Awheel to Live

'Awheel to Live is the story of childhood in a dysfunctional and scandal-prone family of car enthusiasts. It goes on to describe boarding-school life about which, even after seventy years, the author retains mixed feelings. It then recounts the earning of a living in the car and related trades while embattled with continually troublesome health of both physical and psychological kinds. Michael Doland plays down those dramas and makes clear that he intended from his adult beginnings to get as much fun out of life as he could. That he succeeded is revealed by some very funny episodes. However, at the end of it all and before sending the story and its many photographs (some of which have long narrative captions) to the printers he had to admit that his memoir could not by any stretch pro ve to be everyone' s cup of tea, so he provided some completed manuscripts copies for friends to read. That there are only five to whom he sent his work points up a reluctance to send anything to people who might only respond with pleasing comments. He felt he could rely on the honest opinions of those few. He is pleased to name them.' "A wonderful effort and good detailing. I hope to get a copy soon." - JRHS Young, The Talbot Owners Club, re-established in 2004. "Having followed its gestation since 1995, I couldn't put it down, even the parts I' d read before. If you can't get a publisher I'll put up the money to do a desktop for you." - John Talbot Dean, Dorsetman. "Jolly good. I loved the bits about Bournemouth and its respectability but seedy underpinnings all those years ago. But why do you disguise names? Surely they are all dead now, and I remember "Hannah" all right but would love to know who "Horrey" was. Wonderful characters. And you are terribly good about your parents - very difficult, that." - David de Souza, lifelong Bournemouth resident. "Astonishing. The Brown Girl is beautifully written and your buying a half-share in a racing car- from someone you did not know is a story with an edge and good characterisation. I am giving you the name of my Agent. Good luck." - Richard [Watership Down] Adams. You certainly can write! And your love of the G' uvnor whose car I own is clear and moving. I must get a hardback to keep with the car. Sincerely" - Kevin Ringham, Bentley Drivers Club, Australia.