Vivien Grey

28th October, 2024

I Didn't Ask to Be Born

Blending memoir with the history of children's treatment, this work explores the significant impact on their mental health. After more than four decades in various roles within the care professions have broadened my insights and deepened my understanding.

I Didn't Ask to Be Born

Chapter 1, page 1

Deficient Delivery

“Long ago, in a sentimental moment, my mother told me wanting a second baby had been a ‘deep, deep longing.’ The option she had settled on had been advertised as ‘Make Your Mother Proud.’

Disappointingly she was delivered a poorly wrapped package with a blurry label that read ‘Only for Proper Grown-ups.’ With no refund policy, the terms and conditions was clear; the item was non-returnable.”

Deficient Delivery
Bertie as King

Chapter 25, page 165

Bertie as King

“Noble acts had been routine for Edward VII Queen, Alexandra. Outside an auction house in the 1970s, I found a dumped box file stacked among a pile of rubbish for collection. Rose Banner born in 1888 wrote flattering poems sent to Queen Alexandra and her lady-in-waiting, Charlotte Knollys, wrote to Rose of the Queen’s appreciation. Among the contents I found an arresting letter from Marlborough House.

“If Miss Banner would let the Queen have the name and address of the young girl needing an artificial leg, then the case will be enquired into.”