The Devil's Pinch Bronwyn Clifton The reader is introduced to Jed and Bethany as a couple living in Melbourne. They grew up in different parts of regional Victoria but are thrown together on a camping trip. Both of these central characters take turns in telling us their story. The narrative begins when Jed hits Bethany, instantly providing a moral dilemma. Before long it becomes evident that Jed has drinking and drug issues, and is lying to Bethany and himself. Bethany confronts Jed about his violence when he sees her bruised and battered face. It takes a great deal of strength on her part but she manages to state her mind and mean it. The ball is in Jed's court. Can he give up the booze and drugs? Or will he become another victim? Jed thinks that if he keeps his drinking and drug use a secret, they don't exist. He compartmentalizes his life and is in denial. This provides endless frustration for Beth and his parents. Like many addicts before him it will take hitting rock bottom before Jed is able to make the necessary changes to his life. Beth's grandmother is in hospital and dies- but while Beth is away Jed binges. She returns to the city knowing that Jed is in hospital. Beth, along with Jed's parents are shocked to hear the extent of his drinking and drug taking at a Case Management meeting but Beth does not give up. Both attend the funeral and afterwards Jed takes off for a hike at the prom. While walking he hashes over all the events of his life that have shaped him along with the fact that Beth flinched as he was saying good-bye and that it is time to take stock of his life and face up to his addiction. However, it is some time before he is able to deal with his relationship problems, as he suffers a physical setback while hiking. This begins the hardest journey of his life. At this point Jed has to make some tough decisions. If he is to change his life, should he stay with Bethany and Josh or will this make his transformation impossible? Beth, too, wonders what is best for both of them. She had dreams of marrying Jed, but were these dreams realistic? The ending leaves the reader inspired by the power of individuals to change the course their lives are taking, despite the fact that neither character finishes up where they expected on life's journey. Currently in Australia the figures are higher for women dying from domestic violence than from anything else - Heart Disease and Cancers included. Scarily, twice as many people die from alcohol every year than those who die on our roads. These are issues that are directly relevant to young people in Australia today, along with the increased use of Methamphetamines and resulting violence and family breakdowns.
About the Author: I live in the country, not far from Wilson's Promontory in Victoria. When I was a lot younger I moved to the small country town of Toora. I did not know a soul but have not looked back. While I miss all my family in Melbourne, taking a big risk to live near the sea surrounded by gum trees and native wild life was well worth it. My oldest son has just started university where he is studying Arts, including Literature. My youngest son likes adrenalin sports. We have a lot of fun at home and I really enjoy the company of my husband, boys and their friends. There is never a dull moment....Really! One day I might write a book about living with men; we are always having a laugh at home and it is great to live with teenagers who are so passionate about their lives and their interests. That being said, we also have many heated discussions about everything: climate change, corporate greed, racism, poverty, sexuality and Vegan diets are things we have hotly debated in the last months. When the weather is good we all enjoy a swim in the surf. I have found good friends in my yoga group, and writing group. I read all the time as television does not appeal to me. However, shows I have watched and loved include: 'Breaking Bad' and 'Orange is the New Black.' I am behind the times but have just started watching 'Game of Thrones.' I have often wished that I became a journalist. When I was little I used to write in a diary. In high school my friends and I exchanged long, hand-written letters. What a shame that people no longer write to each other by hand! E-mails and texts are efficient, but just don't have the same substance of real letters. Over the years I have written poetry and short stories sharing them with friends and family. A few years ago I ran some activities at school for Literacy Week, and was excited to be able to listen to local authors Barry Heard and Scot Gardner talk about the process of writing. Last year I joined a very small writing group. I definitely dream of becoming a published author so that I can share my wealth of experience, including all the ups and downs of life with others. Best books? 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'The Help' but I also love Tim Winton and Christos Tsiolkas, author of 'The Slap.'