A Life Without Hands

John Oliver and Me

Frances Rowley Beaumont

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Paperback

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English

Frances Rowley Beaumont
17 February 2025

Biography: general; Memoirs; Coping with disability; Dating, relationships, living together & marriage

The story flows through time around two courageous and unusual people. It is a moving portrait of the difficulties of being creative and true to oneself, both for the author and John Oliver, who was born without hands. John would not allow the difficulties he was born with to become his defining feature. This love story and the hard lessons learned keep readers wondering and hoping through the good and bad times.

Aside from the author's thrilling and challenging year in the ex-Belgian Congo, the book unfolds in the picturesque landscapes of rural England and on the river Medway in Rochester, Charles Dickens' hometown. The river Medway keeps her secrets beside the ancient cathedral and castle, as do the characters who live by or on the river, like John Oliver in his tug, Hobbit.

By: Frances Rowley Beaumont
Imprint: Frances Rowley Beaumont
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd ed.
Dimensions: Height: 210mm, Width: 148mm, Spine: 11mm
Weight: 254g
ISBN: 9781036907532
ISBN 10: 1036907538
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 17 February 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Frances Beaumont was born in 1943, the eldest of four children. She qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1965 and soon had adventures in the Congo as a VSO therapist. She trained as an Art and English teacher in 1970. Frances had a daughter in 1974 and a son in 1976, during a short marriage, and became an independent occupational therapist and artist when her children left home. Writing has always been an outlet and a joy, writing poetry and short stories, but this is her debut book.

Reviews for A Life Without Hands: John Oliver and Me

'It was a delight to read, both moving and inspiring. I loved the way the author entwined her story around John Oliver's. I am recommending it to everyone I know.' Julie Ransley 'After a lifetime of personal involvement and years of research, Frances Beaumont has come up with a spectacular piece of post-war social history. This book also features a fascinating cast of characters, all enveloped in a real love story. Charles Traill I stayed up way past my bedtime last night to finish reading your book. Very moving. Congratulations on a lovely, honest memoir. Lynne Havlicek