them to life, and makes you feel like you understand life as the author saw it writing this book. It’s gripping and funny, but also real.’

‘This is a lovely memoir… well written full of facts… wit and humour as well.’

‘The Sunny Side of the House is David Bailey’s very personal story. Its rich detail and colourful and vivid characters really tug at your heartstrings. Even if you are unfamiliar with the location depicted throughout the novel, you can guarantee that by the end of it, you will feel like you have been there in person and not just read about it. If you enjoy books that balance tough subjects with perfectly placed humour and make you feel many emotions as you read, this is one you need to read.’

‘The author’s candid portrayal of grief, joy, resilience, and reconciliation makes for an emotionally charged and thought-provoking read. While there were moments that were difficult/triggering to read, I appreciate the author’s honesty in not shying away from the more challenging aspects of his experiences.

The book also includes some surprising developments that made me pause and re-read certain pages.
I don’t want to tease a spoiler…but, I gasped out loud 3 times!
The recurring metaphor of the “Sunny Side” is thoughtfully woven throughout the narrative, offering unexpected twists and a balance between light and dark themes.

Bailey’s skillful portrayal of emotions and the vivid descriptions of the setting made the story deeply relatable and immersive. Even though I’m not familiar with the geographical area depicted in the book, the detailed landscape descriptions made me feel like I had personally experienced it. I could almost smell the chips and woodsmoke. Additionally, the book provided me with a newfound appreciation for the growth cycle of strawberries!’

AMAZON 5 STAR REVIEW

‘A personal childhood history but with some thought-provoking themes and an element of suspense. Evokes life in the Fens in a bygone age.’

‘The story is beautifully paced, shaped and controlled. Even with a cast of thousands, I managed to work out who was who and I really wasn’t expecting the revelations of the last chapter, congratulations for unveiling it so poignantly yet providing the answer to the puzzle that underlies most of the volume.’

AMAZON 5 STAR REVIEW

‘This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by him. The author’s writing is beautiful and the pacing was just right. Even though there was some sensitive subjects in the book, the author handled these with care. This was such a beautiful book, I highly recommend it to other readers.’