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Broken Greek
- Narrated by: Pete Paphides
- Length: 18 hrs and 47 mins
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Broken Greek
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Summary
Do you sometimes feel like the music you're hearing is explaining your life to you?
When Pete's parents moved from Cyprus to Birmingham in the 1960s in the hope of a better life, they had no money and only a little bit of English. They opened a fish-and-chip shop in Acocks Green. The Great Western Fish Bar is where Pete learned about coin-operated machines, male banter and Britishness.
Shy and introverted, Pete stopped speaking from age four to seven and found refuge instead in the bittersweet embrace of pop songs, thanks to Top of the Pops and Dial-a-Disc. From Brotherhood of Man to UB40, from Abba to The Police, music provided the safety net he needed to protect him from the tensions of his home life. It also helped him navigate his way around the challenges surrounding school, friendships and phobias such as visits to the barber, standing near tall buildings and Rod Hull and Emu.
With every passing year, his guilty secret became more horrifying to him: his parents were Greek, but all the things that excited him were British. And the engine of that realisation? 'Sugar Baby Love', 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart', 'Tragedy', 'Silly Games', 'Going Underground', 'Come On Eileen' and every other irresistibly thrilling chart hit blaring out of the chip shop radio.
Never have the trials and tribulations of growing up and the human need for a sense of belonging been so heart-breakingly and humorously depicted.
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Critic reviews
"Tender, clever and as funny as it gets...a heart-piercing joy." (Lauren Laverne)
"I adore this utterly wonderful coming-of-age memoir. Joyful, clever, and a bit heartbreaking." (Nina Stibbe)
"Heartfelt, hilarious and beautifully written, Broken Greek is a childhood memoir like no other." (Cathy Newman)
What listeners say about Broken Greek
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- Lynn B
- 07-03-22
Extraordinary
Vivid picture of a young boy beginning to grow up and find his way and the music that guided him. Anyone who loves music, whatever era, could identify with his passion. A story told in minute detail and yet surprisingly perhaps also a real page turner.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Samantha
- 10-04-22
Moving and beautiful
An excellent piece of work, poignantly told and wonderful written. A total delight. 'KINELL PAPHIDES!
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- Uncle Albert
- 23-05-20
Your next book...
Poignant, insightful, funny and frank, with added Barron Knights and chips. Paphides writes beautifully and draws you in to his odd world of questionable musical obsessions and childhood imaginings. Wonderful stuff written with humour and insight. Can’t wait for part two.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 23-04-21
Life affirming brilliant entertainment
The audiobook made me feel like I was reliving every step with the author. The fact he is a similar age from a similar place added to my Immersion into his world. I really hope there is a follow up soon.
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- mr andy horwood
- 25-12-20
A warm trip through a 70s/80uk suburban childhood
I am 53 and grew up in suburban England and like music. if you are of a similar age and likes you will love this book, so many memories I had forgotten brought back to life again. Really enjoyed this.
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1 person found this helpful
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- S Tickner
- 12-05-20
Outstanding. Never wanted it to end.
By a country mile, the best audiobook I've ever had the pleasure of listening to (or best book if I'd read it). I could write reams more and will write this review in full when I get the chance. I can't recommend it enough. Buy it. It's a thing of beauty in so many ways.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 03-04-21
Loved it
This was my first audiobook I wished I’d discovered audiobooks earlier so much better for me . This book is great especially if you’re from Acocks green
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- John Lane
- 16-05-20
Wholly engaging
High expectations more than met. Charged through 18 hours in a few days, going to miss the company of young Pete.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Jason H.
- 07-04-21
Superb, like finding a box of forgotten records.
A fascinating, sometimes painfully honest account of a boys navigation through what Taylor Parkes called the "Eiventies". Funny and sad in equal measures but , like his journalism, written with humanity, wit and depth, while entirely free from erudite posturing. A must read for all, whether you adore Abba, dig Dexys or not.
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- jeoff houlker
- 29-03-20
If you remember Geno the first time....
A fantastical journey through adolescence in Brum. Authors narrative and music combined brilliantly. So many triggers for a South Wales boy. Evocative like freshly cut grass. A must read.
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3 people found this helpful