Writing on the Wall is proud to announce the release of Reflections of a Mudman, a powerful new memoir by Garston-born writer Brian Mooney, offering an evocative portrait of childhood, family, and identity in post-war Liverpool.
Growing up amid the docks, backstreets, and bustling communities of 1950s Liverpool, Mooney tells a deeply personal story shaped by migration, resilience, and belonging. From memories of his father, who fought in the Spanish Civil War, to vivid tales of a community bound together by hardship and humour, Reflections of a Mudman is both an intimate family history and a social history of our city. A moving portrait of identity, belonging, and the enduring spirit of Scousers, this is Liverpool remembered as it was; tough, tender, and unforgettable.
Brian Mooney, author of Reflections of a Mudman, said:
“Some would suggest that post-war Garston was a hard place to be born. Possibly, but no kid ever had a better start in life.”
“This ‘mud man’ has had quite an interesting ride since his birth in that tiny, terraced house ‘under the bridge.’ Shand Street, and the Garston of my childhood stays with me, and I remain proud to be a true ‘mudman.”
The memoir is more than a nostalgic look at the past; it reflects on themes that remain urgent today: migration, working-class life, and the enduring strength of community. Readers will find a story that is honest, heartfelt, and rich with the character of Liverpool. Reflections of a Mudman is a love letter to Liverpool, seen through the eyes of a dockside lad who never lost his roots.
Jack Byrne, author of Under The Bridge, said:
“If you want to know what life was really like in Liverpool of old, then this book is for you.”
Reflections of a Mudman” by Brian Mooney, published by Writing on the Wall on 12 June 2025 (ISBN: 978-1-916571-24-2), is now available to purchase here.
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