Otley author John Ormond with new book Their Spirits, My Demons
It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of a room full of strangers and speak about the most painful moments of your life.
But that’s exactly what local author John Ormond did at Ilkley Festival Fringe.
Ormond’s event, ‘Their Spirits, My Demons’, attracted a strong gathering of people to Ilkley Playhouse -few of whom could have failed to be moved by his account of a childhood blighted by alcoholism.
Before his arrival, one member of the audience confessed: “This could be like a therapy session – my dad was an alcoholic too.”
And for Ormond, perhaps it was. Laying to rest the ghost of his past was one of his prime motivations for writing the book.
He told the audience: “I tried a few publishers once I’d written the book but got letters back saying it wasn’t really for them. But I didn’t write it to make a lot of money. I just wanted to communicate to other people who may have been in a similar situation to me when they were growing up. Writing it was very therapeutic and, as the title suggests, helped me to exorcise a few demons.”
The Otley-based author, who self-published his book this year, was raised in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
His alcoholic father had little time for his two children on the rare occasions he was at home. He died as a result of his addiction when the author was just ten. Worse still, Ormond’s mother also had a drink problem which claimed her life six years ago. That, he said, was a difficult time for him.
Ormond read the first chapter of his book to a hushed audience who listened intently as he outlined the harrowing events leading up to his father’s death from chronic renal failure.
He spoke of the last time he ever saw his father alive and his indifference on learning of his death.
He said: “I probably should have been upset but I felt nothing. I didn’t go to his funeral. To this day, I have never visited his grave.”
Despite his troubled past John, 36, who is a careworker, appears to have come to terms with his past and he is now able to look back on his parents with mixed emotions.
“They made mistakes,” he shrugged, “but I can remember good times.”
His bittersweet story was peppered with often hilarious accounts of the ups-and-downs of life with alcoholic relatives.
That he can now reflect on his childhood without bitterness is proof that writing, for him, has been the best form of therapy and has finally laid some of his demons to rest.
Hi
I attended this reading by John Ormond and have to say it was a very moving talk. The book is a very well written tale, both sad and hilarious, sometimes on the same page!!
I have recommended this book to so many of my friends as I believe that it is a lesson on life that many people can use to help them and not just children of alcoholic parents! Just because you haven’t had such a great childhood it doesn’t mean you have to turn out the same. The author is living proof of this.
I really do hope he writes another book detailing his fun times in life as touched on by this book.
Denise
Thanks so much for getting in touch Denise. It’s lovely to hear from readers. I agree with you and wish John all the best with future writing. Perhaps he will return to the festival next year? Watch this space……
Having known the Man behind the book and his family, Its been so well written at times i was taken back 30 odd years, I laughed and i also cried it was very funny in parts but very Emotional to, and to put pen to paper and recall everything about your past is i think the best thing he could have done. I wish him all the very best for his future with his wife and children, and looking forwards to another great book if he decides to do one.. Their Sprirts my Demons is a fantastic read. Should be given to all parents as a guide to what you can put your child through……
Don’t know if this is the right place to write this but I really love your review of this man and book. I wasn’t able to go and see his talk but I’m now regretting it even more after reading your comments. I’m definitely going to buy this book.
Hi.
Thanks to everyone who attended on Monday and all of those who couldn’t make it but sent their best wishes. Much appreciated! The support and kind words has been encouraging, including a letter I received from Greg Mullholland, MP from Leeds North West. I may have some other news to share at some point so be sure to visit my website for further updates, news etc http://www.theirspiritsmydemons.co.uk
There is a facebook group link on there too.
Thanks again!
J.O.
p.s. enjoy the rest of the festival!!!!!!