You OK, Christy?
Christy-front-Cov
Subtitle Memoirs of a Survivor
By Christy Fleming
Published By

Onstream Publications

ISBN 978 1 89768552 5
Non-Fiction Genre Biography
Publication Date 09/14/2018
Price 15.00
Paperback Hyperlink http://www.onstream.ie/
Hardcopy Hyperlink http://www.onstream.ie/

Synopsis

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and Christy Fleming has developed strength to deal with the many adversities that life
has thrown at him. From Irish Industrial Schools to the battlefields of the Congo, he has shown the same indomitable spirit that has also seen him through chronic illness and depression. These are the memoirs of one man, but are an inspiration to all.

Authors Biography

Dubliner Christy Fleming is a first time author who suffered institutional abuse in Ireland, fought in the Congo, was evicted from flats in London. Now suffering from leukaemia he has written his book to celebrate his survival. He lives in London, currently nursing his wife who has cancer.

Reviews

Sunday Independent full page Escape from Hell 211018
The Sun Full page Army Veteran tells of abuse horror 27 December 2018
Evening Echo 3/4 page Amazing life of a born survivor 4/191

Leave a comment about this book:

188 Comments

  1. This book is a real human story. When you get to the end you find it hard to believe that one man and his family could have survived so much hardship and pain and still be able to smile.
    It touched every emotion in my mind and body, one moment I’m full of rage to read how one human could treat another, the next I’m laughing and further on I’m amazed at how he just never gave up no matter what was thrown at him.
    This book has been an inspiration to me and helped me to put things into perspective in my own life.

  2. a great human story of overcoming adversity

  3. From the child to the boy that suffered hellish abuse at the hands of Christian men, to the boy that became a soldier, from the soldier that became the best family man that a family could ask for, Christy became one of the best…

  4. Humbled sat here in my comfortable life by a beautifully written story of one man’s fight against a determined world

  5. Very moving but ultimately uplifting story.

  6. Great book by a great man

  7. Wonderful story, wonderful Irish soldier.

  8. It is hard to believe that one man can endure so much in his lifetime yet still have a positive outlook on life. He is an inspiration to all.

  9. A true college of life story of a soldier & his rocky road.
    Inspirational is not a strong enough word to describe this man courage in the face of terrible adversity.

  10. Having been a Soldier on Congo U.N. Service 1961 during the same period Christy Fleming was doing his Tour of Duty in KAMINA and having endured 5 Days continued Fighting in The Battle of Jadotville with a Company of Irish Defence Forces, I fully understand his description of Being a Soldier in The Congo. I have read and re-read his Wonderful and Powerful Gut-wrenching Story a few times and it is an Honour to recommend for a Book Prize for his efforts.

  11. An inspirational soldier and man and a great character

  12. A very moving story of a very courageous man. An unputdownable read.

  13. A different era altogether. The life of a man determined to survive and learns along the way.

  14. This is without a doubt the best book that I have ever read.The emotions that I felt when reading the book varied from sadness to extreme joy as he progressed through his life .

  15. Such an insight into his life and many lives just like Christys’…and he has opened another gate for any child,man or soldier to walk through who may have thought they never could..God Bless you Christy

  16. Best Wishes Christy. God Bless You and Mary

  17. A truly wonderful journey through the life of a Beautiful man.

  18. Really enjoyed Christy’s book great read

  19. Well done Christy very inspirational

  20. A Must read…

  21. Christys story is a truly inspirational account of the challenges of life and a mans courageous struggle to overcome the challenges that he has endured and continues to endure. It is a true account of Ireland in the 40’s 50’s and 60’s and the backwardness and ignorance that existed in this country. Christy has endured many wrongs and his spirit and strength of character has carried him through to overcome all that life has thrown at him. In my opinion Christys book should be prescribed reading on the Leaving Cert english and history syllabi and give students an honest first-hand account of the country that they have inherited. Well done Christy and best wishes. Tom Bennett.

