Cold City by Cathy McSporran

Do you believe that different realities can intersect? In her debut novel, Cathy McSporran has created two worlds, which protagonist Susan flips between. It’s a tale of two Glasgows – one where Susan has been committed to a psychiatric hospital following a drugs overdose, and is controlled by prescription drugs. In the 'other' Glasgow – that Cold City: wolves roam, militant pagan groups dominate, and there’s a permanent covering of snow and ice on the Clyde. When she first arrives here Susan’s family and friends are shocked to see her as they thought she was dead. Her memory fails her – even she can’t explain what happened or where she’s been.

This is a thought-provoking story which questions a person’s consciousness and psyche. As Susan slips unpredictably back and forth, often waking up in deep snow, the reader accompanies her on a journey of mental breakdown and becomes fond of her fighting spirit. This text is bound by narrator Susan’s typical Glaswegian humour which surfaces unexpectedly and therefore creates even more impact.

Is Susan 'deeply disturbed'? What has she invented, and what is real? Cold City is a captivating mystery which introduces you to a major new voice in women’s literary fiction. [Tina Koenig]