A new novel telling the story of a schoolboy whose older brother is killed in Afghanistan is to be launched at UWS Paisley campus next week, with members of the public invited to attend.

The Taking of Battlemount High, by UWS academic and former newspaper journalist Dr Ken Pratt, follows working-class teenager Winston Montgomery as he tries to cope with his brother’s death and the effect it has on his life at home and at school.

Published by Rymour Books, the book will be launched on Wednesday 2 September at the University’s Paisley campus.

Ken will read from the novel before taking part in a conversation with The Herald education journalist and former secondary school English teacher James McEnaney. The audience will also have the chance to ask questions at the end.

The book has attracted interest from educational psychologists because its portrayal of  a young person struggling after a major loss and how that can affect behaviour in school.

Dr Pratt said: “Winston is trying to make sense of something that no young person should have to face. I wanted to write honestly about what happens when a death like this reaches beyond the battlefield and into a family, a school and a young person’s view of the world.

 

I’m looking forward to sharing the book at UWS and speaking with James about the questions it raises. I hope people from the community will come along and be part of the conversation.

 

Ken’s writing draws on his earlier career as a newspaper reporter, with work appearing in titles including The Scotsman, The Sunday Times and The Guardian.

The free event is open to all and may be of particular interest to teachers, educational psychologists and others who work with young people, as well as readers interested in contemporary Scottish fiction.

UWS Paisley campus is part of the local community, and the University wants it to be a place where local people can come together and take part in events beyond the classroom.

Copies of The Taking of Battlemount High will be available to buy at the event, with an opportunity to meet Ken afterwards.

The Taking of Battlemount High: Book Launch and Conversation will take place on Wednesday 2 September at 4.45pm – 6pm at Paisley campus. Attendance is free, but places should be booked in advance via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-taking-of-battlemount-high-book-launch-and-discussion-wed-2-sept-tickets-1996650189465