When Gabriel checks into a rehab in West London he thinks his problems are over. With a fractured home life behind him, a father he never knew, teenage years lost to petty crime and an increasing dependency on crack, all that the future can possibly offer is hope. Then he is forced to confront his demons, aided by Marcia, the enigmatic hostel worker with whom he falls in love.

Unflinching, warm and lovingly crafted, TOY SOLDIERS is an exceptional debut.