Surviving In Stroke City

by Gerry Anderson

Ireland is a divided country. Gerry Anderson broadcasts every day out of Londonderry, and this is his meditation on his world. He is anything but neutral about his life, his country and his work.

211 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Steve lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This appeared on my bookshelves from an unknown source, probably a remainder bin and, although published at the turn of the millennium, its blurb attracted me. As it turned out this was a hilarious memoir. Gerry Anderson is a prominent Irish broadcaster of whom I have lived most of my life in ignorance.
The book is full of the best Irish craic - Guinness guzzling dwarfs, as bass guitarist touring with the the legendary wild man of rock and roll - Ronnie Hawkins, encounters with not so lovely celebrities and seedy lowlife as well as an explanation as to why he was, at one stage, 'the most hated man in Britain'. It was a terrific way to pass some time reading this work. Although his best stories occurred early in the peace, Anderson had me happily chortling throughout. So pour yourself a 'black heaven', set aside an hour or two - at just over two hundred pages it could be 'done' in one sitting - and be prepared to have your ribs tickled.

[Senioreuge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerry Anderson was no mere broadcaster plying his trade in small regional radio station as this memoir demonstrates. Unfortunately todays readers will not get the chance to sample his wit or his insightful throwaways. Gerry brought much to Northern Ireland for an hour and a half each weekday morning, including the "Bogmen". Well woth reading.