Books by Neil Marsden
Bucket on t' Stairs: Growing up as a deaf kid in West Yorkshire in the 1950s and 1960s by Neil Marsden. Published in France by Éditions Rose, November 2025, available in hardback, paperback and e-book. These are links to the UK Bookmundo online bookstore. Reviews: Bucket on t' Stairs"Oooo, I absolutely love your book which I have finished. So many memories for me too, so many names and places. Love the St Lukes tales aw and you and Nigel Lockwood up to tricks haha. BVC Martin St James I was there the night you Nigel and Nick Sandom were there and 'went under'. Oo did we laugh. I went on stage couldn't go under but Diane Bailey my best pal straight under, kissing different men and her hand stuck to the wall ... such hilarity, great times. Your Dad I loved him to bits and visited Sat afternoons when he would tell stories and had me in fits of laughter. He always made me a Christmas cake and I can smell it now. He was my Dads bookies runner when Dad couldn't get out, he was marvellous with him. Gregory Street stories, loved them. Miss McGowan I remember her being killed so very sad and you really liked her. Miss Reavley strict but a good Head. Your Mum was a fine seamstress and altered clothes for Mum and me. Can't wait to read it again page by page in hand. Cheers and keep thissen warm!" Wendy UK"HI Neil (or should that be Norman??!!), I've finished the book earlier than expected because I really enjoyed it. A few things I knew about, but lots I didn't, especially about your life prior to BGS. It was an emotional roller-coaster (in the nicest sense) - some things very funny, others sad. But I really enjoyed it. You've captured a lot of things very well, about working class life in the 50s & 60s in a northern industrial town, what it was like being a teenager, and what grammar school was like when only 25% of people went to grammar school and only 5% to university. Your upbringing chimes with my growing up in neighbouring Morley, which underlines the fact that you captured the places and the times very well. Hope the book is a great success - and thanks for letting me see a pre-publication copy. PS Regarding the pub fight in chapter 12 - I was actually there (in the Fountain Inn in Morley) on the night the lad bled to death due to his jugular being severed by a broken glass. Dreadful!" Rob UK
"I'm enjoying your book, you can certainly tell a good story, bring characters to life & write conversations with conviction. I enjoy the humour & pathos of your early years in Batley. Having also experienced life in a rented house with damp & few facilities I felt your need to express all your thoughts about people, your situation, the politics of the time in your autobiography. I struggled at time with the Yorkshire accent & wonder whether southerners might find it overwhelming at times but do appreciate it's necessary to write in the vernacular some of the time. You've worked very hard on the book, are a talented author & I hope it will be a great success, (not sure about the Booker Prize nomination though!)" Anne UK.
"Wow, have read to chapter 5, am in tears and laughter! Oo, I so associate with so much so far, the people the places all dear to my heart. Was emotional about my Dad, thank you so much he was my hero and well, I never knew you has hots for me hahaha, love it, am flattered!" Wendy UK.
"Page after page I laughed at Neil's perceptive observations of family, friends and school teachers. It also made me think about the day-to-day difficulties he overcame with his deafness and the poverty of Post-War industrial North. His mother was exceptional, a doll. Neil's innocence at some of the low points in his childhood is very touching. It is extraordinary he is now an accomplished musician. With his ability and energy it is less surprising how well he did in his adult life." Rosalie, France.