The extraordinary life of Joey Smallwood is the stuff of fiction literally: Wayne Johnston's acclaimed novel, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, draws heavily on this definitive biography. And no wonder! Set against a colourful background in stirring times it has, as its hero, a character whose career defied both convention and the odds. Smallwood's childhood was hard. His work experience was chequered, at best, but included stints as a contributor...