Here or There is a novel of choices, irreversible decisions and far-reaching consequences...
‘Do you ever get the impression that things weren’t meant to be as they are? That at some point along the way you took a wrong turning and ended up down a completely different path?’
Eleven seemingly unconnected characters are captured at points in their everyday lives when they are plagued by uncertainty, nostalgia, insecurity and, above all, a persistent longing for a different life. As these characters’ lives begin to touch, often without their knowledge, far-reaching consequences prevail, leading some ultimately to commit murder. Yet – even after this potent search for better, more fulfilling lives – has each person ended up where they really want to be?
The story behind it:
First-time author Rebecca Strong wrote the novel in just one year after she was set a challenge by Legend Press' very own managing director Tom Chalmers.
Tom read some of her excellent short stories and suggested that one of them should be turned into a novel. They both agreed it would be an interesting mutual challenge to see how Legend Press could work to help a first-time novelist create a publishable novel within a year.
Why Legend Press chose to publish it:
The novel is a powerful illustration of the rich and often troubled tapestry of modern society and the complex and intriguing structure, split between a collection of characters whose lives begin to touch, at first fleetingly and then with more and more unpredictable significance, is unique and gripping.
We also felt it to be a hugely thought-provoking story, dealing with the issues of choice and decision, freedom and desire, and how much of our lives we can control.
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