Michael Pantlin

Author

My latest book is now available

A memoir about growing up unable to say what I felt,
and the slow, late-arriving work of learning to feel it, and to notice it in others.

Search for my name on Amazon to find both ebook and paperback.

Opening lines of Belonging to Myself:

“The big boy’s hands were on me before I could run. His dirty fingers dug into my arms, wrenching them up behind my back. Fire shot through my shoulders — a pain I’d never felt before.

“Twist ‘em both up ‘til ‘e stops wrigglin,” he said to the smaller boy.

“Let go!” I screeched. “Let me go!”

“You London brat. You ain’t belong here. We’ll teach you.”

Read more of the opening chapter →

Reviews from early readers

An emotional read that had me, in turn, reaching for the tissues and cheering him on. Michael’s journey through the crazy world of emotions gives hope to everyone who is trying to make sense of their place in this life. His loveless childhood will resonate with many and help others to understand what it is like to feel unloved and the bewildering task of learning to express one’s self.
In Belonging to Myself, Michael shows us how he overcame negativity and learned to express himself. It’s delightful to follow his transformation, helped by his soulmate, Henny. It could help you too. Thank you, Michael, for an extraordinary read. I loved it. — Anita McQuade, writer

In Belonging To Myself, Michael opens his inner world without flinching — everything he thought, felt, and feared, from childhood into adulthood — and lays bare his relationships with those around him, and with himself. It’s a deeply human story about how we grow up trying to make sense of our world, and how, at some point, we’re forced to tear that understanding apart, and build something new. — Trevor Newton, author

This man has undergone exhaustive testing of the human spirit. Somehow his resilience shows up time and time again. Not without pain along the way.  Added to his dilemma is finding what values match his personality best – his British upbringing is entirely different from the Dutch culture in which he spends much of his life. — Ann Ward, Author, Ontario

For regular posts go to https://michaelpantlin.substack.com/