The true story of a Romany childhood...

Gypsy Princess is a searingly honest account of what life is really like for travelling communities, for girls in particular, and captures a way of life that is slowly fading away. If you enjoyed the memoirs of Mikey Walsh and Jess Smith, you''ll be enthralled by Violet Cannon''s biography.

''A fascinating and enjoyable insight into Gypsy life'' - Closer

A true blooded Gypsy, Violet Cannon grew up the Romany way. Life was tough at times, living in a cramped one-roomed trailer, but, unbound by strict routines, Violet spent her days learning to keep home, playing and roaming the fields with a sense of freedom long lost to the rest of modern society.

Immersed in the Gypsy way of life, her childhood set her apart from other children. Bullied by classmates, and segregated from ''gorgia'' kids (all non-Gypsies), Violet eventually left school at the age of nine to live a life of travel, play and learning under generations-old Gypsy rules on the fringes of society.

With traditional values at the heart of her childhood, the pressure of conforming and marrying young was intense. Violet was duty-bound to find a husband, but would her marriage lead to the ''happy ever after'' she grew up believing in as a Gypsy girl?

What readers are saying about Gypsy Princess:

''A fascinating and realistic look at what it means to be a Gypsy in today''s society. A little understanding of Gypsy traditions goes a long way and I hope we see more biographies like this one''

''Violet is so likeable and warm, and the stories are written so vividly that you can really imagine yourself there''

''I could not put this book down - from the first paragraph I was hooked. I would love to read more about this fascinating lady and her family. By the end of the book I felt as if I knew them all''