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Jackson Marsh
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Bobby: A Life Worth Living Kindle Edition

by Jackson Marsh (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 107 ratings

“Variety is the spice of life, they say, but to me, variety was the life of my vice.”


Robert Charles Thompson was many things in his life. Among them, he was a teenage sex worker, a gunner in the Royal Navy, and head housekeeper at a prestigious London hotel. He was also gay, and his story gives us a fresh insight into a well-trodden path of British social history.

This is the story of one gay man, born in 1919 in Tooting. There are, no doubt, many others, but maybe not many led such a diverse life. Bobby’s colourful life crossed paths with King George VI, Sir Winston Churchill, the Dalai Lama, Shirley Bassey, David Bowie, Quentin Crisp, Ruth Ellis, and numerous other crowned heads, politicians, entertainers and leaders of society.

However, he came from the underclass of the homeless, drag queens, and illegal lovers. There at pivotal moments of the gay 20th century, this previously unknown gay man’s richly fascinating career has previously slipped under the radar but is now getting the limelight it deserves.


Jackson Marsh has published over 30 novels, including the gay, Victorian series, The Clearwater Mysteries, The Larkspur Mysteries, and The Delamere Files.
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  1. Print length
    206 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    July 3, 2024
  5. File size
    2.8 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D8SJX9LT
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 3, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 206 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 107 ratings

About the author

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Jackson Marsh

Jackson Marsh

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Jackson Marsh is an award-winning author, composer and lyricist. His novels mix bromance, history and facts with thrilling plots, and mainly revolve around gay characters. Originally from the UK, he now lives in Greece.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
107 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • An Amazon customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Charming and Colorful Tale of Gay Life in Early 20th-Century Britain
    Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book chronicles the remarkable journey of Robert Charles Thompson (Bobby, or Babs), a man who defied societal norms and carved out a vibrant gay existence amid the constraints of early and mid-20th-century Britain. I was genuinely surprised to discover just how rich and diverse gay life was in those days, particularly considering its illegal status at the time.

    Bobby emerges as a wonderfully likable and charming character, making it easy to root for him as he navigates his colorful life. His unapologetic embrace of his past as a sex worker is both refreshing and empowering. It was also an eye-opening revelation to learn that one could be openly gay in the British Navy, engaging in relationships with "straight" marines without facing severe repercussions.

    Bobby adeptly traversed the worlds of the homeless, drag queens, and the elite, doing so with grace and humor. The narrative pulls you in, showcasing not only his interactions with crowned heads, celebrities, and politicians but also his connections with everyday people from the streets.

    I must also mention the cover choice—though the author mentioned considering using Bobby's handkerchief, I'm glad he opted for his picture instead. It captures the “gay” (as in joyful) spirit of the book perfectly, and let's be honest, Mr. Bobby was quite easy on the eye!

    I enjoyed this book very much, and I would like to recommend it to anyone (gay or not) interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ history in a fun and uplifting manner.
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  • Anthony Pisacano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly amazing
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Last night I curled up on the couch to begin reading Jackson Marsh’s biography of Bobby, A Life Worth Living. It’s the story of Marsh’s godfather, Bobby Thomson, beginning with his birth in 1919 until his death in 2007.
    I found it hard to put the book down and so I read to the end. I am stumped for words because I was left in awe of a man I never knew, but now find that I know him intimately through his story.

    The author had recorded Bobby’s recollections when he was alive, and in honoring Bobby’s wish that it be published, he took some years to complete this incredible person’s life story and it is finally finished.

    I’m sure there are a lot of people like myself who know of or have personally gone through some of the things that Bobby did so many years ago.
    At 14 years old to become a rent boy, and somehow not be sucked down into the poverty that he could have succumb to and have the wherewithal to realize he had something special and to take those talents and live a life as a gay man against all odds is astounding.

    I have the upmost respect for this man and of course anyone who has the courage enough to be themselves and to rise above the hate and discrimination that was so prominent during Bobby’s lifetime and still is today to some extent.

    I can identify with Bobby’s story and somewhat Bobby himself as I am a gay man who grew up in a time before we were recognized and given the rights we so deserve.
    It was not shocking to discover that Bobby sold himself to men at the age of 14. Being a fan of Jackson Marsh and have read all of his series related to the Clearwater mysteries, the Lockspur mysteries, and the Delamere mysteries, I am familiar with rent boys and their need for survival.

