A historical fiction novel set in the Five Towns of England during the late 19th century, Three Penny Sunday offers an engaging journey into the life of an intriguing character, Edward Henry Walker, born in 1867.

Tracing his trajectory from a modest upbringing in Bursley to prominence, the novel weaves a rich tableau of the era's local pottery industry often referred to as "potbanks", and the tight-knit, gossip-ridden community that shapes the town's social and political landscape.

Henry's Course

Initially an ordinary boy, Henry secures a surprise scholarship at twelve, albeit through dubious means. Less academically brilliant, more opportunist, Henry’s life takes intriguing turns. Embarking on a clerk's job with Mr. Bradshaw, the Town Clerk, he gets enlightening exposure to society's upper crust. An encounter with the influential Duchess of Chellingworth further fuels his ambitious journey to climb social and political ranks.

Challenges

Henry's life takes a turn when he joins the prestigious Bursley F.C. Faced with the likely dissolution of the football club due to financial woes and declining support, Henry deploys his connections to secure star player Callear, resurrecting the club's fortunes. This impressive feat earns him public admiration and paves the way for his election as the town’s youngest mayor in 1899.

Triumphs and Relationships

His innovative endeavours, like the notable "Threepenny-bit Sunday" charity drive, further endear him to the townsfolk. Guided by his wife Nell’s unfaltering support, he maneuvers through various social dynamics – from sincere awkwardness to strategic wit. His nuanced relationship with his sarcastic mother and his knack for winning over even the most severe critics reveal Henry's layered character.

Epilogue

Three Penny Sunday delivers a compelling portrayal of a young man's ascent through ambition, cunning, and an occasional stroke of luck. Set in a quintessential English town on the brink of nuanced yet profound changes at the close of the 19th century. This novel explores the themes of ambition, social mobility, and the role of personal relationships in shaping one's path to success.