But
by Anne Donovan
But is a new short story by Anne Donovan, one of Scotland's most talented writers, which highlights issues faced by those who care in the community.
Anne Donovan, author of the award-winning novel Buddha Da, was commissioned to write the piece by Artlink, the Edinburgh arts organisation working within marginalised communities.
But is a fictional snapshot of a carer's life, shining a light on some of the issues, feelings, and frustrations faced by those who care for individuals with learning disabilities.
The story is informed by time spent by the author with carers of people with learning disabilities over a period of two months.
Through these interactions, Donovan gained an insight into the lives of those who care. The resulting story is an affecting and thought-provoking glimpse of the 'forgotten ones', the strong but tired legion of overstretched carers for whom caring is a round-the-clock, often lifelong, responsibility.
But, dedicated 'to carers everywhere' by Donovan, has been co-published by Artlink and Scottish Book Trust, the national agency for readers and writers.
Alison Stirling, project director at Artlink, said: "This is the first time Artlink has approached an established writer and we've been hugely impressed by the story Anne has produced and the manner in which she has brought these important issues to the fore. Our intention was to find someone to make the carers and the issues they face on a daily basis real in the minds of readers. Anne has undoubtedly achieved this in But.
"During the time she spent researching the story, Anne observed certain recurring themes and frustrations common to many of those who spend a lifetime caring. I'm sure carers will recognise and empathise with the story's narrator, making connections with their own lives, and hopefully readers will gain a heightened understanding of the circumstances it describes."
Some comments on 'But':
"This story highlights how 'the professionals' won't listen to us, they think we are being over protective. We have a knowledge they are not prepared to learn from. Perhaps this story will make them think differently." mother
"This is more than an essay. It is, in a way, a shared experience." care worker
"The article by Anne Donovan is a true reflection of how many of our
parents feel ..." head teacher
parents feel ..." head teacher
Anne Donovan is the author of the novel Buddha Da and the short story collection, Hieroglyphics, both published by Canongate.
Buddha Da was short listed for the Orange Prize, the Whitbread First Novel Award and the Scottish Book of the Year Award and has been nominated for this year's International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It received a Scottish Arts Council Award and won Le Prince Maurice Award in Mauritius in 2004.
Anne won the Macallan/Scotland on Sunday Short Story Award in 1997 and was a Canongate Prize winner in 2000. She has also written for radio and the stage and has been working on the screenplay for the film of Buddha Da. She lives in Glasgow.
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