Growing up in 1960s and 70s Britain, Robin Whitworth learned early that life rarely handed out second chances, and following the rules was never his strongest quality.
From a crowded council house with an outside toilet and frozen. bedroom windows to schoolyard fights, hard labour, brushes with the police, dangerous dares, first jobs and a constant battle with authority, Robin's childhood was anything but ordinary.
Known eventually as Whitty, he built a reputation for standing his ground, protecting those close to him and finding his own way through a world that seemed determined to knock him down. Behind the mischiet, humour and defiance lies the story of a boy shaped by poverty, family, friendship, loss and the harsh realities of growing up.
Raw, funny and unapologetically honest, Whitty: Learning the Hard Way is a journey back to a Britain that has almost disappeared, told by someone who lived it, challenged it and somehow came through the other side.
Some lessons are taught in classrooms. Others can only be learned the hard way.