In the Shadow of the Bear

From Toxteth's rough streets to university, this memoir trails a depressed teenager's suicidal tendency, escape from an oppressive adopted family and battle with depression all in the 'shadow of the bear.' From a young age nightmares about 'the bear' plagued this boy alienated from his family. Violence in the gang controlled neighbourhood was commonplace. The narrative follows life with Roxanne, a hard-working single parent doing nights shifts and juggling her demanding obese, disabled mother and the child that could never fill the gap in her heart. Fighting against the education system and battling self-harm mark dark isolated years.

How much can you lose before giving in to an overwhelming hollowness? Where is the breaking point in your life?

For a brief moment, this window into hell offers humour, sadness and scattered pieces of hope in hard times.