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 1886Tommy 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...