The Kid - Kevin Lewis

Where do I begin reviewing “The Kid” by Kevin Lewis? I sat through the first half of the book with my mouth wide open, or that’s how it seemed to me – I’m certain I didn’t or colleagues would have certainly pulled me up on my facial expressions had I done so. It just felt like it at the time!

“The Kid” is a harrowing and sad story of a young lad (Kevin Lewis) growing up in South London in the 1970’s who was abused both mentally and physically, mistreated, and used as a punching bag firstly by his mother Gloria and then by his Elvis loving father Dennis.

I read the first couple of chapters and took a step back allowing myself a momentary pause from the agony of life in Kevin’s world. It made me appreciate the upbringing I had both as a child and young adult. I never wanted for anything, how many people can say that? Certainly not Kevin.

I chose, as I grew a little older not to celebrate birthdays, Kevin on the other hand had no such luxury – he never had the option. I was never abused and although a relatively small family we were lovingly cared for; I thank my parents for that.

As I continued reading, page after page was full of heartache for a young lad lost in a world full of turmoil. Gloria would sit waiting for the postman to deliver her Gyro and then immediately spend it not on the children but herself.

There was never enough food for the kids and they were banned from using the downstairs toilet after dark for fear they would steal what food was available in the fridge. A bucket would be placed on the landing (upstairs) and the children were expected to relieve themselves accordingly. It was inevitable that the children would miss the bucket at some point without the aid of artificial lighting. Gloria never cleaned the house and together with the bed wetting which continued into his teens the house perpetually stank of urine.

Colin Smith, one of Kevin’s teachers, took him under his wing and although never showing any favouritism in class, as soon as the bell rang he always asked him how things were at home. Kevin developed a love for classical music following Colin’s gift of a second hand walkman and a home made tape. One of the tracks on the tape was taken from the four act opera “La Wally” by Alfredo Catalani -   Ebben! Ne andrò lontana, a captivating and soulful aria that is ironic in its translation.

O from my mother’s cheerful house

La Wally is about to go away from you, from you!

Quite far away, and perhaps to you,

And perhaps to you, will never more return,

Nor ever more see you again!

Never again, never again!

I don’t think Kevin was aware of its true meaning. Taking matters in his own hands he selected the aria Ebben! Ne andrò lontana, sat on his bed and attempted suicide.

To accompany the book a feature film will be released on the 17^th September in the UK and stars Rupert Friend (adult Kevin), Natascha Mcelhone (Gloria), Ioan Gruffudd (Colin Smith) and Jodie Whittaker (Jackie). Shot on location in North and South London it took six weeks to shoot with its main location the disused Inglis Brracks in Mill Hill. [I will cover the film in greater details as the release date approaches]

Social services appeared inept, incapable of making the tough decisions and taking the lad out of the abusive home. When a teacher reports bite marks and bruises on a pupil in school, please tell me why it took them two weeks to visit the child and question his parents? It’s just not right and unforgivable.

I was so caught up in this book that every time something good happened to Kevin I continued reading with the expectation that a few pages down the line tragedy would strike.

When he was eventually taken away from the family home after years of abuse his mother’s only thought?

“Does this mean they’ll be stopping his child benefit”?

The second part of the book is far more uplifting and Kevin looks back at how the book was initially published, how he told his wife and family about his abusive past and his fear that he would be guilty of harming his own children. He doesn’t have it all his own way and is thrown a number of curve balls as he strives to care for his young family and move forward.

“The Kid” is without doubt a tail of triumph over adversity, incredibly moving and a harrowing tale of one kid’s struggle against an oppressive mother and father. If you read one book in 2010 I urge you to pick up this one from Kevin Lewis. Buy Now

Published by Penguin on 2nd September 2010

The NSPCC are supporting the UK film release of “The Kid” with a campaign to raise awareness of their helpline for adults who are worried about a child. The NSPCC Helpline number is 0808 500 8000

It’s been a while since Joe Nichols released a studio album (2007 with “Real Things”) but I have to admit it was well worth the wait if “An Old Friend Of Mine” is anything to go by.

Nichols has always been able to deliver an emotional song effortlessly and until I heard this song “I’ll Wait For You”, taken from his 2005 album III and written by Bill Anderson and Harley Allen, was my favourite song. Don’t get me wrong I love most of his songs but I’ll Wait For You had that something special and the two videos that accompanied the two versions were amazing.

Alcohol has played a huge part in his songs but few were aware of his addiction and problems with Alcohol but with the release of his new album Nichols is frank and honest about his problems. He has been sober for over a year and “An Old Friend of Mine” is his emotional storytelling account of his drinking.

It will inevitably strike a chord with people who are struggling with any form of addiction but for me, someone who is fortunate not to suffer from such an addiction, it delivers on all fronts. Emotional, honest and simple. The use of one camera doesn’t detract from the message the video brings and is key to this kind of song. Country songs are famed for a broken truck, a bitter divorce or the dog dying but this track steps up a gear and arguably provides support to those in need.