Published on the 5th Anniversary of Covid-19 lockdown in the UK.
PAUL44
A powerful new novel by Steve Hep
Imagine for a moment, what if 2020 had been worse?
"Hello this is Safety Net, how can I help?"
The trauma of a dystopian pandemic is highlighted by callers to Paul44 at Safety Net Crisis Call Centre. The daily dramas of a beleaguered, northern town under martial law are brought home by Kenny’s struggle. Two personas, one individual! They begin to vie for dominance as events peels back the protective layers this lonely man has built around himself and his scarred sexuality. Kenny recognises he must end his malevolent alter ego to survive but will Paul44 let him? Ultimately there is a victim.
Paul44 is a claustrophobic, compelling read, where the fourth wall is repeatedly breached. The subject matter is dark and first-person narrative intentionally provocative. The hope there may be redemption is what drives the story.
Author Steve Hep is an experimental writer, artist and most probably has ADD. Steve also holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and volunteered at a Crisis Call Centre during the pandemic. His experiences inspired this book.
03/08/20: Plague Pits
9.08pm: Caller 3: Male, 70s
"They are digging plague pits to put all the bodies., out on scrub land, out of sight, but not for long. They wear gas masks that resemble those hooked beaks from the Dark Ages. It’s hideous, barbaric. Its back to nosegays and magical charms, flagellant punishments to try and purify the blood. Next, they will be tattooing those who break the rules, right across the forehead, so everyone else can steer clear. Nobody in charge has a clue what to do. History repea -, repeating itself."
What do you think we should do?
I don’t know, I really don’t know. I’ve drafted a poem, and, if I might be so bold, can I read it to you?
No, no, please don’t!
- Call ended by handler -
Failed poets seem to make up half my calls. Always looking for any drip of interest from a captive audience. That said, there is something deliciously repugnant about the 2 until 4am version of others. In the morning, the same randoms wake, put on their day masks and forget all about me.
PAUL44 - Signed First Edition Hardback
£22.99
A unique opportunity to own a limited signed first edition of this ground-breaking new novel. Each book will also feature sage advice directly from PAUL44. £22.99 includes P&P.
50% of all signed hardback profits go to Papyrus UK - Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide.
Paperback available at Amazon.co.uk/PAUL44 for £9.75.