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The Boy in the Boat #1
The Boy in the Boat
If you're looking for one of the most thrilling memoirs of the year make sure you read 'The Boy in the Boat'. This is a totally engrossing, real life thriller that reads more like fiction than fact. A compulsive page turner that will have you burning the midnight oil. Brian O'Raleigh never knew why his family fled Ireland but he learned early to escape his father's demonic rages by slipping away from the Alexandra Private Hotel to the beach and the Kathleen R, the fishing boat that was to become his refuge and sanctuary. At the age of 18, in trouble with the law himself, Brian leaves England for Australia seeking to overcome a growing dependency on alcohol and the damage it was wreaking on the lives of those he loves. In a style that is both raw and compelling, The Boy in the Boat tells the riveting story of Brian's childhood, his triumph over alcoholism, his inspirational journey towards recovery, and eventually to the profound revelation that he was moulded and shaped during his childhood years for the meaning and purpose of his life. This is a truly engrossing memoir. Read what the leadings critics said about this book.
The Australian Irish Echo: “O'Raleigh is a convincing writer and this book deserves ranking with 'Angela's Ashes'. He mixes dialog, narrative and reflection in a story that is always engrossing, often scary and sometimes funny.”
Australian Woman's Day. "From raw and compelling prose a moving portrait emerges of Brian. From cowed child to fierce rebel and finally to an adult battling his own inner demons. This is a finely crafted memoir".
Australian New Idea: "Brian is no angel. He's an infuriating drunk and an irresponsible brute; which is why this story of ultimate redemption is so powerful."
Review. Ballarat Courier. In this searingly honest memoir O'Raleigh chronicles the abuse that would leave him scarred for life. The fact that he can now write about his tumultuous origins, given over to crime, drugs and alcohol, must mean that he has at last conquered his own inner demons. This is an engrossing read."
Amazon 5 Star Review.
By Tina Beana January 28, 2015
"It takes a special kind of courage to tell the world about all the mistakes you've made, about years of emotional and physical abuse by a parent, decades of alcoholism, pulling no punches, but that's exactly what Brian O'Raleigh has done in this memoir. Yes, it was a difficult book to read on many levels, it's not easy for a reader to watch a character sink further and further into an addiction, to see them lose everything at one point. But this man succeeded in turning his life around! He tells a dramatic and compelling true life story that reads more like fiction than fact.
The Australian Irish Echo: “O'Raleigh is a convincing writer and this book deserves ranking with 'Angela's Ashes'. He mixes dialog, narrative and reflection in a story that is always engrossing, often scary and sometimes funny.”
Australian Woman's Day. "From raw and compelling prose a moving portrait emerges of Brian. From cowed child to fierce rebel and finally to an adult battling his own inner demons. This is a finely crafted memoir".
Australian New Idea: "Brian is no angel. He's an infuriating drunk and an irresponsible brute; which is why this story of ultimate redemption is so powerful."
Review. Ballarat Courier. In this searingly honest memoir O'Raleigh chronicles the abuse that would leave him scarred for life. The fact that he can now write about his tumultuous origins, given over to crime, drugs and alcohol, must mean that he has at last conquered his own inner demons. This is an engrossing read."
Amazon 5 Star Review.
By Tina Beana January 28, 2015
"It takes a special kind of courage to tell the world about all the mistakes you've made, about years of emotional and physical abuse by a parent, decades of alcoholism, pulling no punches, but that's exactly what Brian O'Raleigh has done in this memoir. Yes, it was a difficult book to read on many levels, it's not easy for a reader to watch a character sink further and further into an addiction, to see them lose everything at one point. But this man succeeded in turning his life around! He tells a dramatic and compelling true life story that reads more like fiction than fact.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
419 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2003
91 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
O'Raleigh Brian
2 books29 followersBrian O’Raleigh was born into an Irish family in 1941 in the English seaside resort town of Blackpool. He attended St Joseph’s College, Lytham, until the age of 14 when he was expelled for fighting with a Christian brother. At the age of eighteen, accused of being involved in an IRA threat on Blackpool Tower, he emigrated to Australia, just a few steps ahead of English justice. Arriving in Sydney he worked at a dozen different occupations including, salesman, construction worker, driver, bulldozer operator, factory worker, steel fixer, security, trade union official and nightclub bouncer. After his first wife, Jean, left him with their daughter, Kathleen, he realized that his drinking was out of control and volunteered for the 6-Day-War in Israel in a desperate attempt to do something decent with his life. He met his second wife, Carol, in Tel Aviv, and for a little while, he managed to control his drinking. But on returning to London a year later, he immediately became involved in nightclub life of ‘The Swinging Sixties’, and, as his alcoholism progressed, became more involved in crime and the associated violence. A year later, after launching a gang assault on the Earls Court police station, in a failed attempt to free a friend, he was forced to flee England once again, and, with police alerts at all International Airports in the UK, he managed to bribe the skipper of a small, French fishing boat to take him to Calais. Carol met up with him a week later and together they journeyed through France, Germany, Austria, Belgrade, Bulgaria, Turkey, crossing the Bosphorus at Istanbul, before traveling through Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, through the Khyber Pass to Pakistan and then on into India, before arriving back in Australia broke, disillusioned and angry.
