Told with beautiful honesty and adept written skill, The Black Pencil Woman: A Portrait of my Mother details Ros Holland's life dealing with multiple episodes of grief and struggle in light of her infallible mother's recent death. A striking account, these memoirs present a child's understanding of sickness, class struggles, northern community culture and coming-of-age within a family that is wrought with difficulties - whilst striving to remain intact despite it all. Strung together with reflections from the now-adult author, this story reveals how fragile the human psyche is in the face of despair and loss; yet how determination and a strong sense of self can overcome and find comfort. A truly inspiring tale, The Back Pencil Woman leaves no stone unturned and presents a stark reflection on the highs and lows of family life.