From the bestselling author of OUR KID and HIGH HOPES comes his most heartwarming work to date: the story of his father Tommy, and his determined, spirited battle to rise above the slums and the workhouse and build a better life for himself and his family
From the bestselling author of OUR KID and HIGH HOPES comes his most heartwarming work to date: the story of his father Tommy, and his determined, spirited battle to rise above the slums and the workhouse and build a better life for himself and his family
An engaging novel based on the fascinating and inspiring life of the author's 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. The family is struck by tragedy not once but twice but Tommy is a survivor. He quickly makes friends at school, 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 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...“'A truly outstanding novel... Be sure to read and enjoy!'”
- Brian McGuiness, President of the Society of Medical Writers
A truly outstanding novel... Be sure to read and enjoy! - Brian McGuiness, President of the Society of Medical WritersThe characters will stay with you after you've finished the book, but what you won't be left with is the sickly sweet taste of nostalgia. If you like to learn something from a good story then this could well be the book for you - The Bookbag, onlineBilly Hopkins was born in Collyhurst and grew up in the Manchester area. He is married with six adult children.
An engaging novel based on the fascinating and inspiring life of the author's 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. The family is struck by tragedy not once but twice but Tommy is a survivor. He quickly makes friends at school, 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 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...
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