‘Dad, it’s the happiest day of my life,’ Kate said. I wish time
would stand still and it could be today forever.’
It’s June 1897, and Kate is celebrating her eleventh birthday on the day of Queen Victoria’s diamond Jubilee. Kate’s joy is short-lived, as tragedy strikes, threatening her family with the loss of all they hold dear. Before long they are evicted from their home in Ancoats, Manchester, and with no wages coming in and a mother unable to cope, Kate has to grow up fast. Her deepest desire is to keep her brothers and sisters together.
A journey of hope and heartache takes Kate from the hardships of
the workhouse to the dubious comforts of a position in service to the rich;
from the joys of marriage to a good man, to the sorrows and losses suffered
during the Great War.
Through it all, Kate fights against the odds with determination.
Guided by her indomitable spirit and sense of humour, she discovers that it is
possible to find contentment despite all that life can throw at her. Nostalgic
and poignant, KATE’S STORY is a truly heartwarming read, rich in Billy Hopkins’
trademarks of warmth, laughter and triumph over adversity.
ISBN 978-0-7553-4320-1
All the books are
being republished in B-Format.
All the
books have been published by World Book Club.
All the
books have also been published in large print versions by:
Magna Large
Print Books, North Yorkshire, BD23 4ND.
All the
books have been done on audio cassettes read by:
Christopher
Kay of BBC by Soundings, Kings Drive, Whitley Bay, T & W NE26 2JT.
In the case
of OUR KID, a version on 14 CDs has been produced by the same company
(Soundings).
Both Our Kid & Kate’s Story have also been
transcribed into Braille.