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...