Little Gypsy: A Life of Freedom a Time of Secrets

Born in 1979, Roxy Freeman grew up travelling around Ireland and England in a traditional horse-drawn wagon with her mother and father and five siblings. Life was harsh but it was a childhood of freedom spent in harmony with nature. Roxy didn't know her times-tables but she could milk a goat, ride a horse and cook dinner for the whole family on an open fire before she was ten. Early life was idyllic but when her father brought the family to England, they faced prejudice and hostility and Roxy found herself receiving the very unwelcome attentions of a family friend - which she endured in secret. Despite all of the difficulties she faced, she developed a passion for flamenco and traditional music and developed a career as a dancer, which took her around the world. Her beautifully written story is a frank portrait of what life is really like for women and girls of traveller communities.

Reviews for Little Gypsy:

"Little Gypsy is a wonderful book and is, without a shadow of doubt, an example of triumph over adversity few people would be strong enough to handle, yet Roxy Freeman comes out the other end with an infectious enthusiasm for life and nature – utterly compelling this is one true story not to be missed." Milo's Rambles: www.milorambles.com 

"This could so easily have become another sensational 'victim' autobiography but the writing style takes the reader somewhere different. The author writes in a very matter of fact, documentary way. There are no hysterics, no 'poor me' attitude, no graphic scenes. There’s just an account by a woman who has come to terms with her past and wants to pass on the lessons learnt. The emotion is almost hidden behind the words, materialising in the readers’ minds as they realise the implications and put themselves in the young Roxy’s place.

By avoiding drama, this is not writing as therapy but a document that shows how a paedophile operates, isolating their prey from those who would be able to break the vice-like grip. I maintain my 'no spoilers' policy, but be reassured that this book does end positively. This is more than the story of the travelling community, an invisible world within our own. More importantly than that, it’s also the story of someone who writes seriously of terror that doesn’t exist under every flower pot as the red-tops may have us believe, but in enough places for it to necessitate warning others seriously. Perhaps, just as seriously, we should listen." www.bookbag.co.uk

"I simply loved this book! It is a truly inspiring read. A perfect example of strength of character as well as human compassion at its best ******" Sarah Mccarthy 

"Absolutely brilliant book! Your writing took me through every emotion available and back again." Mel Cook

 "What an amazing story. Roxy grew up on the road in Ireland and England, and tells a story of adversity against the norm, society and also against closer dangers. Through the pages, I was invited to play along in the woods, dance flamenco and sleep under the stars. But there was also the pain, the loneliness of the soul who cannot bring itself to break the silence. I flew over the pages as never before, and even if sad at points, felt a warm personality shining through the book. A must read." Gingerfrog 

"A beautifully told story of a unique childhood. The author's rich descriptive style transported me to another world where i could literally feel the wind in my hair and smell the woodsmoke. Very sad in places as this book deals with the complex emotions of childhood abuse but it will leave you with a heartwarming sense of hope against all adversity. This book is truly inspirational and the only negative about it is that it had to come to an end." LaraB