Once Upon a Time in England [Paperback]

"* 'A graphic snapshot of a northern family's daily life...You'll develop such an affinity for brooding, talented Robbie Fitzgerald and his Tamil princess wife Susheela that you'll be willing them to escape their ultimately doomed life. Utterly gripping.' - She * 'Helen Walsh is the real thing; a serious writer to watch. Once Upon a Time in England is an impressive second book. She just keeps on getting better.' - M.J. Hyland * 'Spellbinding and utterly unique.' - Independent on 'Brass' * 'An incredibly uplifting experience. She will knock you sideways' - Guardian on 'Brass'"

... Walsh's writing has a wonderful, propulsive exuberance. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

the kind of book whose events you find yourself repeating to friends. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

explores the complexities of human relationships and creates a convincing and touching portrayal of family life --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

On the coldest night of 1975, a young man with shock-red hair tears though the snowbound streets of Warrington's toughest housing estate. He is Robbie Fitzgerald, and he is running for his life - and that of his young family. In his heart, Robbie knows the odds are stacked against them. In this unbending Northern town, he has married the beautiful brown nurse who once stitched up his wounds. Susheela is his Tamil Princess, but in the real world, the Fitzgeralds have to face up to prejudice, poverty and sheer naked hatred from their neighbours. Now Robbie has seen a way out, and he's sprinting to his date with destiny...

Helen Walsh was born in Warrington, England, in 1977. Her first novel, Brass, was published in 2004 and was the winner of a Betty Trask Prize. She now lives in Liverpool.