A year later, still running from his demons, Brian and his wife began building a deep sea sailing boat hoping that this would set him free from the alcoholism he had so despised in his father. But after 4 years of frustration and failed promises and, with Carol about to leave him, he realized one day that the boat would never be completed and he suffered a major collapse and became suicidal. This proved to be the catalyst that began his recovery.
After joining an alcoholic rehabilitation program, Brian never took another drink.
He began writing in 2005 and his first book, ‘The Boy in the Boat’ was widely acclaimed by the Irish and Australian Press. His second work: The Storyteller of Inis Mór, a modern day mystery set on the Irish island of Inis Mor, was lauded by Frank O'Shea, literary critic for The Australian Irish Echo: "Brian O’Raleigh’s new book: The Storyteller of Inis Mor, reminds one of the great Irish writers such as Sean O’Faolain and Benedict Kiely”.
Brian and his wife have lived for the past eight years on the Island of Bali, Indonesia, where he continues to write.
A year later, still running from his demons, Brian and his wife began building a deep sea sailing boat hoping that this would set him free from the alcoholism he had so despised in his father. But after 4 years of frustration and failed promises and, with Carol about to leave him, he realized one day that the boat would never be completed and he suffered a major collapse and became suicidal. This proved to be the catalyst that began his recovery.
After joining an alcoholic rehabilitation program, Brian never took another drink.
He began writing in 2005 and his first book, ‘The Boy in the Boat’ was widely acclaimed by the Irish and Australian Press. His second work: The Storyteller of Inis Mór, a modern day mystery set on the Irish island of Inis Mor, was lauded by Frank O'Shea, literary critic for The Australian Irish Echo: "Brian O’Raleigh’s new book: The Storyteller of Inis Mor, reminds one of the great Irish writers such as Sean O’Faolain and Benedict Kiely”.
Brian and his wife have lived for the past eight years on the Island of Bali, Indonesia, where he continues to write.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 4, 2015
Brian O'Raleigh is a storyteller no doubt. He has a gift with words. “The Boy in the Boat” is the second book I have read by this Irish born author and his writing is eloquent and flows smoothly. The kind of story I can best enjoy curled up in the bed or in front of a fire.
In “The Boy in the Boat” O'Raleigh descriptions paint vivid pictures of what otherwise could be dull boring syntax. He engages many of the reader's senses. For example as a young boy during an interview with the headmaster of a school O'Raleigh writes:
“I could feel my heart dying, the place felt stifling; dark green walls and doors, pictures of the bleeding heart of Jesus and status of the Holy Virgin Mary, black frocked, unsmiling men; the stale smell of dusty floorboards and old chalk."
The story takes the reader on a journey with the writer from boyhood to manhood and a fishing boat the “Kathleen R” his refuge from desolate times in the hotel that his mother and father ran to sometimes worse times through life's troubles.
A story that will capture your heart and have you on your own soul-searching mission.
In “The Boy in the Boat” O'Raleigh descriptions paint vivid pictures of what otherwise could be dull boring syntax. He engages many of the reader's senses. For example as a young boy during an interview with the headmaster of a school O'Raleigh writes:
“I could feel my heart dying, the place felt stifling; dark green walls and doors, pictures of the bleeding heart of Jesus and status of the Holy Virgin Mary, black frocked, unsmiling men; the stale smell of dusty floorboards and old chalk."
The story takes the reader on a journey with the writer from boyhood to manhood and a fishing boat the “Kathleen R” his refuge from desolate times in the hotel that his mother and father ran to sometimes worse times through life's troubles.
A story that will capture your heart and have you on your own soul-searching mission.
October 22, 2015
This book was okay overall. The author is a great person. He went through several challenges and made it through all of them. His father was an abusive guy similar to mine and his school teachers were all child beaters just like mine. Where he chose to fight I chose to become really quiet in real life.
