Would It Surprise You To Know…?

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

For decades, Ronnie Archer-Morgan has brought to life the fascinating, often surprising backstories behind our most cherished heirlooms, antiques and household objects. Now, he tells his own unlikely story.

Born in the fifties to a Sierra Leoneon mother battling mental health problems, Ronnie spent his childhood in and out of care. After difficult beginnings, marked by abuse, racism and brushes with both criminals and the police, he got into music, managing to get DJ gigs and, later, as a celebrity hairdresser for Vidal Sassoon and Smile in the height of seventies London. A flair for spotting antiques led him to start his own Knightsbridge gallery, ultimately becoming one of the most respected figures in the industry, culminating in a regular spot as an expert on Antiques Roadshow.

Told with rich warmth, this is an extraordinary journey from deprivation and abuse to adventure and success against the odds - with stories of the incredible objects which shaped the way.

© Janet Gleeson 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Critics Review

  • Life as a pinball [. . .] all the time absorbing history and art and adventurous travel. A black man pursuing culture and pursued by prejudice, pinging against the glamour and the pitfalls of the antiques trade. A surprising story, like many of the objects he appraises on the Antiques Roadshow.

    Kate Adie, broadcaster and bestselling author

  • Ronnie has told me stories from his past over our years together on the Antiques Roadshow. But, reading his autobiography, all I can say is, yes, I am surprised. Is there anything he hasn’t done? Ronnie has overcome a heart-breaking start in life to achieve great success and no one deserves it more. What a dude, what a life!

    Fiona Bruce

  • A gripping memoir about overcoming an abusive childhood…A fascinating rollercoaster read, very well told..full of devastating cruelty and remarkable strokes of luck

    Times

  • There is so much more to Ronnie than meets the eye. Reading everything he has overcome and all that he has achieved gives you a deeper, richer understanding of the man and why he finally feels able to count his blessings.

    Daily Express

  • A brilliant memoir by Ronnie Archer-Morgan. His is a mercurial memoir of a meritorious life.

    Lemn Sissay

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