As the final book in the bestselling Ma series is published Martha is interviewed by former BBC journalist Julie Newing and takes her on a tour of Dublin. Ma, Jackser's Dyin' Alone published by Mainstream, September 2013
Thank you for sharing your story, You are an amazing person that is full of inner strength. When reading Ma he sold me for a few cigarettes As a mother myself I wanted to reach into the book and pull you out hold on to you and never let you go, the book was so well written that it completely sucked me into that time in your life to the point that I sat in my reading chair after work opened the book and didn't move until the last page was read. Again thank you for sharing your story.
Just finished the first one and ordered all the rest. Martha sharing her testimony with the world is courageous and inspiring. May the good Lord grant you the peace love and mercy you were made for❤🙏
Waiting in anticipation for the last book in the series to arrive, I have never been so touched and inspired by a writer as I have been with you Martha, you are truly a wonderful and gifted writer. What a great film they would make! Hugs from Carol - Australia.
I read Ma, he sold me for a few cigarettes totally right there with Martha that is how powerful her books are I was angry sad and wanted for Martha her ma and her brothers and sisters to be safe ... I am now reading Ma, I'm gettin Meself a New Mammy half way through it in a week ...totally a brave and awesome lady and Author
I've read all her books and really looking forward to finishing the story. Most Harrowing story I've ever read, but compulsive reading. I'm in Australia, not sure how popular they were here, but a friend and myself couldn't wait to buy the next one and been waiting for the last book. Can't believe someone so young, survived such cruelty and degradation.
Jan Billett I’m Australian too and have just finished her first book. What a book...I got it from an opshop so am hoping I’m able to find the rest of the series.
Definately a movie! That would be amazing😍 Though, i don't think it would do her books justice. Movies just never seem to:(( But i would still love it. The ma series are my favourite books of all time!!!
My girlfriend and I have read your books and feel as if we have known you and we will never forget Martha for the rest of our lives, and feel honoured to have known you. All our love to you Martha. May God be with you.
On the 3rd book now Martha, I just can't put it down. You are an incredible woman, and a beautiful writer. You really are somebody now Martha. {{HUGS}}} and keep on writing. x
Thanks for uploading this video. I've been dying for it to finally be finished!!! Thanks to Fiona and the Mainstream team for sharing this with Martha's adoring fans. If you haven't read her books, you really should. They're phenomenal. If you aren't in the UK, Ireland, or Australia, you can still buy her books online (inbox me if you would like information).
Martha im am using my son's account, I have read your books and I feel such a deep connection with your books and I would like you to let know I love you and am honoured to have read your books all my love and support
I have read every one of Martha's books & oh boy what a read they all are, I'm on the last page of Ma Jackers dying alone and I don't want it to finish, I have loved, cried, angered, pitied & laughed through them all & we are now on the last page, I hope Martha continues writing anyway, I'm sure thee is a library of stories she hasn't told us yet. Thank you Martha for telling us your story & bringing the bad old days to life & death. Xx so glad your happy now with your Ma & your whole family.
Do you know what happened to Martha after she entered unwed mother's home or what happened to her baby? Was that her daughter she kept? Who was her first husband?
Dear, dear Martha, I commend you on your attitude! After all you've gone through, you still manage to hold your head high. Just finished 'Ma I've reached for the Moon & I'm Hitting the Stars'. I was devastated for you. It's funny how one can feel so close to a person they've never met. Your writing was raw & honest. I don't enjoy reading expletives, but accept this is part of the truth of your story. You are an amazing, soft-hearted, fireball of a person, & I admire your determination & self-respect. I've read "Ma, He Sold Me for a few Cigarettes', 'I'm Gettin Meself a New Mammy' and want to read the whole series. So saddened to hear of Harry, & am wondering if the other books tell us what the rest of your siblings are doing in their lives. Thank you for sharing your sorrow, humour & hope with us Martha. God bless you richly.
