Born in the East End of London in the early 1950s, the retired draughtman has witnessed and lived through many life-changing social and economic developments.The sports loving man with an enjoyment of life grew up and attended schools in Dagenham. Here, living within a working-class community, the novelist learned friendship, respect and trust were just as equal if not more important than money.Notorious for animatedly narrating ‘exaggerated’ tales from his youth, with a cockney wit inherited from his father, he always looks for a reason to laugh.
Stanley was a skinny, timid child who dreaded school. Each Friday, his mum, Irene, would bribe him with a toy car, compelling him to attend the following week. She and his father, Pete, provided love and support, but their eldest son always remained anxious, with little self-esteem. Then, at the age of 10, a greater embarrassment caused him even more anxiety: his mother had bought him the wrong shirt for the football team he had joined with his friends.
Previously, the child had been happy to be invisible, allowing disappointment and others to take control of his life. This single incident made him determined to take charge. He had lots of friends, including Glyn and Roy, who would help him; perhaps they might even have some fun. His first test would be to stand in front of hundreds of boys when he took the school assembly.
Stan knew his struggles to change his life would be a long journey, but he was certain he could develop an inner strength and become more confident. He would no longer be 'short straw Stan' – he was ready to take control of his life.
Portrayed through separate, linked novellas, these tales of Stan's life from infancy through his teenage years may be read as one continuous novel. Alternatively, any chapter may be chosen from any novella and read as a short story.
Would Stan’s eccentric, fun-loving disposition continue to be subdued by low self-esteem and personal insecurities?
A timid child who had grown into a slightly less troubled young man, Stan was approaching his nineteenth birthday with a pledge to continue the plan he had embarked upon nine years earlier. Signs of success were emerging. Happily, Stan believed his recent experiences in both his personal and working life were far less daunting and withdrawn than he had once imagined at the age of ten. He seemed to be on the cusp of nurturing a more confident demeanour, with the potential to enrich his life in myriad ways.
With perseverance, self-control, and the support of friends and family, Stan sensed his future could develop into something beyond his wildest dreams. His destiny, however, would be shaped by how he responded to the inevitable challenges along the bumpy road of his life. While he acknowledged that some unfortunate or distressing events might strike and later haunt him, his increased confidence gave him hope that such occurrences would be short-lived and interspersed with moments of humour and excitement. Ever the optimist, he dreamed of love and happiness and possibly even forming an affectionate relationship with a lifelong partner.
Illustrated through separate linked novellas, narratives of Stan’s late teenage years and early adult life can be read as one continuous novel or enjoyed as individual short stories.
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