Romney Marsh, Kent in the 1700's - it was sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll! The drug is opium, the rock 'n' roll is Handel and the sex is - well, the same as it has always been! There are no lawmen, no policemen and ordinary people are taxed on their favourite commodities to finance a succession of costly overseas wars. The time is ripe for any man (or woman) to chance their luck and cross the Channel to bring over untaxed goods from France. 'Men of Sorrows' is a novel based on the true adventures of the Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers - the largest and most successful smuggling gang of their time. Arthur and William Gray are brought up in poverty until Arthur chances upon a smuggling gang and finds his future with them. Beth Stone also joins them - beautiful, high-born Beth whom Arthur has loved all his life. But his brother Will also loves her. This story of love, comradeship, betrayal and treachery takes place amid the sweeping, eerie beauty of the mysterious Romney Marsh.