  22. When I picked this book up first I was not sure what I was going to experience but what a read it turned out to be.I felt that I was walking in his shadow throughout and could not wait for the next line it was like he had lived next door to me all my life Wonderful
    Thanks Christy

  23. Excellent book. Remarkable memory Christy.

  24. Good luck with the awards Christy

  25. An incredible story Christy – love to Mary and yourself and good luck with the award.

  26. A wonderful book for me as along with reading Christys inspirational life story it also gave me a look into what my grandad went through while serving in the Congo along with Christy and for this I am so thankful – such brave men!

  27. I am proud to be a friend of Christy Fleming. How he survived through the hardship he endured as a youngster and then going out at a very young age to serve his country with great courage. Wishing you and Mary good health God Bless

  28. A fabulous read, a true gentleman.

  29. a read that will stay with me, how one man could endure so much & still come out smiling !!! well done Christy you have won my respect ……

  30. A real life story. It showed how a person could overcome whatever life threw at you no matter how bad it was, and survive. Well done Christy

  31. Very moving story. What Christy had to go through no man should have to.

  32. It is one of those books that you can’t put down, you might say I’ll read one more page but before you know it you have read ten.
    There are so many ups and downs, twist & turns you always want to get to the next to find the answer.
    A brilliant insight into a very strong and brave man.

  33. “You ok, Christy?

    This is a heart-wrenching, lyrical, and gripping read. This is a story of true grit and determination to survive, it is also a story of true love to his wife and family … This is the surreal-yet-true story of Christy A Fleming, growing up in 50/60’s Dublin, his army life at home & in the Congo and afterwards trying to make a life in the UK. All through my journey of this book the senses were tested, a most enjoyable read, leaving me with nothing but admiration and respect for its author. If ever there was a book to to advertise the art of reading this is the one I would recommend.

  34. Brilliant Christy, Well done

  35. A fantastic read. Would recommend it. It shows what a person can do when he has the strength to fight and not give up and in the book Christy shows that he has that in abundance. You can almost hear him say ‘I am Christy Fleming you are not going to beat me! Bring it on!’

  36. It’s a great read and I’m a big reader of people life time experience. 10 out of 10 for me, share it on my facebook page so that other would read as well and spoke with Christy of his great life. Brilliant story.

  37. Read this book in two days. From the first page I was hooked. Easy to read, simple terminology and heart felt sentiments throughout.
    Christy’s inner strength carried him through from a young boy to the man he is today. His courage & bravery abounds in every page.
    Highly recommend anyone from any walk of life to read this book

  38. I practically walked those railway tracks with Christy.
    Loved this book.

  39. Thank you to Christy for his honest and open account of his childhood and for his memories of what it was like serving as an Irish peacekeeper in the Congo in the 1960s. Truly an amazing journey. Best wishes

  40. Absouletly brillantly written by a Man who went through an awful lot.

  41. A man’s story of survival against the system his service to the state and world peace. Coupled with the struggle for a life with his family after that it’s a riveting touching real life account of one of Irelands unsung heroes.

  42. The biggestbpart of this man is his heart a complete gentleman who had a hard life but came out the other side with his head high well done Christy

  43. Incredible real life story. Good luck with the award.

  44. This is about a young man who survived against the system.He suffered in the industrial schools but he survived in spite of the abuse.Christy joined the Army when released from Upton and started to live again he was with friends and colleagues.Going to the Congo was a step into the unknown for all the young soldiers again they survived.Christie’s life is a great example of beating the odds time and time again.Reading this book one would need to have a handkerchief at the ready I used mine all the way through it.Christy May God Bless you and Mary

    .

  45. This is a superb read. Beautifully written. It is about survival & resilience.
    Thank you Christy for writing one of my favourite books.

  46. Help for anyone who feels they can’t take any more, this book has helped friends who are at the end of their tether, and gave them a laugh too. Inspiring.

  47. Some of us are up against tyranny all the time. Keep fighting.

  48. A great read could not leave it down a sad and joys book what happened to Christy a what he achieved in his life says it all about this Man

  49. A WONDERFUL book sad happy, lots of laughter one very strong man too. I feel he has given more to life than he was ever given as a young child. Well done Christy

  50. Christy Fleming is of life’s true gentleman . It took strength to write this book and in order to do that Christy has to visit a past that most would like to try and forget . I admire his strength , kindness and sense of humour and he displays such honesty in his writing . This book is a must read but be prepared for shock , Honesty , truth and humour in what is a hero’s life story !

