THE SWING

Love across the class divide was never going to be easy.

All Charlotte craves is a simple life, far from the routines of motherhood and the responsibilities of a vast, early inheritance. But, of course, for people of her standing, that was out of the question.

A chance meeting with Peter, a handsome, rugged Yorkshireman, brings a grounded earthiness and deep love that she never thought was possible.

Unlikely kindred spirits, they become inseparable and, as their steamy and passionate love affair evolves, so do the prejudices of the people around them. Will class differences, fickle friends and deception finally force them apart or will Charlotte free herself from her destiny to allow true love to win through?

The swing is her sanctuary, but also the gateway to ultimate freedom.

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'A Compelling Read By A Gifted Storyteller'

"This charming book balances pathos and poignancy beautifully with understated humour, providing some real laugh-out-loud moments. I have seen the devastating ripple effects of dyslexia within my own family and so it was uplifting to read the story of a man who has made tough, but infinitely better, life choices. Thought-provoking, courageous, extraordinarily honest - a great read."  Jules. London

'Brilliant'

"As a young man, this book resonated greatly with me. A truly inspirational read and one i would reccomend to anyone." Ieuan P. UK

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J A CRAWSHAW

My Story

Born in Yorkshire UK in 1969, I have battled with the effects of dyslexia all my life. It took me to the brink of despair and yet, surprisingly, became my greatest gift.

I've learned to find the joy in words and the wonder of literature and to my complete surprise, at the age of 50 and having never read a novel, I wrote one, 'The Swing'. Due to be published in summer 2022, it is preceded by my moving and funny memoir, 'The Void Between Words'. The story is of my struggle with reading and writing and how I overcame my greatest fear to become an author.

​My passion for the natural world and a close affinity with trees, especially, has inspired my writing in many ways and has given me the courage to entertain and, hopefully, inspire others.

I hope you enjoy my books.

My Books

THE VOID BETWEEN WORDS

Being humiliated in front of class as a young boy in the 1970’s, is something I can never forget. Branded a no-hoper with little to offer, I was destined for the scrapheap. Academic failure, and a debilitating fear of words and learning, devastated my self-worth and confidence.

Join me and gain access to the void between words. My memoir delves deep into a world where it was easier to escape the pressures of life and suppress my individuality, wallow in the mire of insecurity and become imprisoned without hope.

My 50-year battle with dyslexia took me to the brink of despair and yet, surprisingly, became my greatest gift. Discover secrets, rejection, love, loss and desperation, but also resilience and strength, as I develop coping strategies and a steely determination which, finally, releases me from the darkness of the void. An affinity with nature and my love for trees become my ultimate saviour. When I discover my ability to harness their immense power and positivity, I find courage and, to my complete surprise, cannot contain the overwhelming urge to write a novel.

​

THE SWING

Love across the class divide was never going to be easy.

All Charlotte craves is a simple life, far from the routines of motherhood and the responsibilities of a vast, early inheritance. But, of course, for people of her standing, that was out of the question.

​

A chance meeting with Peter, a handsome, rugged Yorkshireman, brings a grounded earthiness and deep love that she never thought was possible.

​

Unlikely kindred spirits, they become inseparable and, as their steamy and passionate love affair evolves, so do the prejudices of the people around them. Will class differences, fickle friends and deception finally force them apart or will Charlotte free herself from her destiny to allow true love to win through?

​

The swing is her sanctuary, but also the gateway to ultimate freedom.

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