Dawn Fallon

Biography

I was born in Birmingham where I studied music and piano, graduating with a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1980. I am a classically trained pianist,  and I later studied piano privately under Marjorie Hazlehurst before moving to Torbay in 1995.

I occasionally play piano during dinner at a local hotel, and I sing tenor in the West Devon Chorale.

In a former life I used to be a VAT Control Officer in the Midlands. I have written about my work as a civil servant for HM Customs & Excise in a short memoir called Confessions of a VAT Inspector.

My love of memoirs began when I studied ‘A' Level English Literature when Flora Thompson’s autobiographical book ‘Larkrise to Candleford’ was on the Syllabus. I began writing my memoir about my job as a VAT inspector over 25 years ago, but it was only during the Lockdown in 2020 that I was able to finish it.

See Reviews and “Look Inside” the book here:


Reviews

  • A fantastic book, which takes the reader on an amazing journey and delves into many the many lives and experiences of the ‘VAT Inspector’. An important historical record to refer back to that will grow in its value over time.

    Matthew T.

  • From start to finish this book kept me hooked .. the author spoke from her experience in such an entertaining way. Highly recommended!!

    Sarah Yeo

  • Dawn Fallon is one of the most talented writers I've read. She has taken what could have been a very pedestrian account of this occupation and crafted an entertaining, page-turning action packed read.

    Simon Michael Prior

  • Dawn’s writing is finely crafted, she knows how to tell a good story that’s for sure.

    Sharon

  • Enjoyable read, with plenty of humour, superbly crafted.

    Steve Mayne

  • Didn’t want to put my kindle down. Enjoyed the fun way of looking at the job of a VAT inspector.

    Sue Jarvis.

  • The book is well written and is both factual and amusing.

    Peter H.

  • Well written, funny and very heart-warming. Was such an easy read.

    Andy Davies.

  • This is a delightful book. It brings back many memories and does so with charm and humour, What might have been presented as a dry subject is brought warmly and vividly to life by the author. Highly recommended !

    David C.

  • The author is exceptionally good at painting a real picture of her characters and experiences. It was informative, entertaining and most enjoyable.

    Kate Tarrant.

  • A really interesting read with lots of honest humour between the pages.

    Goodreads.