A Voice Out of Poverty by Jillian Haslem | Book Review ~ $50 Gift Card | #Memoir #Survival #Charity #SocialActivism ~ @GoddessFish @JillianHaslam @Jillian.Haslem
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
A Voice Out of Poverty: The Power to Achieve through Adversity; Updated Edition 2023 by Jillian Haslam Published by Frontpage on March 8, 2023
Genres: Non-fiction, Memoir
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 245
WINNER OF THE MOTHER THERESA MEMORIAL INTERNATIONAL AWARD & THE TRUE LEGEND AWARD FROM THE TELEGRAPH
A Voice Out of Poverty proves how “success” is not just the act of making it through. Rather, it is the act of reaching back to bring others with you. A Voice Out of Poverty traces the remarkable journey of this determined, and compassionate woman as she uses her story and her voice to speak for the poor & powerless.
As a young girl, Jillian Haslam saved a life. Herself tiny and aching from malnutrition, she stood for hours at a tea shop, begging for a ladle of milk to try and prevent her new-born sister from dying. This tenacious act was the first glimmer of a lifelong drive to empower others to rise from adversity.
A Voice Out of Poverty leaves the reader asking how someone so young had the tenacity to overcome so much―and then go back to face it all again in a passionate effort to spare others from the suffering that she endured and witnessed all around her growing up.
Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, Received from the author or publisher for review.
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Excerpt from A Voice Out of Poverty
Oh, come on now Jillu, it’s not that bad!” she said. The brusque tone harkened to how she’d counsel us not to yield to emotion. My mother relentlessly stressed that life could always have been harder. Never make a fuss. Be grateful for what you have, however paltry. Things can be worse.
I wasn’t appeased, and my mother could tell.
“We can get it cleaned up when we get back,” she added, wiping tears from my cheeks with a single thumb. Her other hand was trapped inside the hand of my younger sister, four-year-old Vanessa, who held on as if worried she’d fly away like a released balloon if she let go.
“Anyway, we’re leaving in a few days, and where we’re going is better.” More parental reassurance about greener pastures.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To Mrs. Brown’s. She’s letting us sleep on the floor in her room for a while. It will be crowded but all of us will be together again.”
“You mean Daddy and Donna can go there too?” I asked, my mood brightening. I saw a ghost of a smile emerging on Vanessa’s face as she took it all in. We often lived apart as a family because of our circumstances.
“Yes, but we can only stay for a few weeks, and then we must find somewhere else again. But don’t worry, you know Daddy and I always find us something.”
“Okay,” I said, nodding.
We resumed shuffling down the streets, navigating mass congestion. I turned my head for a long look back at the old woman and her dogs. I felt a surge of empathy for her, alone in wet and dirty clothes, facing each day with the promise of nothing. Soon we’d have a roof over our heads in a family home while she’d continue to fend for herself in the unsympathetic and unforgiving slum streets. She’d continue to get wet and dirty. She’d continue to try to survive each day with no family to love and care for her.
I felt grateful for what I had and prayed that someday she might have the same. As those thoughts flooded me, she gingerly placed sheets of old newspaper on the wet ground to sit on.
The rain fell a little harder.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for A Voice Out of Poverty
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My Thoughts on A Voice Out of Poverty
“A Voice Out of Poverty: The Power to Achieve through Adversity; Updated Edition 2023” by Jillian Haslam is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of empathy and determination. This updated edition of her remarkable memoir takes readers on a heart-wrenching and inspiring journey through the life of a woman who survived the harshest of circumstances and made it her life’s mission to uplift others from the depths of poverty and powerlessness.
One of the central themes of this book is the notion that true success extends beyond personal achievements; it lies in the ability to extend a helping hand to those still struggling. Jillian Haslam embodies this philosophy as she recounts her earliest memories of standing outside a tea shop, desperately begging for milk to save her newborn sister. This act of sheer determination foreshadowed her lifelong commitment to empowering others to rise above adversity.
What strikes the reader the most is Jillian’s indomitable spirit. Her ability to overcome unimaginable obstacles at such a young age is nothing short of astounding. The narrative not only explores her personal struggles but also delves into the challenges faced by British families who remained in India after the country’s independence. The book sheds light on the complex interplay of poverty, gender, and race in shaping the lives of those who were left behind.
“A Voice Out of Poverty” is a rollercoaster of emotions, evoking both tears of heartbreak and tears of inspiration. Jillian’s story is a testament to the human capacity to survive and thrive in the face of overwhelming odds. Her unwavering determination to make a difference in the lives of others serves as a beacon of hope for us all.
This memoir offers deep insights into the human condition, reminding us of the immense value of perseverance and empathy. It’s a story that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the life you have and a renewed belief in the power of one person’s voice to bring about positive change.
In Conclusion
“A Voice Out of Poverty” is an excellent and moving memoir that speaks to the core of what it means to be human. Jillian Haslam’s journey from poverty and despair to triumph and compassion is a story that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. It serves as a reminder that, even in the face of the most daunting challenges, the human spirit can shine brightly and make a lasting impact on the world.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Jillian Haslam
Jillian Haslam was born in 1970 and raised primarily in the slums of Calcutta. Despite the severe devastation of her family’s living circumstances, she completed her education and landed her first major employment as a personal assistant to the CEO at Bank of America in India.
Jillian rose through the ranks, and Bank of America appointed her president of its Charity and Diversity Network in India, where she spearheaded charitable work in four different cities. This led her to receive three philanthropic awards from Bank of America: the Star Recognition Award, the Service Excellence Award, and The Individual Achievement Award.
