The bestselling author of the nostalgic classics OUR KID 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. 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...

About the Author
Billy Hopkins (better known to his family and friends as Wilfred Hopkins) was born in Collyhurst in 1928 and attended schools in Manchester. Before going into higher education, he worked as a copy boy for the Manchester Guardian. He later studied at the Universities of London, Manchester and Leeds and was involved in school-teaching and teacher-training in Liverpool, Manchester, Salford and Glasgow. He also worked in African universities in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Billy Hopkins, author, husband and father of six, died aged 83 in 2012.

Reviews
'A truly outstanding novel... Be sure to read and enjoy!' * Brian McGuiness, President of the Society of Medical Writers *
'The 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, online *



Book Information
ISBN 9780755359592
Author Billy Hopkins
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Headline Book Publishing
Publisher Headline Publishing Group
Weight(grams) 282g
Dimensions(mm) 199mm * 132mm * 28mm