Mikey WalshMikey Walsh was one of the first Romany Gypsies ever to write a book. He grew up living in a caravan on sites across the UK, and had hardly any schooling. He taught himself to read and write, and his first book Gypsy Boy published in 2008 and ecame a Number 1 Bestseller. It sold all over the world and a film is currently being made, based on the book.
Growing up, Mikey seldom mixed with anyone outside his community with its colourful characters and strict family code. And despite its violence and hardships, it was the life that Mikey loved.
His second book, Gypsy Boy on the Run (publishing on July 7th 2011), follows Mikey as he leaves the Gypsy camp, and takes his first steps in to the real - Gorgia - world, to find a place to belong.
After years of moving home, making new friends and losing loved ones, Mikey finally succumbed to staying put eight years ago. London called him and it is the longest time he has ever lived in one place. Now, Mikey works at a nearby primary school and also picks up the formal education he missed out on as a child.
Mikey has had overwhelming support from all over the world since the publication of Gypsy Boy, including Stephen Fry who tweeted, 'It was a revelation. Moving, terrifying, funny and brilliant. I shall never forget it - an amazing achievement'. Attitude magazine called it 'the best memoir since Running with Scissors' and even Dermot O'Leary and Dannii Minogue have reviewed it.
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