  51. A great read written by a true Irish hero

  52. Great read by a great man best of luck Christy from the 3rd battalion association and the Irish unifil association

  53. A must read book

  54. An honest and brave account of Christy’s life. Inspirational.

  55. I’m not a reader but when I saw the title of the book it got me curious , as I began to read that a human being could inflict such mental and physical torture on another and then how he could have the courage to join the army of a country who’s authorities could inflict the torture that he had endured . What a gripping read for me.

  56. I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish. The abuse that he suffered as a child and the hardship that life brought to him stayed with me long after I had finished the book. I would highly recommend this fantastic book to anyone.

  57. Brilliant book he is a survivor well done Christy

  58. A great book by a great man well done Christy you inspired a lot of people. Thank You 🇮🇪👍

  59. Great book beautifully written

  60. Enjoyable read of such honesty and heartbreak. Well done Christy.

  61. christy book is so good that it is true. and honest in every way

  62. Thoroughly fasinating and superbe read, from a true and honest and excellent writer, soldier, and all around solid soul and gentleman–Bravo!! Christy.

  63. Really fascinating and great read every fact so heart touching a true gentle man and brave soldier no child should ever have to suffer like Christy did the hardship he faced what a gripping I recomend this book for everyone to read

  64. What can I say about my Grandad’s fabulous book….Its a hard read for a family member but its amazing for me to read these stories on paper! ( I remember him telling me a handful of them when I was young- mostly the funny ones!He has always been a fabulous story teller!) It fills me with pride to know that my Grandad and my family went through so much hardship and are still the amazing people they are today! The book takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions, its completely honest and I can hear the Grandad’s voice throughout. Proud is an understatement!

  65. A powerful true life story that is hard to put down.

  66. Great book only very few of you’s left my Dad included cos jack Keegan well done you

  67. A gripping and moving book.I found it made me laugh and cry. A great man who endured some terrible things in his life but still manages to be positive.

  68. It has been the ultimate privilege to be allowed into Christy Fleming’s life, his heart, his mind, his soul. I just wanted to wrap my arms around this child and ask ‘are you OK Christy?’ But he rallied on and on after every episode in his life. He picked himself up again and again. I’ve read this book over and over. I’ve cried and laughed and wondered how one human could carry on after so much cruelty. But he lived for his family and they gave him the incentive to carry on.
    ‘You OK Christy?’ is inspirational. It rouses every emotion and is beautifully written.
    Well done Christy Fleming!

  69. An amazing and inspiring story of overcoming horrific abuse sexually and physically at the hands of evil men who hid behind the religious collar pretending to be men of God. Christy had many disadvantages in life but found a way to overcome them. He never gave up despite the obstacles because he is a loyal and honorable man who loved his family and wanted to provide for them. He is a great fighter and true hero who made huge personal sacrifices for his family and for the people of Congo during his service there as a peacekeeper with the Irish army. Still today he fights cancer and cares for his wife who is also battling cancer, but his family are provided for and are all around him. Despite Christys ongoing battles he enjoys life and his family. He is a true gentleman with a loving heart which is amazing after what he has endured in life. This is the most inspiring part of Christys story.

  70. INSPIRATIONAL!

  71. Once i started reading this book i could not put it down what a wonderful man he is to have survived such abuse from the supposed Catholic religion. As a former Mother & Baby Home survivor i can relate to Christy’s story. So happy to hear he eventually managed to find love and happiness and wish him and his wife and family all the best for the future

  72. Good book

  73. Good book

  74. It’s a book about the truth and the struggle of an ordinary but special man growing up in a harsh island that’s so inspiring it deserves this award this book has told the truth others are scared to say

  75. I have not read the book yet. “Yet”

  76. A tale of a warrior of life

  77. What a very special story.

  78. Honest account of a hard life ,great read

  79. A great read by one of the survivors of state abuse.Of his time in the army and overseas on UN service, and the many challenges he encountered when he returned to civilian life.

