about the author

Jo Beth Gray lives in Glasgow

she has an honours degree in psychology

she has struggled with her mental health since the birth of her son

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Copyright (c) Jo Beth Gray 2022

Jo Beth Gray has asserted her right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988

this book is a work of fiction based on the experiences and recollections of the author

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Edited with help from Alan Topping

dedicated to Prince Harry and his mother in hiding, the people’s princess. I want to be known only as the peoples friend…

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speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves

                                            Proverbs 31 verse 8

I am not here for the pleasure of men                                           1

this is my fat, boy                                                                                39

young love                                                                                              40

listen, hard stone. listen hard, stone...                                     54

skin                                                                                                            55 

after 'Antidote' by Luka Lesson                                                     56

two houses                                                                                             57

a pied wagtail                                                                                        58

This book and audio collection was made possible

by the commitment, faith and funding of Wise Women,

in particular Dawn Fyfe, to whom I am extremely grateful.

I would also like to thank Glasgow Women’s Library,

Lapidus Scotland, Open Book, Moira Anderson Foundation,

Survivor Arts and Women’s Creative Company.