Jenno's Widdlington II Read online

  ***** five stars.”

  Gang Loyalty

  Comment by Michael J. Smedley (author of "Hidden Bones") 23 August 2011

  “I have just finished reading 'Gang Loyalty'

  A most enjoyable read, as it is set at the time when I was 7 years old and I remember exactly what life then was like, playing marbles, cricket with a wicket chalked on the wall and the boys gangs in the surrounding areas. I lived in the Derbyshire village of Sawley at the time and the local gang was known as the Sawley Nosebags. Don't ask me why I never knew. I never managed any trolley racing but did have a homemade sledge. I thought the introduction of the Bishop at the end was brilliant. What a great character he was and what a great way to end the book.

  Well done.”

  Gang Territory

  Review by J. Cooper 17 April 2012

  I loved this book, and look forward to reading Gang Warfare - difficult to add to previous, eloquent reviews, other than to endorse them!

  Fascinating that we never read the narrator's name throughout the book. Still wondering whether his aunt was really his birth mother...

  Gang Territory

  Review by Ginger Dawn Harman 20 November 2011

  “Some stories in life become great novels that are exceptionally written, adorn a library, or perhaps become a well-known movie. However, very few novels have the ability to captivate the heart and soul as Peter St. John has in his novel Gang Territory. This reader has been captivated, charmed, and fallen in love with a cast of characters that touch every aspect of the lives we each live. The story begins in 1940, when a young boy arrives in the village of Widdlington to live with his pious spinster aunt after his orphanage in London was bombed. The struggles produced in a new community, relationships, and sculpture of one’s faith are just some of the complexities that Peter St John has emphasized in his novel, Gang Territory.

  Many of the friends encountered along the way embody the spirit of growing together as a community that although separated by boundaries or gang territories of the 1940’s teaches acceptance, love, and forgiveness. A common bond was formed with Archibald “Golfball” during government enforced milk breaks as well as the loyalty and advice of Jenno. A bully named Snaylor devises a contest of pissing over the privy wall and there is the Vicar who lives with secrets. The acceptance of Mr. “Dummy” Pearce with his primitive innocent ways is another of the aspects of growing up in a small village.

  One of my favorite characters and exchanges was between Mrs. Rumble and Peter. Peter tells Mrs. Rumble that she was “one of the best Christians that I know. There’s more love in this little house than in any church I’ve ever been in the whole vast convent where I was.” An overflowing of tears and the embrace of the Rumble family who didn’t attend a church, but lived the teachings of a higher power of love, goodness and human respect is a great example of true Christianity. Furthermore, the gift of a soapbox derby cart that has a bit of every community member in the axle, wheels, and paint scheme, opens the door to friendships that last for a lifetime. Examinations of behaviour demonstrate the adult prejudice and past transactions that can bring about a change in the children of a community and an aunt who truly loves a little boy. The stories over lunch, on the playground shared with an orphan and stranger to an established community, challenge each of us to examine our own life and sometimes listen to the heart of another much like the cost and true loss of Mrs. King and Winnie during war. Sometimes we find out our greatest supporters are like Mrs. Hanger and Miss Ufford or a simple thankful prayer to God said by the author at bedtime.

  Peter St. John displays talent, internal emotion, and interpersonal dynamics in his writings. His tale is one that we all share, each of us who grow into the world! Gang Territory is funny, touching, and full of love hidden in the heart that bursts with each page. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with a great group from Widdlington, England! Peter St. John digs deeply into the soul and capriciousness of humankind! I highly recommend Gang Territory by Peter St. John!”

  Gang Warfare

  Comment by Lia Ginno (author of enchanting books for children) https://www.liaginno.com/

  26 June 2012

  “I have just finished reading Gang Warfare. Loved it. Peter St John has made a great story up just over sweets! It made me laugh and gave me an insight into the war years for kids. It should be compulsory reading for children learning about the WW2 in schools. Highly recommended.”