  80. This was a great book and interesting read, best of luck Christy,

  81. A hard story of life, well written.

  82. I really enjoyed da read
    It is sad what people had to endure

  83. You can’t keep a good man down! you rose well Christy! I have it on my Christmas list

  84. grate book to read your were a grate souldier with the first inf gp in the congo we were only 17 years old and we got through it like real men christy i am proud to know you hope we meet up again in the near futcher may you live a long and every lasting life best wishes from a dear friend god bless

  85. An honest heartbreaking account of a human and humane man. The struggle, survival and success story of a real life hero. A fantastic read.

  86. Young boy abused by Irish priests Walking from cork to Dublin back home to the arms of his mammy . Sent back for more abuse his crime he didn’t like school. Joined the army went to the Congo. Read it see the full story. Heartbreaking funny sad scary.
    Brilliant book.

  87. A true warrior in all aspects of your young life from the homes to the army, at 17 you became a hero in the Congo. Your book is a terrific read and I am proud to have met you. Even today you are there for those who need you… Your wife battling her illness and you are with her every step of the way…. We all veterans salute you.. God bless you and Mary and keep you both safe.. Till we meet again old friend

  88. A fantastic book about how a boy taken from his family and abused became a man who served his country with honour.
    Despite everything he endured he never looses his humanity or his sense of humour and love for his family.
    An excellent true life story.

  89. Christy tells it from the heart, from the hard times as a child going through state and church ran homes where abusecand violence was an everyday occurrence, then joining the Irish defence forces where the conditions where hard and pay was poor but the friendship gained during the military training was second to none which provided the glue That got him through his mission in the Congo while under fire in very harsh conditions, he has kept them friends through his life with the bond getting stronger by the years .. Even now he is always willing to reach out and help those in need of the hand or shoulder to lean on.. I am honoured to have met you and call you my friend, you are a shining example of military life and gracious and a veteran.. An amazing hard cruel life was dealt to you but you took it on the chin and stood proud and honourable throughout your life.. May you have good health and happiness for Years to come

  90. Having read this book it is very clear that Christy is one of life’s great survivors. As you read his story there are times you want to hug him and times you want to slap him!

    But at the end you can’t help but love him for being such a strong personality.

    A great read.

  91. A wonderful book. Heartbreaking & heartfelt. This story needed to be told & shared far & wide.

  92. I have read this book without emotion. It could be called “Stiff upper lip” however, I could hear Christy talking to me throughout the book. My mind rambled to other soldiers who have a similar story but it remains untold. Christy is a wonderful man. He has endured hell on earth buy still he smiles and carries on. I salute you Christy and I recommend this book to every soldier in Ireland

  93. Best of luck Christy hope you win

  94. Excellent book. Best of luck Christy.

  95. Excellent read

  96. Fantastic,honest story. Loved every page.

  97. A great read..

  98. A great read

  99. Great book.

  100. What a great book by an amazing man well done Christy looking forward to seeing the movie

  101. Looking forword to being in the movie would be honour

  102. Excellent book. Really enjoyed it.

  103. What a book. It was just too good a read to put down. The pain and honesty throughout the book really captured my mind

  104. Just brilliant

  105. Fantastic read

  106. Well done, Christy. A story of triumph over adversity of the most extreme kind.

  107. Hard to believe what Christy went through in this day and age, a great story of one man’s struggle over adversity total respect.

  108. Great book written by a great man it makes me sad reading all the comments I read his book and could not put it down until I had finished reading it we served together with the First Ifantry Group 1961 and met for the first at the launch of his book what a genuine man he is hope you gets first prize Christy you deserve it my always friend

  109. Brilliant read

  110. A great read and a harrowing reminder of how hard things have been for families in the not too distant past. It also shows one mans struggle to over come those adversities through his life.

  111. I laughed and cried reading this book. And I stopped complaining about my minor aches and pains.

  112. A story of survival and determination. Humorous and sad at varying times. What a man!

  113. An inspirational story which gives great insight into our recent past.

  114. Great piece of work

  115. Great insight into the past

  116. Christy is inspirational

  117. All the best in the awards I will be buying christy book this weekend..👆😀☘🇨🇮

  118. Enjoyed this immensely brought back lots of memories of my own time in the congo and his life was an extraordinary one

  119. The best book I have read in a very long time.

  120. This was a fantastic story, very honest and moving. It was lovely to see my own fathers name mentioned once or twice as he (rip) served in the Congo with Mr Fleming, especially as this was a part of his life that he never talked about and now the only way I’ll hear anything about his time in the Congo is from the generosity and courage of his military family. I’ve had the pleasure to meet Mr Fleming (and some of his fellow serving soldier friends). Plus being able to show it to my teenage children was something I never thought possible. I’ve got to say that the bravery to put into words and down on paper the things that Christ Fleming experienced is/was both brave and sad. If you’ve not read this book I would strongly advise that you put it on your “to do” list.

