Biography
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Peter Carton discovered his Irish family history contained hidden secrets, stretching back 100 years, involving religious prejudice that divided family members; bravery in service with the British Army; a presence at a Dublin massacre; an ambush by the IRA; elopements and hastily arranged marriages and, personal to himself, a startling revelation of the birth and burial of two twins. Together with his older brothers he encountered the, sometimes, rather harsh discipline of a Catholic education before discovering the joy and beauty of the City of Oxford.
This is the story about the author’s parents, Mary and Paddy. Commencing with their own background and lives in the rural counties of Wexford and Carlow, in Southern Ireland, it follows them on their journey, beginning with their momentous and life changing decision in 1958, to emigrate from Ireland. Determined to start a fresh life in England to secure a better future for their eight young children, this is informative of their day-to-day struggles to feed, clothe and educate them all in frequently difficult circumstances that required them to work so long and hard all their lives before the toil and stress eventually took its toll.
On behalf of the author, and his sisters and brothers, this book is written as a tribute and a thank you to them both, for a joyous childhood and a more prosperous adulthood bequeathed to both their children and grandchildren.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
I loved reading Mary and Paddy, Joy Wrapped in Tears, and the journey from a small town in Ireland (Bagenalstown) to beautiful Oxford. So many happy memories but sadly life also brings sad times. Beautifully written and so proud of you and the wonderful memories it has brought back and the good life that Mary (Mum) and Paddy (Dad) gave us children.
I thought I'd write to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your book. It was so very interesting and particularly poignant in parts; re reference to the religious aspects and re reference to St. Aloysious, St Giles, Oxford which became an Oratory which I know quite well. As I had a boyfriend at Exeter College I knew the city quite well and many of the pubs. I also used to stayin Oxford when I was working there in my Helena Rubinstein days and fondly remember the Elliston Cavell store and, of course, it has made me realise I must have many relations in Ireland. It must have been a daunting project to undertake but such a satisfying one. I applaud you, very well done.
I have read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It brought back some lovely memories. I feel lucky to be one of the elder grandchildren and I remember going on the bus to town and walking down the road with Mum, Dad and Lisa. I have fond memories of Great Nan sat at the dining table looking into the garden, Nan always making tea . In summer we would go swimming at Hinksey Pool and grandad would be in the window taking the entrance fee. Good memories. Thank you for taking the time to do all the research and write the book. It's nice to know about our family history.
Peter Carton is a wonderful story teller. He has self published a book in memory of his parents entitled Mary and Paddy - Joy Wrapped in Tears', recounting the story of the brave journey undertaken by them when they emigrated to UK in search of a better life for their young family. Paddy from County Carlow and Mary who hailed from Wexford, took their first steps into the unknown when they and their seven children boarded the ferry to England in November 1958. They settled in Oxford and Peter's meticulous research makes this happy and sometimes sad account of life for the Cartons in the City of Dreaming Spires a great read. Anybody who grew up in swinging 60s' will be familiar with a lot of the events depicted as Peter takes us on his closely knit family's journey over the years. Being a friend of the Carton family greatly added to my interest in the story, but this is a book which will be enjoyed by everybody. It's not alone a lovely tribute to his parents but is also an absorbing and sometimes traumatic account of the life and times of his family over the past 100 years to the present day. - Mikie Carthy, former journalist with the Wexford Echo Newspaper.
What a lovely book. I love the description of the cottage (Kilcorral). I could feel the sadness and loss of Elizabeth. You have totally honoured your mam and dad and the description of your mam back in Curracloe brought a lump to my throat. I absolutely loved your book. I am honoured my grandfather is mentioned in such a lovely way and it's been lovely to get a sense of your mam and the type of lady she was, as I'd heard mentioned over the years, a strong Irish mammy. Well deserved, well done and what an achievement.
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