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The Hard Man
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The novel recounts the extraordinary and compelling story of a young working class lad from a London council estate. At a very young age the protagonist already had a reputation for extreme violence. The story starts when aged sixteen he begins his journey to a tough Borstal and his swift takeover, where he presides over a Kangaroo court dispensing justice. On his release we follow his criminal activities and serial killings, taking contracts from both the criminal underworld and MI6, until his disappearance at the age of twenty four. During these eight years, refusing to leave the estate where he grew up, he progresses from dealing drugs on the council estate to running, with the help of MI6, his own escort agency which welcomes politicians and international businessmen. All his earnings are passed onto his silent, inscrutable mother, who with the help of her own criminal family develops a housing empire. Our protagonist inability to build relationships, is reflected in his internal commentary and accounts of his abusive father. By subconsciously creating his own stories he tries to give his life some meaning. Alienated from society he is an efficient killing machine, plotting each contract with meticulous care. He is a frightening and dangerous individual even amongst other hardened criminals. Although we are shocked by his behaviour, his sense of justice draws our sympathy.