  121. A well written book of times better forgotten in priest riddenIreland .A true history of peacekeepers from an ill equipped army in the hot African jungle .

  122. Very very good book to read

  123. Brilliant read couldn’t put it down

  124. Very honest book of a hard life and survival,good luck Christy

  125. Very good book, great read

  126. Christy’s journey brought home the memories of what my Ma went through in the homes. A super read.

  127. I felt I was walking those train tracks, along side Christy…..Great read

  128. What a brilliant book imagine what a film it would make we do salute you Christy

  129. An incredible man. You’ve done everybody proud regardless of result, especially your wife

  130. Well done Christy you deservel this award. You whent through hell and back and survived with great dignity and brought up and lovely family. You are an inspiration to others

  131. A truely magical account of one man’s courage against all the odds, again and again, despite several set-backs and disadvantages which might have destroyed an ordinary person.

    Christy is no ordinary person. He’s a true hero, in several respects besides the obvious military one.

  132. Happy to have discovered this great book.

  133. What a Great read,A truly inspiring story told by a Veteran and a Man I am proud too call a Friend,Christy will take you on a Harrowing Journey of Neglect and Abuse,Courage and Heartbreak,but his Humour amongst all the Badness he Endured defines him as the Man he is Today,A true Soldier,He is an inspiration to Me,You Ok Christy is a Fantastic read ,Thank you Christy

  134. One word

    Legend

  135. A remarkable and brave story by Christy.

  136. How many times can we ask the question – You ok Christy?’….?? because Christy Fleming has been let down so many times in his life but this amazing hero climbs back up every time. He deserves recognition and respect.

  137. I served in the Congo with Christy and I know all the hardships and mind breaking events that happened out there, they would have been a great story in their own right.
    But add in all the other events, the industrial schools, dealing with living in England in a very disturbing time, puts this book in the upmost highest level.
    If you want to know about real life, buy this book.

  138. A brave and honest book

  139. Wonderful book. Christy is such an inspiration.

  140. Very Brave young Solder. Is Our Own Christy Fleming. Faught To Live Another Day. Like All His Comrades. Brother’s In Arms. Brilliant Book. 💔💔💝💘🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏.You Ok Christy..
    God Bless You.🙏🙏

  141. Very Brave young Solder. Is Our Own Christy Fleming. Faught To Live Another Day. Like All His Comrades. Brother’s In Arms. Brilliant Book. 💔💔💝💘🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏.You Ok Christy..
    God Bless You.🙏🙏

  142. What a wonderful human being.

  143. This is a well written book and a true story of sad and happy times spent in Ireland and England by I Irish man and Congo hero Christy Fleming a survivor of the terrible Irish children’s institutions in which children suffered untold abuse ! I highly recommend that people read this book and that it be awarded the highest award possible !

  144. Great book written by a great man once I started reading this book could not put it out of my hand until had it finished Christy deserves to get top award for this .

  145. Really enjoyed your book christy. Hope your keeping well.

  146. This Man has given the true story of his life to date and has given a true insight of the comradre of true soldiers and given an a/c of team work so essential for survival under fire and love of family /parents.

  147. This a wonderful book , once you pick it up to read you can’t put it down, well written , by a gentleman who went through so much in his life,.

  148. Loved this book, a great read of hope,despair, love and human endurance. Hope you win Christy, you truly deserve too.

