PeterJohnsonisborninManchester,afteradifficultbirth,tohismotherBrenda;thefourthsontoherandhusband,Jim.Unknowingly,hisfatherwishedforadaughter.
Oneyearlater,JimtellsBrendahowhefeels,unabletobondcloselywiththeiryoungestson.So,forthenextsevenyears,shebanisheshimfromtheirmaritalbed;untilPeterhashiseighthbirthday.
ThingschangewhenBrendabecomespregnant.
Buttragedystrikes
By1968,Peter'soldestbrothermarries;histwinbrotheralsoleaveshome,takinguptheircareersasfootballers.
Atjustfourteen,hisfatherattackshiminadrunkenrage
Peteristerrified,confidinginhisbestfriend,Elly,thatheisrunningaway;nottellingherwherehe'llgo,thoughpromisingtokeepintouch.
Allalone,hetakesabustoLondon.Whatwilllifebelikeforhimfromnowon?