    Jackson Marsh has honored Bobby by publishing his story and giving the world a precious gift from a man I would have been honored and more than happy to have known.
    There is so much I would like to to say here regarding this story, but it is best that you read it for yourselves and let Bobby’s words take you on that journey.

    I highly recommend taking the time to read Bobby’s story, it will make you laugh, make you cry , and most importantly, leave you with a full heart and wonderful memories of this unique gay man.
    One person found this helpful
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  • JustPat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful tribute of Bobby’s Life
    Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoy this author’s fictional works. The details and research are intricately woven into his stories. I was unsure about a book based on real life. I had to force myself to put the book away each night. I genuinely felt like I was following Bobby around like a shadow as I read. Mr. Marsh has the gift of transporting readers into his stories by wielding his “pen”. I am so honored to have had a view into this man’s journey of life. Hoping Mr. Marsh writes more of this type along with his fictional historical series.
    Thank you for sharing your gift with us who enjoy your stories.
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  • Sascot
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magical
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Just loved this affectionate, warts an' all biography of the author's godfather, whose amazing life through the twentieth century at times is almost unbelievable. That he survived WWII active service on ships of the Royal Navy is a testament to the character of the man, who was clearly adored by all whom he met. Such a joy to read a beautifully researched and written biography of a man I would like to have met.
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  • Mark Whitebeard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting and intriguing read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
    Very interesting and intriguing look into the life of a British gay man during a time when being a homosexual in the UK was illegal.
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  • Larry O
    5.0 out of 5 stars Faaaaabulous!!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2024
    I just finished reading "Bobby". It was a wonderful read and told most excellently. I always enjoy reading Jackson Marsh. But this departure from his excellent fiction works is a delight and a fun read.
    Thank you for sharing this with us, 'M Lord. {-;)))
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Coffee Lover
    5.0 out of 5 stars A life well Lived.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    An entertaining and absorbing description of one man's life from boyhood to old age, who made the most of every opportunity that came his way, and ended up with a varied, interesting and what seemed to have been thoroughly enjoyable life.
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  • L. Savage
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling and Fascinating Biography.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book in a little over 48 hours, unusual for me. The many stories Bob relates remind me of my father and grandfather's times in Streatham, North London, during the years before the Second World War. Although they weren't gay I also heard many stories. For example, my father played a harmonium by the Woolwich Ferry, and when their house was bombed, my father, at the age of 9, walked barefoot to stay with a relative in Brighton. There, he would bunk off school to the racecourse and also like Bob met Prince Monolulu. I found myself easily transported into Bob's world through the stories, and at times felt I was in a very risqué PG Woodhouse novel. I had to suspend my disbelief on occasion about the number of celebrities he met and the the well researched notes helped to that end. What a colourful, erudite, entertaining, and interesting person Bob was and what a true survivor he was despite his upbringing and the dark times he lived in.
    Definitely a story well told and at times a challenging read I would recommend, well, to anyone!
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rare and insightful memoir of times long gone yet still so close
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Lovingly crafted, exceptionally well written and well researched, this is a rare 'first hand' retelling of one man's joy in their homosexuality. A joy he clearly passed on to many, including the author who steers the tales of 'temps perdue' in a skilful and respectful fashion, yet shy's away from none of the trickier questions presented by this engaging, intuitive and, at times infuriating original. This is a startlingly interesting read, with a wealth of beautifully observed detail of ' a time past' , yet it has a contemporary voice that quite entranced me. The descriptions of Bobby's early life have all the resonance of the memoirs of the Scottish writer Molly Wier, and at times captures these lost days and ways as succinctly and as pungently as Flora Thomson did in the 'Larkrise' books. No mean feat, indeed. Funny, frank, often moving and at times down right lyrical, this is a fluid and mesmerising account of a life definitely well lived. More than 5 stars required. Dr. K Gardner.
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  • Mrs. Jennifer A. Godfrey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A riveting read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I had been awaiting publication of Bobby with eager anticipation having heard the synopsis whilst on holiday earlier in the year.
    It was all I expected and more.
    A true depiction of the life of an incredibly brave, talented and caring human being who happened to be gay during such difficult times.
    Reminiscent of a fifties & sixties London and thoroughly entertaining naval stories.
    All captured so well, and the personal recollections & comparisons at the close of the book, the icing on this delicious cake!
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  • louis dolan
    5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Loved it ,an exciting read and loved reading about how’s lgbtq+ history has changed and the difference between now and then xx
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