This book is a must for everyone who lived through the pre-war and war years. I found it so fascinating and accurate in every detail, and had great difficulty in putting it down even to eat: Those of us who grew up with loving parents and siblings will realise how lucky we were not to experience the lonely little girl Sheila must have been at times, and how important friends were to her. I was one of those friends and feature in the school photo in the book, and even though we lost touch in our busy middle years I feel so proud that Sheila has written this poignant story of her early life. Whether you know her or not I defy anyone not to be touched by it. Mrs. Joan Buckland "Sheila's book is a moving account and a powerful piece of social history. It should act as a reminder of mental health care in the past, and the impact that mental ill-health can have on friends and family" - Paul Farmer, Chief Executive MIND