The Lost Journal

A hilarious, nostalgic, and delightfully chaotic journey through boyhood in 1967 Manchester.

When author James Marshon unearthed a stack of his childhood diaries in a long-forgotten attic box, he uncovered more than old scribbles—he found a time capsule of unfiltered boyhood from 1967 Manchester, as recorded at the time by his nine-year-old self.

What emerged is The Lost Journal—a laugh-out-loud memoir that captures the chaos, charm, and pure mayhem of growing up in Britain during the swinging sixties.

Through the dry humor and sharp observations of his nine-year-old self, James takes you back to the chaotic adventures of brotherhood, scraped knees, and boundless imagination that filled his childhood days.

Set against the backdrop of swinging sixties Manchester, this book is a time capsule of youthful freedom, unforgettable friendships, and a Britain on the cusp of change. More than nostalagia, The Lost Journal is a riotously honest snapshot of a generation that grew up without smartphones, seatbelts, or supervision.

Perfect for fans of memoirs such as Toast by Nigel Slater, This Boy by Alan Johnson, and Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt.

Whether you lived it or just wish you had, The Lost Journal will have you laughing out loud—and longing for the beautiful mayhem of your own childhood.