Paperboy - Softcover

Macaulay, Tony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1907162054 ISBN 13: 9781907162053

Publisher: Merlin Publishing, 2010

Synopsis

It's Belfast, 1975, and a 12-year-old boy wearing Brut aftershave has just been appointed paperboy to the Upper Shankill by Oul' Mac.

The smell of Tayto cheese and onion crisps is on his breath, and the aroma of fresh fish suppers and burning double-decker busses is in the air. It is the era of platform shoes and parallel trousers, and Paperboy is taking guitar lessons with Mr Rowing so he can play along to the Bay City Rollers.

Belfast in the seventies is like the newspapers he delivers: everything is black and white, albeit Orange and Green. There are bombings and killings on the evening news, but Paperboy is more interested in Doctor Who and Top of the Pops, bonfires and outer space, and of course, Sharon Burgess.

It is a time of hate and conflict, but Paperboy's only battles are with acne, dentistry and the wee hoods out to rob his paper money. The streets are ruled by the IRA and the UDA, but Paperboy is under the spell of a less threatening acronym: ABBA.

There are secrets at school and dangers on the streets, but Paperboy is happy, so he is. He is a good paperboy. He delivers.

About this title

Review:

'This is a wholly delightful book, shedding a new and kindly light on the Shankill and those who live there.' --Irish Independent , April 17, 2010

From the Publisher:

'This beguiling memoir will charm the socks off you and frequently make you laugh out loud'

About this edition

• Publisher: Merlin Publishing
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1907162054
• ISBN 13: 9781907162053
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288