The bestselling author of the nostalgic classics OUR KID, HIGH HOPES and KATE'S STORY has based his engaging new novel on the fascinating and inspiring life of his father Tommy, born in a Manchester slum in 1886. Tommy Hopkins' early years aren't very promising. Born at the end of the nineteenth century in a slum district of Manchester, he's blessed with a loving, hard-working mam and dad, but they don't have two ha'pennies to rub together. In addition to suffering poverty, the family is struck by tragedy not once but twice. But Tommy is a survivor. At school he quickly makes lots of friends, and together they plot money-making schemes, settle scores and play lots of football. Then, at last, it's time to leave the playground behind. Denied the chance of a promising career as an engineer, Tommy instead finds employment at Manchester's Smithfield market and works his way up, finally becoming a porter. He's turning into a man, and amongst the young women who catch his eye is Kate Lally, who may just be the love of his life...
- ISBN10 0750533900
- ISBN13 9780750533904
- Publish Date 1 May 2011 (first published 12 November 2009)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 15 March 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Magna Large Print Books
- Edition Large type / large print edition
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 416
- Language English