A Rutherglen author is celebrating the publication of her new novel.
Irene Lebeter released the book, entitled Ginger, to positive reviews last month.
It tells the story of a man called Ginger who is transported to a penal colony in Van Diemen’s Land (present-day Tasmania) for a minor crime committed in Scotland.
He is determined to escape, and schemes to flee the mainland and get revenge on his enemy.
The 80-year-old author completed the book after spending around two years researching and writing it.
She told Lanarkshire Live: “The inspiration for the book came from one of my friends from Australia. She wrote a book on her ancestors who were transported in the 1820s to Tasmania.
“She researched it all and wrote it and then placed it in the archives that deal with the history and colonies for people to read.
“That got me thinking along the lines and got me started on the story. I didn’t know where it was going, but it just seemed to grow from there.
“I researched a lot because I wanted it to be as authentic as possible.
“The main difference between this book and my others is that my main character is a man this time.”
Irene is hoping to organise a book signing at the local library in the near future for her fans.
All of Irene’s books are currently available in both paperback and kindle via Amazon.
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