Item: Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman: Innocence
Author: Gina

Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman by James B Hansom is part one the story of a life. A life with ups, downs, joy, pain, struggles with mental health, redemption, and family. James lays bare not only his life but also his soul for you in part one of “Memoirs of a 29th Century Gentleman.”

Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman by James B Hansom | Book Promo

Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman: Innocence by James B. Hansom
Series: Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman #1
Published by Valdivia Books on 06/08/2020
Genres: Autobiographical Fiction, Fiction, Memoir
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 135

Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman:
Recounting his journey over the years, from a little village in England to the deserts of the Middle East, private boarding schools to children’s care homes, world-wide trade oil tankers to a 19th Century tall ship, working as an escort to setting up an accountancy firm, James’ story is honest and compelling.

Explaining how each chapter of his life shaped him, James discusses in a frank and open manner his struggle with bipolar disorder, and how he was able to survive an early childhood of neglect, deciding at the age of nine to take some semblance of control, to his search for a family to love.

Taking a philosophical approach to life’s twists and turns, James retells of his experience of travel, love, family, business and adventure. Explaining how his childhood experiences affected his approach to life in later years, his struggle with mental health issues of bi-polar mania and depression and how, over the years, society’s own views on the subject changed to include a more open and honest acceptance for people to begin to try to better understand.

Analysing how an understanding of history can help see the present through clearer eyes in order to better prepare for the future; James shares his own take on humanity’s long journey through time and space to give those who have an interest in the next generations a warning of what to expect if the opportunity to make immediate changes is not taken.

Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman is not only a tale of adventure, family, childhood, and travel but a thesis on humanity and how lessons forgotten through the distraction of social media may lead to the repetition of failures of the last fifty years in the dawn of this new 21st Century.

Conversing directly with the reader, James takes you on a journey of a lifetime, initially titled ‘Extracts from a Hell of a Life’, using humour and charm, James is able to give an experience of joy, sorrow, heartache, and hope, unique in its style and delivery.

James B. Hansom, born in 1976, lives with his wife and daughter in Warwickshire, England. Written under a pseudonym, Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman is the first published work under that name.

James champions the use of creative writing as a therapeutic way for people struggling with their past to find peace, helping first-time Authors to publish and turn their experiences into a useful tool for the future.

Buy on Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Source: Amazon Purchase

********************

Memoirs of a 20th Century G...Shop on Amazon eBook Memoirs of a 20th Century G...Shop on Amazon Paperback

********************

My thoughts on Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman by James B Hansom:

This fictional memoir has a unique style. The author is speaking to the reader throughout the book. It’s like having an unknown gentleman bare his soul to you over tea. By the end of the story, you see what made him the person he is today. You find snippets of his life are familiar in your life. Will his story help you with your journey? Only if you are truthful with yourself.

Many passages are difficult to read, but I understand the need to include them in this book. The excerpts of early trials with James’ parents were heart-rending, but I believe all too common of an occurrence.

Part One: Innocence covers the early years of James’ life, which set him on the winding path of his life. He portrays himself in a glaring light of truth, good and bad. This section ends as James wraps up his early years of world travel. He learned so many valuable life lessons much earlier than many other youngsters.

The author includes a bit of Q&A explaining why this book is shorter than the next will be, as well as his writing process. I found that entertaining as well. He stated that keeping his writing brutally honest and open was difficult. He needed a break before tackling the next section. I find as the reader; I can use a break too. We aren’t usually privy to this type of honesty.

Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman by James B Hansom | Book Promo & Review

About James B Hansom

James B. Hansom, born in 1976, lives with his wife and daughter in Warwickshire, England. Written under a pseudonym, Memoirs of a 20th Century Gentleman is the first published work under that name.

James came out of mainstream education at sixteen, having attended over ten schools, to become the youngest navigation & communications maritime officer in Chevron working on 35,000 - 350,000 tonne oil tankers, then yachts, and later running a 19th Century tall ship competing in various events such as The Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race inviting young people to enjoy the experience of a lifetime. After helping young people train in accounting, James developed and ran an apprenticeship programme, a stark contrast to his days as an escort; James’ story is an adventure, both honest and compelling.

James, now working as an Author, champions the use of creative writing as a therapeutic way for people struggling with their past to find peace, helping first-time Authors to publish and turn their experiences into a useful tool for the future.

Website