A powerful and moving new novel from this well-loved writer Alex never stood a chance. After one 'accident' too many, he's taken into care aged four. His mum promises to get him back, but he's adopted by a childless couple and renamed Franky. It should be a fresh start, but he soon discovers his new dad has a twisted idea of fatherhood. Abused and alone, Franky finds freedom -- but at a price. And it doesn't last long. The runaway is caught and sent to a series of foster homes, but no one can get through to him now. He'll always say he's 'the boy from nowhere'. But deep down he's still waiting for his mum to take him home. As Franky grows up, it seems inevitable he'll end up on the streets of London, slipping into a dangerous world, earning a living the only way he can. One day he might find a way out, but can he ever trust again?