Paperback by Stockwell
Inverness-based author Ryan Coull’s debut novel, Separate Ways, is set in the fictitious Scottish town of Aradale, and tells the story of a Dottie Hawthorn, a popular school teacher’s failing marriage and the devastating consequences it has on her life.
When Dottie discovers she is expecting her first baby, she should be filled with joy and excitement but instead she fears telling her alcoholic and abusive husband, Billy. As she expected, Billy is far from the proud father-to-be but she takes comfort in her caring doctor, Nick Cassidy and best friend, Lynette.
Dottie and Billy’s marriage seemed unlikely to many in Aradale. Dottie was a quiet teacher and well liked by the community while Billy was a violent, heavy drinking delivery driver who was generally feared. Dottie saw a different side to Billy and married him but now she cannot ignore his threatening behaviour and drink problem.
However, tragedy hits the couple, their baby is stillborn and Dottie is left devastated but Billy is convinced Dottie is to blame and his behaviour grows more abusive which forces his terrified wife to flee fearing for her safety.
Mr Coull has created an interesting plot that will keep you reading to the final page in order to discover the resolution. Furthermore, he has created
a truly horrible and disgusting character in Billy Hawthorn which is in sharp contrast to the caring, sensitive and loving Dottie.
I felt however, that the prose and the dialogue was a little clunky and awkward in parts, with the odd Americanism which seemed rather out of place.
Overall, Separate Ways tells a good story with a solid conclusion.
Anna Matthews