A CHILDHOOD REMEMBERED

STRANGE WAYS STORIES - CHEETHAM HILL - STORIES

Sandra Barnard and her sister Myrna Shoa record their stories. The stories of first generation immigrant's children born in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, England. Saturday, 24 February 2007. ​

Sandra and I in the last year of her life recollected the few stories told to us about our background, which took on the power of myths. Gatehouse Books published my illustrated books retelling these stories in 2015. Without Sandra and I sharing our memories I could not have created this project.

I wrote and illustrated "Strange Ways Stories". The 4 stories - The Sofa, The Marriage, The Box of Chocolates and Rosie & the Iron Bar - are tales passed down through the generations about a family of immigrants living in Manchester in the early part of the last century. Grandfather Myer and his family fled their native Dvinsk in Russia to begin a new life in Manchester. "These tales of life in and around the Strangeways area present a cast of colourful characters, stunningly brought to life by Myrna's artistry." Gatehouse Books. Printed in full colour. Price £6.95 each or buy the full set for £25.00". Gatehouse Books Publisher. 

Rosie and the Iron Bar - When Morris leaves prison, he mixes with a bad crowd. An unwelcome visitor lands his sister, Rosie, in hospital. The Sofa - Myer rents a cold, damp house for the family. It is overrun with mice, but it is all he can afford. When Myer disappears, his presence is still felt in the house.

​The Marriage - Myer arranges a marriage for his daughter, Rosie. But will Rosie’s new husband be the fairy tale prince she dreamed of?

The Box of Chocolates - Joseph falls for a pretty lady from the sweet shop. Will his romantic gesture pay off?

Strange Ways Stories are written and illustrated by artist and storyteller Myrna Shoa. The 4 stories - The Sofa, The Marriage, The Box of Chocolates and Rosie & the Iron Bar - are tales passed down through the generations about a family of immigrants living in Manchester in the early part of the last century. Grandfather Myer and his family fled their native Dvinsk in Russia to begin a new life in Manchester. These tales of life in and around the Strangeways area present a cast of colourful characters, stunningly brought to life by Myrna's artistry. Printed in full colour. Price £6.95 each or buy the full set for £25.00.