This story has it all, dark humour, adventures, misadventures, and raw emotions. It starts with a tontine being set up amongst old friends and then turns into a multi layered story about aging, and how true friends stand side by side through adversities of life…and of course some golfing banter.

I liked that the characters felt real from the offset, and loved the banter between the friends, reminded me of the TV series, Still Game. An emotional read at times. A fun, unique and quirky read.

An excellent read (five-star Amazon review)

The alternating chapters are like episodes of The Inbetweeners and Men Behaving Badly.

Golf is just a backdrop to the boozy and amorous adventures of 3 old boys – legends in their own lunchtime.

Their journey may be a a bit “red meat” for some but serious life experiences are covered along the way. Not always with happy endings for our roguish band of brothers.

Includes a meticulous account of the COVID period evoking vivid memories of those extraordinary times.

‘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.’