Read more
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.
About the author
Tony Doherty was instrumental in setting up the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign in 1992, which led in 2010 to the exoneration of his father and the others killed and wounded on Bloody Sunday, and to a public apology from the British Prime Minister in the House of Commons. He has worked extensively in community regeneration in Derry, is a member of the Big Lottery Fund's NI Committee and is currently Regional Coordinator for Northern Ireland's Healthy Living Centre Alliance.
Summary
Experience a riveting memoir of 1960s Derry. Tony's childhood tales of family love and looming strife offer an authentic view. Centred on his father's struggle amidst economic hardship, this narrative evokes a world of unrestricted play against a backdrop of civil unrest. It's a humorous, heartbreaking journey told through innocent eyes.
