Product Description

When we think of the Kray Legend, we think of Sixties London, an underground culture that has all but vanished. Reg Kray was the torchbearer of that era in British history. But despite ongoing press interest in the world of the Krays, few have an understanding of Reg the man - a man who spent half of his life in prison and who died of cancer in October 2000. Sidgwick & Jackson published Reg and Ron's joint memoir, "Our Story", in 1988, and Ron Kray's autobiography, "My Story", in 1993. This is Reggie's story, a diary of the life he lived, with reflections on the past and the new role he found for himself 'on the inside'. It is a story of courage and remorse, revelation and friendship. For the first time he speaks of his marriage to Roberta, of his relationship with his brothers Ron, who died five years ago, and Charlie, who died April 2000, putting certain misconceptions straight. Updated with a new chapter by Roberta Kray, this is a valuable document for future generations and a fascinating insight into prison life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #47697 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

About the Author
32 years ago, Reg Kray, with his brother Ron, was imprisoned for the East End gangland murders with which his name has become synonymous.

Customer Reviews

A small insight into a complex man
Reg Kray was clearly a man who was capable of so much more than theviolence and gangland activities for which he and his brother werenotorious, and A Way of Life shows this superbly.
Reg comments articulately and thoughtfully on many things during thecourse of the book from the drudgery and violence of prison life tolasting friendships, loyalty, family, treachery and politics. However, theoverriding impression was of a man genuinely taken aback that his releasefrom prison was repeatedly denied, while serial rapists, paedophiles andother far more dangerous specimens were parolled, often to reoffend almostinstantly. As Reg had to be on death's door with cancer before hisrelease, and his ongoing incarceration was clearly more politicallymotivated than out of concern for public safety, it is not difficult tosee his point.
Despite the knockbacks and the difficulties, Reg was incrediblyphilosophical about things, and any suspicion that he was a mindless thugwill evaporate after reading a few pages of this book. To be honest, RegKray's storytelling abilities speak for themselves in this book, andcombined with a wicked sense of humour, and the value he placed onfriendship and companionship, ends up as the kind of guy you wish youcould go down the local for a few beers with.
A hard man who led a hard life, but never seemed to lose touch withreality, and this book probably gives a bigger insight into him thananything else. A fantastic book and highly recommended.

utterly fascinating
This book is a must-read, and not only for those who are interested in the story of the Krays'. Past books by and about Reg Kray focused on the crimes he committed in the 50's and 60's and his life, along with his twin brother Ron, as a leading gangster in London. This latest book, however, tells a vastly different story - that of a man who spent literally half his life in prison. With many anecdotes, some amusing, some incredibly sad, Reg Kray gives an insight into a life spent behind bars. We read about the many moves from prison to prison, relationships with other inmates and "screws" (lots of colourful characters!), the hardships including depression, attempted suicide and the separation from his twin brother. The book also tells of his reactions to the deaths of all his family members, his joy at meeting his wife Roberta and his hopes for finally being released after serving well over the recommended 30 year sentence. Like him or loathe him, this book makes for fascinating reading and leaves you with a respect for a man who, although a murderer, served 33 years in prison and who was only released when he had just weeks to live.

very good
I HAVE READ ALOT OF BOOKS ON THE KRAY AND IT HAS TO BE SAID THAT THIS IS THE BEST ONE ANY OF THE KRAYS HAS WRITTEN.THE REASON I SAY THIS IS BECAUSE IN THIS BOOK I BELIEVE HE HOLDS NOTHING BACK ON THE WAY HE HAS LIVED LIFE AND THE WAY HE WAS LIVING IT AT THIS TIME. THE PRISON STORIES ARE BRILLIANT AND IT IS CERTAINLY A MUST READ TO KRAY FANS.