Memoir: Basingstoke man has story published at Book Fair

Brian Mann, 89, from Oakley, saw his memoir ‘Big Boys Don’t Cry’ published by London Book Publishers in March.

The story begins just before Brian was born, taking its title from a comment made by Mr Mann’s foster father when he was three years old.

He said: “I’m quite proud. I've had the highs and the lows.

“So many people say to me, ‘You should write a book.’ And then 10 years ago, I thought, ‘You know what? I'm going to do it.’”

Brian with his book cover (Image: Newsquest)

His early life was marked by uncertainty, with his father dying of pneumonia three months before he was born.

Between the ages of one and five, he was fostered by a family in Saffron Walden, Essex, before returning to his original family in 1942.

He said: “I grew up as a person from a very young age, not knowing who I was or where I was or who my family was.

“I wouldn't wish my childhood on anybody.”

The memoir traces his journey, through work in London where he delivered bundles of papers to major hotels in the early hours, and later to running a cosmetic aircraft maintenance business in Holland.

He said: “We have a family motto, which I installed in the family. We don't give in.”

The book recounts his efforts organising a sing-off at Winchester Cathedral to raise funds for the NHS nurses, inspired by his own chemotherapy journey.

It also tells of his family life, from meeting his wife to welcoming his granddaughter, and reflects on his wife’s journey with the NHS this year.

Find out more about Brian’s book here: https://secure.combinedbook.com/bigboysdon27tcry_216927_836.html