*** Memorable Woman Review by Rox Burkey
Author Joy M. Lilley picked a fun way to immortalize a colorful Aunt. Aunt Peggy’s life included surviving WWII, adapting to difficult times, and crossing paths with fascinating people of the times. I loved the nickname Peggoty, in honor of David Copperfield used by Joy and her sister.
I loved the cover, and the photos shared within the pages enhanced the story. The author portrayed Peggy as an independent woman who wasn’t afraid of sharing her opinions. Peggy worked and made the most of each situation and encounter.
I suspect her storytelling ability is responsible for Joy Lilley’s writing goals. I was captivated by the honesty of this family history, especially when I read this segment.
She was sparingly educated in the East End of London and left school at the age of fourteen. Her first job was washing dishes at the famous Pinewood Film Studios in London. Aunt Peggy soon moved up the ladder and became a waitress to the stars.
Naturally, my sister and I were fascinated by the stories she told of those days. She met many stars of the thirties and forties, including John Mills, Margaret Lockwood, Phyllis Calvert, Robert Taylor, Richard Attenborough, and many more.
I now have in my possession, many of their photographs, personally signed to Aunt Peggy. However, they are bequeathed to another family member. There were many juicy tales and gossip of the goings-on in the film studios. Who was seeing who, was a favourite topic and we sat open-mouthed as Aunt Peggy revealed all.
My Aunt Peggy is one of those simple stories where you catch a snapshot of the people within a family who made a difference. The history woven through it reflects the times and how Peggy made the most of her life, her way. I recommend this for readers who like reading real stories about real families. Thank you, Joy, for sharing this treasure.
Joy Lilley is a published author of several novels, several short stories, and has many articles published in magazines. She spent a lifetime as a trained nurse before becoming a writer. This gave her the background for the last book “Times Pendulum Swings Again” a hospital romance that goes badly wrong. Her novel “Strawberry Moon” is set in the Dordogne, France and tells of a young man’s murder. When not writing Joy works as a voice over artist. She also spends time with her large family, the little ones affectionately knowing her as Nanny G. —This title refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
