Somewhere to Lay My Head Ssb

by Robert Douglas

We left Robert a long way from home, a sixteen-year-old recruit in the RAF. Now, we follow his escape from the Forces (until National Service a few years later!), his return to Glasgow and life down the pit. Once more, Robert's fantastic memory for people, places and anecdotes, combined with an ear for individual voices and the brilliant ability to evoke a bygone sense of community, will enchant his readers and sometimes appal them with the brutality of conditions he experienced.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not as poignant and absorbing as the first book - maybe because there was not as much happening during the fifties compared to the war years - this was still a very entertaining read.

I’ll definitely be seeking out the third in this autobiographical trilogy of an ordinary Glasgow guy whose life turns out to be so interesting and who emerges as a highly skilled writer.

[LESLEY HEDISON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop reading couldn't stop laughing

What a brilliant second book to his life story, I laughed so much I cried, he was so real so natural, it reminded me of my brother's army days and leaves, it reminded me of my time in almost the same era ,just a few years ago between us.
What a brilliant either looking forward to the final in this trilogy, well done man, you got some in.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super evocative story written in a very engaging style. Thoroughly enjoyed this being a fellow Glaswegian and recognising many relationships similar to my own experience in particular his relationships with his mother and father. A very interesting life well described. The second I’ve read from the author and equally as good as the first. Recommended!

[Margaret Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great account of young life growing up in Glasgow his relationship with his mother and father is great to read

[JK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realise when I first opened this book that it was actually an autobiography, nor did I realise that it was the second installment of a trilogy. I feel a bit odd now that I've discovered this as I hate reading things in the wrong order. However, I really enjoyed it.

I loved Douglas's writing style - it was really simple, yet somewhat comforting, and it times I almost felt like he was writing directly to me, as if he'd written all this in a letter.

There are some photographs peppered throughout the novel, too. I thought these were a great wee touch. They were mainly of Douglas's friends and family, but there was one in particular of Glasgow in the fifties, and I was mesmerised by it. It's amazing how you can instantly recognise an area you see almost every day, yet it's so different.

This was another reason for enjoying the novel - hearing about a familiar place in an unfamiliar time is something I really love. Douglas's descriptions of post-war Glasgow were gorgeous.

I'm going to try and get a hold of the first and third installments of this trilogy and try to catch up!


46 / 66 books. 70% done!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

robert douglas books are a great read,its about his life as a young child to a grown man in the trilogy of books following his life in the tenaments of glagow in maryhill and how he heard the last of the trams in his area come to a halt, the nostalga is brilliant,theres much more than trams to the books and i laughed lots more than i cryed, i highly recomend these books.

[Bernie Mcquillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the follow on from his 1st edition, night song of the last tram. i enjoyed the humor and how he learns 2 adapt 2 life after the tragedy of his mother dying at such a young age. his time serving in the army and his jobs after had halarious encounters with the other men he served/worked with. really enjoyable

[Linda Mckellar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

So glad I found this author. Books so descriptive and easy to read. Loved hearing about his single life and married life and variety of jobs. His Ma would be so proud of him!!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

True life story, about a man from Glasgow. Interesting read.

[Duncan Maccoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second volume almost as much as the first. Douglas has a easy pleasant story telling style and the reader becomes his friend and companion.

[Seumas Gallacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

splendid continuation from the early life in Glasgow's slum lands.. time for the teenager to get out and flap his wings a bit,... the forces were a natural magnet for this lad,,

[Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant account of growing up, felt as though I was walking in his shoes.