This is a wonderful tale of struggle of the author but unfortunately in terms of writing it's very triggering. I had to wade in through 68% of the book and each time I sat down to read I felt very intense pangs of anger. I think that this book is written in a colored language. It would have been more easier to read if I didn't have similar childhood issues like the author had. I had to drop this book unfortunately at the 68% mark because it's too triggering for me and it's causing me problems in the real life. Nevertheless, this is a very great man, someone strong and courageous who went through a lot of harshness in life. It doesn't matter how "popular" or "model-like-perfect" he became in the end. He was complete enough to live through it all and gets bonus stars for being strong enough to write this book.
May he always have a peaceful life.
This is a wonderful tale of struggle of the author but unfortunately in terms of writing it's very triggering. I had to wade in through 68% of the book and each time I sat down to read I felt very intense pangs of anger. I think that this book is written in a colored language. It would have been more easier to read if I didn't have similar childhood issues like the author had. I had to drop this book unfortunately at the 68% mark because it's too triggering for me and it's causing me problems in the real life. Nevertheless, this is a very great man, someone strong and courageous who went through a lot of harshness in life. It doesn't matter how "popular" or "model-like-perfect" he became in the end. He was complete enough to live through it all and gets bonus stars for being strong enough to write this book.
May he always have a peaceful life.
February 18, 2014
Thought provoking.
Thought provoking.
Family dynamics in a household with drunken, abusive parents can have divesting effects on childern. This is a story of the struggle to overcome the inherited addictive tendencies and the emotional damage inflicted by the parents.
Thought provoking.
Family dynamics in a household with drunken, abusive parents can have divesting effects on childern. This is a story of the struggle to overcome the inherited addictive tendencies and the emotional damage inflicted by the parents.
June 8, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/dorado-30-fo...
https://numberoneboats.com/dorado-30-...
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
April 19, 2022
The Boy in the Boat was emotional and raw, it was written with such force that I felt I was experiencing Brian’s journey. It was devastatingly heartbreaking, yet beautiful and optimistic as Brian worked through his demons. I was holding back tears both from laughing and crying. His life experiences are fascinating. The author is incredibly talented, I’m going to read Waking Walter, the sequel next!
April 25, 2018
This autobiography was rambling and long winded but it got there in the end. Brian O'Raleigh has lived a very colourful life and overcame some great challenges. I was impressed with how he addressed difficult topics head on, particularly the candid descriptions of his experiences with abuse and alcoholism.
October 30, 2017
Agonizing to read but so compelling at the same time. Truly sad story and the sadness stretches on for so long until the very end when things turn around a bit. At the same time of all the sadness there is humor weaved in, in true Irish form.
Beautiful writing and achingly honest.
Beautiful writing and achingly honest.
October 28, 2017
Boy in the boat
Loved the story, very honest but run together words are aggravating. Hard to imagine the author survived. God had bigger plans!
Loved the story, very honest but run together words are aggravating. Hard to imagine the author survived. God had bigger plans!
October 15, 2016
I enjoyed this book immensely.
My ancestors and my husband's are both from Ireland.
We finally got a honeymoon after 22 years and spent a week there.
I read everything I see on Ireland and this book was outstanding.
Helped me understand my husband's life by reading memoirs of someone that had also lived with a father who was an alcoholic.
Thank you
My ancestors and my husband's are both from Ireland.
We finally got a honeymoon after 22 years and spent a week there.
I read everything I see on Ireland and this book was outstanding.
Helped me understand my husband's life by reading memoirs of someone that had also lived with a father who was an alcoholic.
Thank you
October 26, 2015
A raw accounting of Brian O'Raleigh's abusive childhood at the hands of his father and the Catholic priests that were supposed to be teaching him. This was a brutally honest book and I have to say that I did not like Mr. O'Raleigh for the greater part of his adult life. As a child, I felt for him as I grew up in an abusive home myself. While my childhood dysfunction was not due to alcoholism, I knew all to well the fear, hatred and lack of control one feels as a child in this situation. However, what was so sad is Mr. O'Raleigh grew up to be his father, nothing more than a drunk and in a constant state of fights and brawls with no sense or morality, responsibility or conscious. It wasn't until the last 20% or so of the book does he start to redeem himself and you finally see a man form out of his totally wasted life. There are some editing errors, but not as overwhelming as some books I've read. Mr. O'Raleigh is a descriptive writer that paints a vivid picture of the events that shaped his life. I will probably purchase the second book in his life story to see if he ever is able to build a relationship with his first two children.
