After unplugging his microphone respected former
broadcaster Stan Thomson has turned to the pen to maintain his relationship with words and stories, writing a novel inspired by dramatic events real and imagined. His final spoken words on air were with ABC Radio following 35 years as a program presenter and producer. His first written words after retiring were to tell a story that had followed him from when a young boy in Scotland.
“One of my main characters, Craig Erskine, is not me,” he proclaims. “However, dig deep enough and who knows what will be revealed
The Mount Gambier resident’s debut novel 356, Recall the Truth, Fear the Perception has allowed him to finally put into words, a disturbing claim that could well have been considered an official secret in Post-World War 2 Britain. Stan learned about this claim, anecdotally from his own father who died in the late 1970s. Had it been made widely known just after the Second World War, it could have damaged the reputation and respect held for an international welfare institution.
The other main character in the book is Alenti from Warsaw who escaped the German invasion of his country and joined the allied cause. Efforts to repatriate him following his war service were abysmal.
“Together with my own memories as a wee lad in Leith, my research into relationships between the men and women from countries such as Poland and the British forces after the war showed them to be at the least, uneasy.”
Alenti and Craig meet in a violent confrontation outside Number 356 Easter Road in Leith and became closely linked.
“That address still exists today and was where my mother brought me home as a newborn, so I was eager to use it as a backdrop to this story.”
A strong theme is how Perception can also be considered Truth.
The book is published by Green Hill in Adelaide and is available from them online. It is also for sale through www.amazon.com.au and www.booktopia.com.au and on the shelves of Collins Books in Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier SA.
Stan can be contacted on his website www.stanleythomson.net Mobile; 0412860987.
"A debut novel of note! Thomson is definitely an Author. The theme of Truth v Perception is well established, maintained and sustained, blended with lots of clever intrigue and a surprising finish" - Kelvin Smibert, documentary film maker and author.
"A seamless transition to the written word after decades spent on the airwaves connecting with people, exploring issues and bringing stories to life." - Stuart Stansfield, former journalist and broadcaster.
