The Boss reveals trauma that will give others hope

HOW sad that Bruce Springsteen had such an unhappy childhood that he was forced to leave home as soon as he could, literally being Born To Run (“The Boss wasn’t always so tough”, September 27).

Bruce says his father “loved me but couldn’t stand me” as he felt they competed for his mother’s attention and he was the victim of paternal aggression.

Bruce did so well, overcoming the awful situation at home and possibly achieved greater things in life than he would have done if he’d had a “normal” childhood.

It is sad to think that there are others out there who have grown up in similar situations who weren’t able to put their experiences behind them.

The fact Bruce highlighted this will do a lot of good. His book will be cathartic for him and give hope to others who are struggling. Lynne English, Wickford, Essex