In 2011, she published the first version of her memoir, Indian. English, which chronicles her life growing up amid dreadful poverty, abuse, and tragedy. The book sold over 150,000 copies, mostly while she was on the speaking circuit. Her story also incited interest from Hollywood and British film directors and producers, leading to the development of a feature film. Learn more about the film project.
Charitable giving became Jillian’s life work. In 2012, she received the first runner-up award for The Asian Woman of the Year in the “Social and Humanitarian” category. In early 2015, The Telegraph of Calcutta presented Jillian with the True Legend award for her exceptional contribution to social and humanitarian causes. In mid-2015, she was recognized as a finalist for the Role Model of the Year award for her work delivering speeches in educational institutes across the UK. In late 2016, she received an award for Excellence in Humanitarianism. And in 2017, she received her greatest accolade, the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award.
Jillian became a speaker in demand and is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). She has delivered several TEDx talks, among other prestigious speaking engagements, on various topics that flow from her life story. Jillian speaks on topics that include entrepreneurialism, the power of the mind, and human resilience.
She has also been featured on various TV networks, including Channel 5 and the BBC, and a wide range of print media, including The Independent, The Pioneer, The Times, The Telegraph, The Metro, Gulf News, and other major media outlets. Jillian’s charitable work continues under the auspices of the Remedia Trust where she oversees several separate charities: Ageing Smiles (for the elderly poor), Happy Hearts (for children), Empowering Girls (for teaching various workable skills), India’s Disabled (for building a mobile medical unit), E3 Growth (focused on education, employment, and employability), and the Mother Teresa Project (for women and single mothers).
Jillian currently lives in London with her husband.
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What Others Are Saying About A Voice Out of Poverty
Jillian’s story of a poor Anglo-Indian family struggling to exist in the slums of Calcutta shows the power of love and goodness. In the book, she recalls the generosity of the local people, such as the tea shop owner who gave milk to her sick baby sister. The trials of her life taught her resilience and mental strength, but kindness gave her hope for the future. I am a great believer in kindness, and Jillian is an inspiration and example to us all. Sarah, Duchess of York
It is no Cinderella story, but rather emphasizes hard work and sheer courage. Poverty, gender, and race are at the forefront of our problems―and indeed, problems worldwide. Shachi Amdekar President, Cambridge University Intnl. Dev. Society, UK
This is a deeply affecting, harrowing story that will remain locked in readers’ memories. Haslam’s delicate, descriptive writing style captures even her most distressing moments. Drawing on her talent as a motivational speaker, Haslam delivers succinct words that have the power to both inspire and offer hope: “Light can come from darkness. My family’s pain is not the entire tale.” The author has lived an extraordinary life—her odyssey, which is skilfully recalled here, will unnerve, move, and inspire readers in equal measure. Kirkus Review (starred review)
A Voice out of Poverty is riveting and essential reading. It authentically lifts the silence that hangs over the lives of the poor and the severe challenges and stigmas faced by British families who stayed in India after India’s independence. Jillian Haslam’s harrowing account is full of deep insight about the crushing ways in which gender discrimination, class, corruption, and injustice shape possibility. And yet, we are lifted by Haslam’s triumph when she forges the opportunity to succeed—only to bring others with her. Joanna Lumley, actress, TV producer, activist
Jillian Haslam’s inspirational memoir, A Voice out of Poverty, is a coming of age story of courage, survival and inner strength which illuminates the human condition in all its squalor and glory. Vikas Swarup, writer of Slumdog Millionaire (Q & A)
Enormously compelling … like something out of Dickens, yet true. It has the power to move with an epic sweep, yet it is intensely personal. It is tailor-made for the cinema and I cannot think of a more worthy project to make happen! Jack Sholder, Hollywood Film Director, Nightmare on Elm Street II
Jillian Haslam’s story is one of the most harrowing and triumphant I have ever read. Just when you think things couldn’t get any more tragic, it does. One hardship after another, this woman had the fortitude to not just persevere but to create a new standard of what it means to give back. Her stirring spirit is a beacon of much-needed light in today’s world. Sheetal Sheth, actress, producer, author, activist
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Easy Amazon Info Link
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Giveaway!
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for A Voice Out of Poverty
Full Tour Schedule:
September 18: Gina Rae Mitchell
September 18: Novels Alive
September 25: The Reading Addict
October 2: Fabulous and Brunette
October 2: The Faerie Review
October 9: Travel the ages
October 9: The Avid Reader
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Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour Host
This sounds like a great book deff added to my tbr!
If you could choose any time and place in history to live for a day, where and when would it be, and why?
I’m ‘Inspired’ by your courage.
It is wonderful that Jillian is telling her story to help others.
When you were a child, did you have a favorite teacher?
What an inspiring book!
I make such an effort to only write 1 comment for book blogger review page. How many times can someone write the word ‘inspiring’? All this for the $50.00 prize? Why should people bother writing comments for another extra entry, when you can write one word? Repeatedly. It doesn’t seem fair. And these are the people that always win.
That seems to be a problem, doesn’t it Audrey. I wish I had a solution for you. Maybe watch my site for when I run my own raffles? The one word commenters never post on those. Lol
A Voice Out Of Poverty is a fascinating coming of age story.
This book would be a great addition to a high school library.
This book will be an inspiration to those in less than perfect circumstances.
I am sure that Jillian’s amazing story will inspire every reader!
The book sounds very interesting. Thanks!
Did you have anyone who inspired you as a child?
I would like to read this memoir.
Voice Out of Poverty would be an inspiring book to share with others.
inspiring
This sounds like a book that I really want to read.
Great excerpt and giveaway. 🙂
This sounds like a very inspiring story that I would enjoy reading!
I liked the excerpt.
We appreciate you reviewing this book today! Thank you.