Susan's Brother

In 1957, at the age of 9, Susan's brother was in an adult unit - a unit treating very seriously ill mental patients. In 1985, Susan's brother took delivery of an Aston Martin DBS V8. The intervening 28 years hold a remarkable story about a man who grew and prospered as a successful engineering professional, but started out as a dyslexic 'slow starter', unwanted by his parents and sister. Set in a Middle England which is recovering from the war, damaged buildings and infrastructure have to be repaired, but also damage people and damaged lives. This is based on a true history, a history that gives hope, a history that demonstrates how simple acts of kindness by friends and neighbours can help someone overcome tremendous handicaps, identity denial and family abuse to become a success both as a person and a parent. There is also a message about those who learn to abuse as children and continue that abuse into adulthood with their own children, and also about those in the extended family who turn a blind eye out of a misplaced sense of family loyalty. This book has some dark moments, but it is a book written to uplift. As it was related to James, by Susan's brother: "I want this book to show that ordinary people, doing ordinary things, can help someone get through the most appalling difficulties. If it wasn't for the Tolhursts, I wouldn't be here today"