One of the Family

by Maureen Flanagan
One of the Family cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Biography and Memoir
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2913
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781473518568
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2015-07-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

This memoir delves into the life of the Kray family, focusing on the close relationship between Maureen Flanagan and Violet Kray. Over weekly visits for hair appointments, Violet shares stories about her life, her pride in her twins, and the challenges of her marriage. /n/n The book provides a unique glimpse into the dynamics of this infamous East End family, blending humor and insight to paint a vivid picture of their world. It explores the intersections of family, loyalty, and identity, offering a humanizing perspective on a household often defined by its notoriety.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2015-09-03
critical 3.50

The article critiques the mythologizing of the Krays, suggesting that their legend was carefully crafted. It acknowledges Maureen Flanagan's role in their story but questions the accuracy of their portrayal.

This article takes a critical look at the Kray twins' legacy, arguing that their reputation as larger-than-life criminals was largely a construct. It delves into how the Krays and their associates, including Maureen Flanagan, contributed to this myth. While the article acknowledges the personal insights provided by Flanagan, it also raises questions about the veracity of the stories and the motivations behind their telling. This perspective offers a more nuanced view of the Krays, challenging the romanticized image often presented in popular culture.

Quick quotes

    The Firm started to fall apart as its members gave in to police pressure and informed on the twins.

    Maureen Flanagan was the Krays' de facto publicist, helping to shape their legend.

    The Krays' story is a tale of how mediocre criminals created their own legend.

Goodreads · 2015-07-02
entertaining 4.25

The book is praised for its humorous and insightful narrative, offering a unique perspective on the Kray family. Readers appreciate the author's personal connection and the vivid storytelling.

This memoir is widely celebrated for its engaging and humorous tone, providing a intimate look into the infamous Kray family. Many readers highlight the author's ability to balance personal anecdotes with historical context, making the story both entertaining and informative. The vivid descriptions and personal insights make it a compelling read for those interested in true crime and British history. Some readers note that the book offers a more humanizing portrayal of the Krays, which can be both intriguing and controversial.

Quick quotes

    Told with humour and insight, it looks back across the decades at the life of this close knit, notorious East End family.

    Maureen Flanagan's personal connection to the Krays adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative.

    The book provides a unique perspective on the Krays, showing both their infamous reputation and their personal relationships.

Amazon · 2015-07-02
engaging 4.50

Customers describe the book as a spellbinding narrative that Maureen Flanagan tells exceptionally well. The personal stories and historical context are highly praised.

Many readers are captivated by the personal stories and historical context provided in this memoir. The book is frequently described as a spellbinding narrative, with Maureen Flanagan's storytelling skills being particularly highlighted. Readers appreciate the depth of personal insights and the way the author weaves together the Krays' infamous reputation with their personal lives. The book is seen as a valuable addition to the literature on the Krays, offering a unique and engaging perspective. Some readers note that the book's strength lies in its ability to humanize the Krays, making them more relatable despite their notorious actions.

Quick quotes

    Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a spellbinding narrative that Maureen Flanagan tells well.

    One customer noted it offers a unique and personal insight into the Krays' world.

    The book is praised for its ability to humanize the Krays, making them more relatable.

Appears in Lists