Best Book Publishers UK | Austin Macauley Publishers
Dead Serious-bookcover

By: Stewart Perkins

Dead Serious

Pages: 462 Ratings:
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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.

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.

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