  149. This is the most amazing story by one hell of a soldier what he went through was just unbelievable

  150. a great story of resilience and courage in the face of great adversity,well done christy

  151. It’s great to read the true story of a young man who gave his all thank-you Christy,

  152. A brilliant read from such a lovely, humble man who has been through so much in his life

  153. Great book written by a great man. Best of luck Christy.

  154. From the moment you put your hands on this book your in the world of Christy. It draws you in like no other book because it’s an honest account of a child, brother, father, husband, hero. It goes into the very core of your being. You cant help feel what he feels it just grips you. Your on the same journey and you cant leave because you want to know more your gasping for more. A book that will shock you, make you cry and laugh at the same time. It’s pure honest account of one great man who endured conquered and defeated and came out stronger. Well done Christy

  155. Wow, just wow. A fighter all his life, let’s give him a huge victory and have him bring this accolade home.

  156. Great Reat. Courage and Resilience in this..

  157. A Person of great inner strength who learned how to survive from a very young age. A man of honesty integrity throughout his life. He has now given us the true account of these young soldiers in their battle against the odds for survival. Heroes all and thanks Christy for your courage in battle and courage in writing this book. Fantastic read.

  158. The real life story of how a man who had an extremely hard life as a kid but proved to himself and the world that you can’t keep a good man down. A tough read but stand tall Christy you deserve a bit of a break. Best wishes to your wife and hope you collect a very deserving first prize

  159. Fantastic read!

  160. Good luck Christy

  161. Good luck Christy hope you win it

  162. This was a brilliant book to read. I would definitely recommend this book. Well done Christy you are a brave soldier, for everything that you have endured in your life. You are a true Hero.

  163. Got the book last week

  164. Got the book last week, it was an amazing read. Gave me an insight to what my dad must have been through. What an amazing person. So brave.

  165. Christy Fleming has had it tough in life. A man whose life has not made him bitter, rather it has made him the gentle and self effacing man that he is. If you read only one book for the rest of your days, make it this one.

  166. Loved this book.Hard to belive what he went through. Meet this lovely man and a pleasure to talk to .Couldn’t but the book down brillant story

  167. Amazing man Christy. Highly recoended

  168. Fantastic book both sad and funny in parts a very honest account of a hard life.

  169. A tough read but it keeps alive in our memories what people had to endure and in Christys case how he moved through life with fortitude. This book deserves to be a winner in celebration of an exceptional life.

  170. One of the great natural story tellers. Christy makes you feel as if you were there with him. His conversational style makes reading his book a pleasure. You feel the terror and joy in equal measure. A harrowing story told without over reliance on negatives or self pity. Christy is a great litary talent and should be recognised as such.

  171. Our lovely Christy. Hard to read this book when you know the man. I owed it to him to read to the end, I won’t ever forget it.

  172. Avery emotional read and written from the heart also my Father was with the 1st Inf group . And I would like to wish Christy all the luck in the world he deserves it a very brave man.

  173. Written by a man who has experienced more in his life, than any person deserves to have done. A true hero.

  174. Great book by an incredible man. Super and heartwarming read.

  175. Great book by an amazing man.

  176. Great book would love to meet Christy some day

  177. A wonderfully inspirational story – of courage in the face of unbelievable suffering, of bravery, love and resilience.

  178. Fantastic book.well written,great read, highly recommended

  179. Fantastic read. Couldn’t put the book down until I finished it! Well done Christy.

  180. great read well done Christy and comrades

  181. Words could not describe the feelings that this book draws out of you. Rage, Sadness, Laughter almost every emotion known to humans. A wonderful human story that grabs you in every page.

  182. It is hard to believe that any man could go through all these difficult times in one lifetime and still be the warm, kind and thoughtful person that Christy is.
    Well done Christy on opening up your life to us in such a well-written book.

  183. Inspirational, maith thú Christy. Cúirtéis duit a Shaighdúir.

  184. A true storey of an Irishman who experienced hardship and other life experiences that the average person thankfully will never have to go through.
    It is a miracle that he is the lovely man he is today.

  185. Best wishes Christy, you have produced a fantastic read that test all the emotions in the human body. You have told a story that leaves the readers in awe of your determination, grit and your love for your family. I hope you succeed in this competition as you are representing the Military Family.

  186. Máith an fear Christie. Silím go mbeith an bua agat. Ádh mór léat a dhuine uasaid.

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  188. Thank you pertaining to sharing this kind of wonderful content material on your web-site. I discovered it on the internet. I may check back again whenever you publish extra aricles.

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