The Witness

Written by James Jauncey

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The Lovereading4Kids comment

This arresting and compelling novel is a fast-paced literary thriller permeated with a tension and a perfect sense of timing that keeps the reader on edge throughout. With John the only witness to a crime and with the sole survivor of the crime together running for their lives, John is well used to living off the land and his wits but every decision he makes could mean the difference between life and death for both of them. Set in the future but with resonance to the Jacobite Rebellion of long ago, The Witness is wonderfully original, pacy, thought provoking and it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life and death. A terrific read. Jauncey’s next novel, The Reckoning is due out in November 2008.

Reading Guide available to download for this title.

Synopsis

The Witness by James Jauncey

I'm the only one who saw what they did...From the shelter of the pine trees, through the falling snow, John watched as the men kicked down doors, shattered windows and fired their first shot. It was a long time before he stopped trembling, before he dared to return and see if anyone needed his help. Among the ruins he found a small boy, too terrified to tell John his name. Now the only witness and the sole survivor are running for their lives. John knows how to look after himself, how to live off the land and his wits. But now he's looking after someone else and every choice he makes could mean the difference between life and death..."The Witness" is set in the Scottish Highlands in the near future, when the disastrous nationalization of the land has led to a violent uprising.

Reviews

'Instantly gripping ... a tale which seamlessly blends thought-provoking politics with a white-knuckle adventure story. Riveting stuff.' Big Issue

'THE WITNESS is a rare kind of adventure - a page-turner that is also well written and bursting with ideas. If I were a rich man I'd be putting in a bid for the film rights straight away.' Scotsman

'It's a fiercely provocative vision of a possible Scotland. What Jauncey portrays so well are John's ambiguous loyalties to the mysterious boy and to the changing world around him. At its heart the book is a compelling quest for kinship that will reward thoughtful readers.' Keith Gray, Scotsman

About the Author

James, or Jamie, Jauncey, was born in Perthshire but raised in Edinburgh's New Town. His family later moved back to Perthshire, while he attended a boarding school in Oxford. Jauncey read law at Aberdeen University, before working as a journalist and magazine publisher. He left London after 20 years to focus on his own writing.

Jauncey has written four books for children and young adults, but only the latest, The Witness, is in print. The Reckoning will be published in August 2008. When not writing, he runs creative writing workshops and courses, helping businesses improve the quality and imaginative effort of their written materials. He is a part of 26, an organisation promoting creative writing in business. Jauncey is also on the board of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Besides writing, he has played in a number of bands, including the piano for The Funky String Band. He currently lives with his wife and two of his children near Dunkeld.

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Book Info

Format

Paperback

Author

James Jauncey
More books by James Jauncey

Author's Website

www.jamesjauncey.com/

Publisher

Pan Macmillan

Publication date

4th July 2008

ISBN

9780330447140

Readers Guide

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