Finding Glasgow in ‘Finding Peggy’

Finding Peggy is a personal memoir by Scottish writer and journalist Meg Henderson.  It’s subtitled ‘A Glasgow Childhood’ and the book is as much about growing up in (the poorest parts of) Glasgow as it is the author’s own family story.

Overview

The book works on two levels, both of which are hinted at in the title.

It’s subtitled ‘A Glasgow Childhood’ and can be read as a detailed and vivid memoir of life in Glasgow in the post-war era.

It’s also the story of Henderson’s relationship with her aunt (Peggy) and mother; Peggy’s untimely death (which is alluded to from the outset, and all events lead irrevocably towards it); and the author’s search for the truth about what happened to Peggy.  This is only revealed at the end of the book.  Finding the answers allows Henderson to re-find Peggy and to make peace with the ghosts of her past.

The ending – the ‘revelation’ of what really happened – is a little anti-climactic, but in some ways that helps to reinforce the deeper message of the book.  That this is not just about what happened to one family, but to many families.  It’s a story about ordinary lives, without great deeds and heroic actions, just a muddling through and a determination to survive.

This is how the book finishes:

None of the Clarks or the O’Briens were to become rich, famous or influential.  They were better than that, they were ordinary and had to struggle to survive, so their story is more courageous and inspiring than anything the nobility ever achieve.  Not all ordinary family stories are traced to source, nor all the heroes and heroines acknowledged and celebrated for the sheer guts they showed in surviving.  But they should be.

What I Liked About It

It’s a very personal memoir: the author walks us through both her own search for the truth (as an adult) and her feelings, reactions, fears, frustrations and delights (as a child).  The book is well written and easy to digest: lots of short chapters that introduce different characters or places, helping you to make sense of the action and the development of the plot, without losing sight of the big picture (or losing your interest in a mass of details).

Henderson writes with affection for and pride in her Glasgow family, but doesn’t descend into rose-tinted idealism.  She shows us how things pannned out for good and ill, warts and all.

A Scottish Memoir

This is a memoir that is firmly located in Glasgow.  The city provides the backdrop and context for the story, as well as the setting for the unfolding of the action.  What we know of the city, and what the author teaches us about it, helps to make sense of the events, from the moments of humour and proud defiance to darker moments of drunkenness, assault and an untimely death.

The book works on two levels: an interesting and engaging personal story and an insight into the social history of Glasgow in the post-war era.

What Could Have Been Better

Nothing that I can think of!  The book is fairly long (just over 300) pages but is an easy and enjoyable read, holding your attention throughout.

Who Might Enjoy It

The book would be of interest to anyone who enjoys a well told personal memoir, but it will have a particular appeal for readers in Scotland.

Anyone who lived through the time and conditions that are described in ‘Finding Peggy’ will get an instant buzz of recognition and remembrance.  Those who didn’t, but understand the national significance of the city and its culture, heritage, and history, will also be fascinated by the detailed depiction of this Glasgow childhood.

Tagged as: Finding Peggy, Glasgow, Glasgow Childhood, Meg Henderson, Scottish memoir