Tommy's World

The Hopkins Family Saga #1

by Billy Hopkins

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...

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 2009

Reviews

[Sally Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it until about halfway through and then it got depressing and I decided to give it up as a bad job as if I wanted to be depressed then I would watch the news!! it may have a happy ending but I didn't bother to find out

[Karen Jones]

Good read especially if you are from the area and know the places he writes about. Good writer, easy to read.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, an insight into life in the slums of Manchester. Brilliant read :o)

[Les Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really wonderful book, much of which I can associate with. Highly recommended.

[Julie Jobling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but not as good as the others I have read as I missed the Manchurian dialect. Once I got into it I was hooked as usual though.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book from Billy Hopkins.

Although I havent been reading them in the correct order, it hasnt affected my enjoyment as they are fairly self-contained in themselves.

I really enjoy his writing style and the voice he uses which is very uplifting and positive even when his characters are faced with misfortune and hardships.

Whilst the stories arent entirely factual, there is a very strong biographical basis in his family history and its extraordinary to think how hard life could be in the not too distant past.

I will continue to look out for more books by this author.

[Sarah Tye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was a real step into what life was like at the turn of the century. I really loved Tommy, he was so resilient and strong given everything that he went through. I look forward to reading the other books in the series about the other family members.

[J.J. JOHNSTONE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Another great story. Wished I had read the trilogy in the right order but enjoyed it very much and would recommend.

[Steph Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, very sad for the little man, but he made sure that it didn't affect him as best as he could. Looking forward to reading more....

[Jane Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book Tommy’s story of life as a boy and young man Really enjoyable