This Heart Within Me Burns: Crissy Rock; from Bedlam to Benidorm

by Crissy Rock, Ken Loach (Foreword)

Best known for her role in cult comedy TV hit Benidorm, and for playing Maggie Conlon in Ken Loach's remarkable film Ladybird Ladybird, Crissy Rock is a hugely popular actress and comedienne. But Crissy's path to success was far from easy and her life has been plagued by trauma and turmoil. Never has there been a more honest and disturbing biography ever written; never has there been so much to tell. Born and bred in the backstreets of Liverpool, Crissy Rock's poor but idyllic young life was plunged into darkness at the age of eight, when her grandfather began to abuse her both physically and sexually. Pregnant and married to a violent bully at sixteen it seemed that trouble and turmoil would always stalk her. Having finally escaped her violent marriage, Crissy began to turn her life around. Crissy tells of her first experiences as a performer when a friend bet her that she wouldn't enter a stand-up competition—she ended up being runner up in the north west

Genres: Autobiography

264 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing book. I bought it because of the reviews on other websites and because of word of mouth. Crissy has had an absolutely eventful life that it sounds like something from a dark British film or a soap opera but it isn't, it's her actual life.

I didn't know much about her other than that she was the loud mouth scouser off Benidorm, so the whole book was a real shock to me and it was great to read about her overcoming what she has been through in her life. So different to most celeb autobiographies. A must read book.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

To watch Crissy in Benidorm, you would never conceive that she has had such a traumatic life. Couldn't put the book down.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about an amazing woman, felt like jumping in and giving her a massive hug. Read this in about a day, it was that good!!!

[Kerrydevine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, amazing, a survivor and a very funny woman!! Crissy Rock is fab.

[Elviey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book on this remarkable lady Crissy had her ups and downs but made it in the end.

[Peter Wyllie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The diamond hidden in the rock

An honest and moving account of her life -- the life of someone who didn't just survive but overcame and won!

Don't expect a work of literary excellence but simply a moving story that will move you to tears and make you smile in equal measure

Thank you for writing it Crissy

[Michele Brooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a book on Benidorm and this came up in the search results. Having watched the Benidorm box set recently, although not quite what I was looking for, I was interested to read about Crissy Rock, one of the main characters in the early series. A true tale of triumph over adversity- of struggling through thick and thin and coming out on top.

[Tracey Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would read this. I’m not particularly fond of autobiographical writing. However, after seeing Chrissy Rock on stage, I thought I’d find out what led her on this path. What an eye opener of a book. A tragic life on many levels , yet one strong lady. Well worth a read.

[Emma L.J · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been years since I read an autobiography a customer at work suggested I read it and I did .crissy rock you are an incredibly strong woman for everything life that’s threw at you you are still standing. A truly amazing book honest and very raw.

[christine glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This is a great book to read,I couldn't put it down! Well written, Crissy went through some terrible times, put she pulled through it all, good on her!! I give it 5 stars coz it's a really good read.

[amanda wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, an honest account of what must have been very difficult times for Chrissy. She’s clearly an amazing, strong lady. I’ve seen her many times in Benidorm and am always touched by the time she has to talk to others.

[rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, goes into great detail of her personal life and what she went through as a child, could really relate to this book, what a remarkable woman she is

[Nicola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

I love the honesty from Chrissy, what an inspiration she is. I read this book because I like Chrissy Rock, never realised the rubbish time she’d had x

[Nicola Louise]

Loved this book she has had a very interesting life..

[GILLIAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just totally wow. This woman as go exthrough hell and still keeps smiling.

[Carol J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. Crissy shows that no matter how bad a life you have, you can make it better yourself. This woman is truly inspirational. When you are watching her in Benidorm, or doing her stand up, no one can imagine what she has been through.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what an eye opener. I wouldnt have thought Crissy had gone through such traumatic events to see her now. shes come a long away! i would recommend this book.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read couldn't put it down Very sad tragic life explains her tough approach to life and close to the knuckle humour

[Ailsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best from the heart book I have read in along time. Very few books make me cry and also laugh out loud. Crissy went through some really though times in her life and came out the other side.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having expected a good giggle, this book was actually quite grim in places. However, there was still a good bit of Scouse humour and heart warming tales.