Description

Immerse yourself in this uniquely-crafted memoir capturing the early childhood of the author, the third oldest in a working-class Catholic family from the Brandywell in Derry, spanning 1967-1972. Written with the authentic voice of a child, the memoir unfolds through stories that evoke the innocence of childhood, family dynamics, street friendships, and the onset of civil strife. Experience the tension of a family shielding itself from conflict, with CS gas seeping through the door and tracer bullets whizzing past the windows.

Central to the narrative is Tony's father, Patrick, a legendary figure in his son's eyes, struggling to raise a family amid economic hardship. The memoir beautifully portrays the relationship between Tony and his father, capturing a blend of adoration and fear as their lives intertwine with the chaos outside.

Witness the impact of conflict as it enters Tony's world through the tragic death of a friend and the direct intrusion into the Doherty household. Described as 'a treasure, ' this memoir draws readers into a child's perspective on the harsh realities of life and the horrors unfolding around him. With touches of humor and a vivid depiction of a lost world where children roamed free, this moving account will captivate and deeply move readers, even to the point of tears.