South London retired doctor’s novel published
Added: (Thu Sep 14 2023)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Retired south London doctor and lecturer, Shafqat Hussain spent a distinguished career offering support, cures and advice to patients and medical students.
Now the grandfather-of-four, who is originally from Pakistan, hopes to bring comfort and escapism with his very first novel.
Dr Hussain’s post-retiral hobby of writing short stories has led to him releasing the thought-provoking love story, One Step Too Far.
He explained: “Not giving into idleness after retirement, I started capturing thoughts and putting them on paper.
“Writing became a companion on short journeys, and I was pleasantly surprised that the outline story of A Step Too Far stayed with me on a longer journey.
“I just had an idea in my head – the beginning and the end, and the rest just evolved.
“This ensured I completed my first novel.”
One Step Too Far follows the fortunes of childhood friends who follow different paths yet hold onto a bond of love.
But their conflicting values and ambitions test their relationship.
Dr Hussain’s characterisation, perfect pacing and underlying themes make One Step Too Far a rewarding and highly enjoyable read.
He said: “They love each other, even though they're travelling on parallel lines most of their lives.
“On these separate paths, they travel through vast deserts of loneliness to bring comfort to others.
“These lines do cross and bring them close only to be pulled apart by the magnetic forces of their ambitions.”
After a childhood and education in Pakistan, Dr Hussain relocated to England in the mid-1960s to continue his medical career.
Initially specialising in paediatrics at hospitals in the capital, he then moved to work in General Practice at the world-famous Guy’s Hospital.
Dr Hussain switched the wards for the classroom after taking up a position as a med-school lecturer – then progressing to a position where he trained post-graduate doctors.
Having spent his childhood in Peshawar surrounded by books he returned to his first love of reading and writing on his retirement.
Dr Hussain has also continued to recite Urdu poetry at diaspora gatherings, particularly the works of Faiz and Faraz.
For more information visit Amazon and search for Shafqat Hussain, where the Kindle and paperback versions of One Step Too Far are available.
Notes to the Editor
PublishNation was formed in London in 2011 to provide high quality services to writers at affordable prices.
Since its launch, the company has assisted in the publication of around 2,500 books in a variety of genres for clients throughout the world.
For more details on PublishNation, visit their website at www.publishnation.co.uk