The Life, Times and Music of Mark Raphael

This biography explores the life of Harris Furstenfeld, born in 1900 of Polish Jewish immigrant parents into the dire poverty of London's East End. Fatherless six weeks after his birth, his childhood is one of hardship and deprivation, yet his love of music transcends the squalor of his surroundings. His mind is filled with the immovable ambition to become a concert singer, no matter what the obstacles. He decides to change his name to Mark Raphael, and to forge a career for himself. From soup kitchens and second hand clothes to direct charity, bullying,persistent worry about making ends meet, and living through two world wars, his struggles enable him to achieve his goal, and much more.

Gillian Thornhill is a retired teacher of languages, living in North Yorkshire, England. This is her second book, but her first biography. Apart from writing, her interests include reading, travel, music and theatre, walking in the Yorkshire countryside and interacting with friends.