Scotland

The classic story of the man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a Christian writer and preacher. He was born at Harrowden, in the Parish of Elstow, England. He wrote The Pilgrim's Progress (1678- 1684), arguably the most famous published Christian allegory. In the Church of England he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August. Bunyan had very little schooling (about 2-4 years). He followed his father in the Tarish Tinker's trade, and he served in the parliamentary army at Newport Pagnell (1644-1647). In 1655, Bunyan became a deacon and began preaching, with marked success from the start. He also became a popular preacher as well as a prolific author, though most of his works consist of expanded sermons. He was no scholar, except of the English Bible, but he knew scripture thoroughly. In his autobiographical book, Grace Abounding (1666), Bunyan describes himself as having led an abandoned life in his youth, and as having been morally reprehensible as a result. However, there appears to be no evidence that he was outwardly worse than the average of his neighbours.

'The Bookie's Runner' is the gorgeously, hypnotically told tale of Brendan Gisby's father, Derry, and his dream of the big win on the horses, the one that would relieve his adored family of poverty and redeem him in the eyes of his angry and disappointed wife.

For decades he worked on his system. It had to be foolproof. He could only afford to run it once. He meticulously studied the form for every race ever recorded – the horses, their characteristics, their lineage, their combinations, the race track, the conditions, the outcome – and made his predictions for the next race.

Then, just as he entered hospital for what would prove to be his final illness, he was ready. His system worked; it really couldn't fail, he was sure of that. His family would be set up for life, he would be a hero, he would fulfil the dreams of every one of his betting friends - to beat the bookies once and for all at their own game, again and again.

From his hospital bed he carefully placed his bets …..

If you only read one more book in your life, bet on this one. It is every bit a winner as Derry McKay was, even if everybody thought he was a certain loser until that moment …..

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