But We All Shine On

If you want to read a beautiful, uplifting book about the survival of the human spirit, and good lives being forged from the most unfortunate origins, then But We All Shine On is absolutely essential. The subject matter and intensely personal nature of the material makes it perfect for Paolo Hewitt's positive, soulful prose. He and his friends don't spare us the pain and sorrow, but they make us feel the relief and redemption that love, hope, humour and togetherness bring to that suffering.

- Irvine Welsh

This book will put tears in your eyes and leave you with a smile on your face. It is a testament to the spirit of five boys who are forced to confront fear, loneliness and varying degrees of mental and physical cruelty, yet emerge as strong, decent men. Paolo Hewitt draws the stories of his four orphanage friends together with great integrity, splashing poetry and light over their shared trauma. Reading But We All Shine On is a humbling, uplifting experience. It is a worthy companion to the author's brilliant memoir The Looked After Kid.

- John King, author of The Football Factory and Human Punk

Hewitt has shed a light on the murky world of late 60s and early 70s children's homes. An empathetic listener and master story teller his is the authentic voice... from the inside… first hand. The characters are his friends. They trust him. The stories herein are touching, funny and most of all redemptive. It's quite possibly his masterpiece.

- Dr. Robert, The Blow Monkeys

It could be said that family is a collection of disputed memories between one group of people over a life time. But for the child in care this "one group" of people is continually dispersed to the point of being impossible to recognise themselves. A non-family of shadows. With his pen Paolo projects light on the darkest path as he seeks the family that never was and unravels a tragic, comical, magical and moving story. All we are is our story. Without it we are pages of spurious ellipses. We need Paolo Hewitt with his torch. Shine on Paolo Hewitt. Shine on.

- Lemn Sissay MBE, writer

Stories of hope and resilience that will break your heart

- John Niven, author of bestselling book How to Kill your Friends

Reading these remarkably personal and inspirational self-discovery journeys bought a mixture of emotions that were both a joy and painful to feel. It never ceases to amaze me, the strength and humanity which stays secure within hurt children and lives with them forever. A beautifully written memoir which has to be read and recognized for the achievement it is and the dignity it deserves.

- Hope Daniels, author of Hackney Child

Reflecting on care in the not-too-distant past through the eyes of children, But We All Shine On gives insight into where we've come from, and challenges where we are and where we still need to go. It can help get us to the better future we all desire for children in care. In the created family of the children's home, relationships matter -- they can change and sustain a person for a lifetime, and bring the opportunities of life to be lived.

- Jonathan Stanley, National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care

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