The Tan
Memories from a Romany Childhood
Published on 10. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-83615-186-9 (ISBN)
Description
For centuries, Romany Gypsies and Travellers have been pushed to the edges of society-misunderstood, persecuted, and ignored. But their story is one of resilience, survival, and an unbreakable connection to land, family, and spirit.
C J Smith was born into a proud Romany family with deep roots stretching back generations. Raised in a caravan, he grew up immersed in the rich traditions, spirituality, and wisdom of his people-guided by the rhythms of nature and an unshakable belief in the unseen forces that shape their world. But beyond the warmth of his close-knit family lay a society determined to erase their way of life.
After more than 30 years as an activist, social care manager, and leading advocate for Gypsy and Traveller rights, the author brings his powerful story to the page. The Tan is a raw and deeply moving memoir of identity, struggle, and defiance-a journey from childhood innocence to the harsh realities of prejudice, discrimination, and legal injustice. Through his fight to change policies, train police and social workers, and challenge deep-seated stereotypes, he has spent his life demanding justice-not just for his own people, but for all those who have been silenced.
But this book is more than a fight-it is also a celebration: a celebration of a culture that refuses to be erased, a celebration of a spiritual legacy passed down through generations, and a celebration of family, faith, and the unyielding strength of a people who have survived against all odds.
The Tan is more than just a memoir. Expertly blended with sharp social commentary, it's a call for change. If you believe in equality, human rights, and the power of truth, this is a book you need to read.
C J Smith was born into a proud Romany family with deep roots stretching back generations. Raised in a caravan, he grew up immersed in the rich traditions, spirituality, and wisdom of his people-guided by the rhythms of nature and an unshakable belief in the unseen forces that shape their world. But beyond the warmth of his close-knit family lay a society determined to erase their way of life.
After more than 30 years as an activist, social care manager, and leading advocate for Gypsy and Traveller rights, the author brings his powerful story to the page. The Tan is a raw and deeply moving memoir of identity, struggle, and defiance-a journey from childhood innocence to the harsh realities of prejudice, discrimination, and legal injustice. Through his fight to change policies, train police and social workers, and challenge deep-seated stereotypes, he has spent his life demanding justice-not just for his own people, but for all those who have been silenced.
But this book is more than a fight-it is also a celebration: a celebration of a culture that refuses to be erased, a celebration of a spiritual legacy passed down through generations, and a celebration of family, faith, and the unyielding strength of a people who have survived against all odds.
The Tan is more than just a memoir. Expertly blended with sharp social commentary, it's a call for change. If you believe in equality, human rights, and the power of truth, this is a book you need to read.
Reviews / Votes
'The personal account of the author's family life and experiences I found fascinating, and this kept me hungry to turn the pages...It is also impacting that the author's experiences of anxiety and fear, regarding his ethnic identity being known (during his childhood), is just one more account of what can be echoed again and again.'
Gentylia Lee
Author of 'The Mystery in being a Gypsy'
'Chris Smith presents the reader with a meticulously detailed account of his rural Herefordshire Gypsy family and community in a most balanced fashion. The tensions of a traditional community adapting to a rapidly modernising world are described in nostalgic, but realistic ways, telling it like it was and not over-romanticising the Gypsy life.'
Dr Peter Unwin
The University of Worcester
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Claygate
United Kingdom
Illustrations
20 colour images
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
441 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83615-186-9 (9781836151869)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
C J Smith is a Romany Gypsy, activist, and advocate for Gypsy and Traveller rights. With over 30 years of experience in the learning disability care sector, Chris has managed multiple care services for adults with learning difficulties, but his impact goes beyond social care.Alongside his work in social care, Chris has been an Independent Advisor and Gypsy and Traveller Awareness trainer with West Mercia Police for over a decade. He also delivers training for The University of Worcester, the Crown Prosecution Service, and various local authorities and healthcare organisations. He was instrumental in developing the first online mandatory Gypsy and Traveller Awareness training for social workers, now adopted by councils and NHS services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.A former manager of Travellers' Times, the UK's only publication dedicated to Gypsies and Travellers, Chris has spent years challenging media bias and stereotypes through writing and public speaking. His articles and advocacy work highlight the ongoing discrimination faced by Gypsy and Traveller communities, recognised as the most marginalised ethnic groups in the UK.Born into a traditional Romany Gypsy family, Chris lived in a caravan until the late 1980s, and many of his relatives continue to live nomadically today. His personal and professional experiences fuel his commitment to combating prejudice and increasing awareness about Gypsy and Traveller history, culture, and rights.In his early sixties, Chris believes his activism is only just beginning. His book blends memoir with social commentary, offering an unflinching look at the challenges faced by Gypsies and Travellers while calling for long-overdue change.