A new novel exploring the effect of war and bereavement on a teenage boy will be launched at the University of the West of Scotland’s Paisley campus.
Members of the public are invited to attend the free event on Wednesday 2nd September.
The Taking of Battlemount High, by UWS lecturer and former newspaper journalist Dr Ken Pratt, follows working-class teenager Winston Montgomery.
Winston is struggling with the death of his older brother in Afghanistan while trying to cope with the pressures of adolescence.
The novel explores how grief and trauma affect his relationships, family life, behaviour at school and view of the world.
Dr Pratt will read from the book before joining journalist and former secondary school English teacher James McEnaney for a discussion.
They will discuss the relationships between secondary school pupils, teachers and parents, as well as the effects of war and military trauma on children and families.
The conversation will also consider Scotland’s historical links with Empire and global conflict, Scottish national identity and whether more contemporary Scottish writing with international themes should be studied at National 5 and Higher.
The audience will then have the opportunity to ask questions.
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.”
Before entering academia, Dr Pratt worked as a newspaper reporter and covered stories including the Lockerbie disaster, the collapse of communism in Russia and the First Gulf War.
His first novel, Hunting Captain Henley, was published by Rymour Books in 2025.
His writing and journalism have also appeared in publications including The Sunday Times, The Scotsman and The Guardian.
James McEnaney is a freelance journalist, author and education commentator. He previously worked as a secondary school English teacher and further education lecturer.
Signed copies of The Taking of Battlemount High will be available to buy after the event.
Attendees should arrive at 4.45pm for a 5pm start. The event will finish at 6pm.
Attendance is free, but places should be booked in advance at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-taking-of-battlemount-high-book-launch-and-discussion-wed-2-sept-tickets-1996650189465.