The way things were is a moving personal account of growing up in working-class Newcastle between 1933 and 1952 It describes a way of life that was not unique to the Cassidy family and their neighbours, but one that was shared by millions in urban Britain Most people born between the two World Wars will recognise the picture painted of urban society at this time, where many families were denied choice and opportunity by daily financial pressures but despite this a spirit of optimism pervaded everyday life