Criminal

At four years old, Caspar Walsh was left behind when his mother chose a new partner over him. From then on, his father raised him, though this was a man who made his living by robbing banks, trafficking drugs and resorting to violence. Caspar's father was often in prison, yet he cared deeply for his son. That affection could not shield the boy from the dangers of his father's criminal circle, but it made Caspar love him in return, admire him and try to become like him.

This memoir follows Caspar's turbulent youth, shaped by brutality, abuse and his father's repeated absences behind bars. He was drawn into that world, first dealing and using drugs, then serving time himself. He also describes being sexually abused by a man who stood in as a father figure. Later he recounts his father's suicide and his own attempt to end his life.

The book's final focus is Caspar's determination, as a young man, not to let his upbringing define him. He set out to rebuild his own life and eventually returned to work with offenders, aiming to help others change their lives as he had changed his.