Underclass: A Memoir

In her memoir, Underclass, Dr. Jessica Taylor shares her personal journey growing up on a council estate, where brutality and coercion were normalized, and substance abuse was a daily occurrence. She recounts with dark humor and unflinching detail the various lives she's lived, including the violence suffered at the hands of her abusers, the realities of becoming a mother in her teenage years, coming to terms with her sexuality, putting herself through university, and overcoming underhand discrimination at work. The result is a deeply moving, searingly honest, horribly funny, and unforgettable memoir that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Dr. Jessica Taylor, a renowned chartered psychologist, and passionate advocate for women's rights, has written a captivating memoir titled "Underclass." Growing up on a council estate, she witnessed firsthand the normalized brutality and coercion, as well as the pervasive substance abuse that permeated her community. Despite these challenging circumstances, Taylor has emerged as one of the UK's most spirited advocates for gender equality.

In her memoir, Taylor shares her personal journey for the first time, weaving together a series of absorbing vignettes that span from her childhood days to her attainment of a Ph.D. in forensic psychology. Through these narratives, she explores the themes of extraordinary strength, the complexities of belonging, and the unwavering determination to find one's power, even in the face of adversity.

"Underclass" is a profound exploration of identity and resilience. Taylor candidly recounts the violence she suffered at the hands of her abusers, the challenges of becoming a mother in her teenage years, and the process of coming to terms with her sexuality. She also shares the struggles she faced in pursuing higher education and overcoming underhanded discrimination in the workplace.

What sets "Underclass" apart is Taylor's unwavering honesty and her ability to convey her experiences with dark humor and unflinching detail. She poignantly delves into both the classist and misogynistic double standards that she has faced throughout her life, whether she was waking up on a roundabout by the estate or chairing a parliamentary conference.

Through her memoir, Taylor challenges readers to question their own beliefs and societal norms. She encourages them to embrace their uniqueness and to stand out against conformity. She reminds us that our roots shape us, but it is our choices that define us. Whether we choose to run away from our past or to love it for making us who we are, we have the power to change the world.

"Underclass" is a deeply moving, searingly honest, horribly funny, and unforgettable memoir. Taylor's storytelling is masterful, and her prose is evocative and powerful. The book stays with you long after you've turned the last page, leaving a lasting impact on your heart and mind.

In conclusion, "Underclass" is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the complexities of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of equality. Dr. Jessica Taylor's memoir is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 145 x 224 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408716953