The Successful Failure was originally written as a statement for Lambeth Council when it set up the Shirley Oaks redress scheme for payments to children who had been abused in care. Michael Tarraga was one such resident, although Lambeth refused full compensation and denied that he was at Shirley Oaks. Its childcare records are redacted under a 100-year rule, although documents for Michael’s siblings show they they were in Lambeth’s care at the time. The High Court judge Sir John Goldring has said he is in no doubt that Michael was severely abused in care.

This book is for anyone who has followed Michael’s story through his other books, Meat Rack Boy and A Hard Road to Travel, for the full picture of his heart-wrenching and adventure-packed life.