December 16, 2013
This is about an Irish guy with an extreme drinking problem, who had an abusive father with a drinking problem. It is actually pretty well written, and takes you back to his childhood in England, later traveling around Australia and England, and includes a few chapters on a sailing adventure. It does become rather frustrating reading about his repeated episodes of "quitting drinking", stopping to have just one beer after work and ending up blacking out at 4 am, and then denial that he has a drinking problem. Over and over. This goes on for years, affecting 2 marriages. I felt like I was looking at some of my acquaintances and hope they finally realize they do need help.
July 27, 2016
had no idea when I started the book that it was a memoir. It reads line fiction and now the I know it is a true story, I find it very sad what his childhood was like, looking forward to reading what happens after age 15 in a few more pages.
Wow I can't believe that this man survived his youth and adulthood. It is so hard to read about someone's troubles with alcohol but I am so happy he survived it and created a happy life for himself. The writing was vivid and felt like I was there witnessing his troubles and triumphs. I really hope that he found a way to have a relationship with his daughters and Jean finally forgave him.
Wow I can't believe that this man survived his youth and adulthood. It is so hard to read about someone's troubles with alcohol but I am so happy he survived it and created a happy life for himself. The writing was vivid and felt like I was there witnessing his troubles and triumphs. I really hope that he found a way to have a relationship with his daughters and Jean finally forgave him.
April 14, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I feel as though the author really unleashed himself in this one and told everything that he wanted to say. I'm not sure entirely if this was autobiographical, but it had that feel about it. Brian goes through many tough times in his life, when it feels as though the world is crashing down on him. He has an abusive father and later turns to alcohol to release his pain. It's interesting to see Brian fighting for his life and going through these difficult stages. It's a remarkable story with such beautiful heart put into it. I would recommend this one.
October 1, 2016
I enjoyed this book, and it's probably close to a four star rating. I was more than half way through this book before I realized it is a memoir (on kindle, I never see the title after I begin reading)...I thought it was a wonderful piece of fiction. This is the story of a young English boy (born to Irish parents) who has a rough childhood and then falls into the fate of so many Irish--the bottle!
Well written, fairly dark, but truly inspirational.
Well written, fairly dark, but truly inspirational.
November 19, 2015
"The Boy in the Boat", by Brian O'Raleigh, is a fascinating memoir of the upbringing and life of an Irish boy deeply rooted in anger, abuse, and alcohol. The story spans several decades, following the life of Brian O'Raleigh spent running from himself and the law, travel spanning from England to Australia. It was hard to put down once I started reading.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
February 11, 2016
Nobody is perfect, be it parents or child, Brian seemed to lead a lot more of an enraged life style than his father, drink and violence followed him no matter how hard he tries not to be like his father. It takes Brian some years to admit he needs help and stick with it, it takes a lot for many to admit they need to change. I stuck with this book, and I'm glad I did. Looking to read the sequel.
May 23, 2016
A beautiful story about courage, persistence and overcoming the adversities. Individual personalities are strong and it's not easy to learn how to work as a team. Rowing demands that of this crew. It's interesting to see how these individuals slowly meld into one dynamic, unstoppable force that is victorious at the 1936 Olympics in Germany.
July 1, 2016
This is the authors story from abused,to abuser to redeemed Sometimes the memories are raw and graphic but the authors controlled yet sometimes lilting writing style allows the reader to stay connected emotionally to Brian both as a young boy and as a grown man.
I am just surprised he lived long enough to write it!
I am just surprised he lived long enough to write it!
August 8, 2016
I enjoyed this book -- almost as much as "Angela's Ashes" (F. McCourt). The writing style is very similar -- I didn't feel that I was reading a memoir, more like a novel. Some similarities between the two authors' lives, but also some major differences. Thoroughly enjoyed. Looking for the sequel now!
March 2, 2014
Good read. The insight to living in Washington State during that time period was interesting. Even though you knew what the outcome was, the way the story was told added some suspense and it was hard to put down.
Read
July 7, 2016It took me forever to read this book. This does not reflect the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed learning more about rowing which has always been a sport I have wished to learn how to do.
August 2, 2013
Not to be confused with "The Boys in the Boat".
This one is about an alcoholic.
This one is about an alcoholic.
November 10, 2022
Amazing insight to a beautiful sport and miraculous come from behind finish. Well written , edge of the seat , cheering for our team.
February 19, 2015
Good read
Enjoyed book. A little long winded. An adventure among the crazed drunken Irish. Not saying all Irish are drunkards. A good read.
Enjoyed book. A little long winded. An adventure among the crazed drunken Irish. Not saying all Irish are drunkards. A good read.
April 24, 2015
Enjoyed reading about Brian's life, particularly as he grew and overcame his anger and other issues. A very worthwhile read.
April 28, 2017
Rarely do I ever not finish a book. I made it through the first half and just lost interest.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews