The Early Caller's Son

Harry is a quiet, shy boy, third of four brothers in a poor but happy family. A typical East End family, their father Joseph earns his living as an Early Caller, making sure others are out of bed in time for their work every morning, and their mother Mary takes in sewing to bring in a few extra coppers. Though often short of money, they are never short of love, and the brothers grow up knowing the importance of both.

When Charlie, the eldest, marries Lila, Harry is smitten and hopes that one day he too will find a girl like her. As Charlie and Lila start to have children, Harry contents himself with the role of favourite uncle. But war is on the horizon, and Harry becomes the rock Lila needs when tragedy hits the household.

Bringing up a large family in desperate economic times is a struggle, and Harry lurches between jobs as he and thousands of others are laid off as often as they are taken on. How he copes with the Depression of the 1930s, and another shocking tragedy, is the tale of a stoic, romantic man determined to do the best for those he loves.