wonderful, inspiring... cant wait to read ' Ma I've reached for the moon now I'm hitting the stars'. I have feared ,cried. been lost. loved and laughed with Marta since i started reading about her life. looking forward to read the next two books. XX
God bless you Martha. You went through things that no child should ever ever go through. Your an absolute amazing person. God bless you, Charlie and the rest of your siblings. Xx
I borrowed the first of Martha's books from our local library, and since then, have been fascenated by this series, She has to be the strongest, most insightful and genuine person. She certainly opened my eyes, so to speak. Throughout my life, I complained about my childhood, but now realize I was in no position to complain (compared to Martha, I was very lucky.) How could anyone could survive such an upbringing, and survive as Martha has done! I found I got so angry as I read what she has gone through. I agree with previous posts, that suggest these books be made into a movie. That would be superb. *Hugs*, Martha, from Canada
I have all her books , ordered from England. Worth every penny. Best I’ve read of this type.2 years later I'm reading them again. Trouble is it only takes me 2 days per book. Troubles me more 2nd time through. Need movies. Easy best seller, no rewriting!
Hello. I am a Brazilian translator, and I am so glad I found this video and I could finally listen to your physical voice, Martha (because the voice that comes deep from your soul we already know, and it's a loud and desperate voice). I just finished the second book, and I can't wait to start the next one. I am really glad you are well now, dear, dear Martha. Please accept a hug from Brazil. I'm been recommending your books to everyone I know (fellow translators who can read in English).
Much love ❤️ from Brooklyn, New York, your story is fascinating, my only wish is there would’ve been an audio version , I’d love to hear this in your own voice and accent
I've been reading the first book. I have got to where Martha is sent back home from England and I just couldn't take any more. How much can a child be made to suffer. I am raging against Jackser and I feel equally angry at her mother. I want to shake her until her very bones rattle. And yet Martha is afraid of her mother dying. I want to scream at her 'it would be the best thing that could happen to you'. But what do I know?
Thank you for sharing your story, and your life I am so sorry in all that you have gone through. I have just finished your first book, and just bought your second, I am excited to see (read) about you becoming the women you are. Your courage as a little girl is amazing, and you are very selfless. I couldn't imagine living your life and not just ending it and giving up. I hate the things that people put children through, and mothers just letting it happen because they are.. what alone without the man? That's what I don;t understand... even with sally with jackser you guys still went hungry, so why not be without him right.. i know it's hard to get out of an abusive relationship (it took my mom 7 years of them leaving and coming back to my step dad), especially back then. Anyways, I am so inspired and I hope to help at least one child in my life. I am 20 and am in school for social work. Your are amazing. Your personality is just great. I laughed and cried dearly- it;s crazy that neighbours witnessed what happened yet the children still had to go back.. I would like to think now a days that as changed.. im sure things are missed all the time. anyways, Stay Strong Martha.
Any advice? I had bought the 4th book of Martha Long's series 'Ma, Now I'm going up in the world' and read like 1/3 of the book before finding out its part of the series. I read amazing reviews of the first book that make me want to read the first one (and start from the beginning) after I finish 4th book. Then I also want to know what happens after once I finish the book so go for the 5th one. No idea how to carry on with the series. What would you recommend? Thanks
Her books are soooooo repetitious - She sure has the 'gift of the gab' and knows how to 'milk' a story and audience gullibility. She is unable to write about anything else. Just repetitive droning on about Irish parental ineptitude, sadism, neglect and brutality mixed in with occasional descriptions of the usual city flowers, sunlight and green grass
What a shame you've missed out on the heart of what her writing is all about. Writers should have 'the gift of the gab'. In her case she's 'gabbing' about her tragic experiences. I was actually amazed that she didn't 'try' to make her situation sound sorrowful, though sorrowful it certainly was. As a woman & a mother, I wanted to reach out, protect & comfort her & her siblings, every step of the way. Shame your heart didn't connect. It may have enriched you somewhat.
