Gail’s Holocaust novel ME battle
As Gail McPartland endured unbearable pain in bed for 14 years with ME, unbelievably she began to feel “lucky.” Instead of dwelling on her illness, the former computer teacher spent the long hours thinking about the suffering of Holocaust victims.
Now she has published a unique book based on how the atrocity impacted on lesbians.
Gail unveiled her book Code 998 at Waterstones in Ayr last week.
Describing the impact of ME on her life, Gail, said: “My whole world went upside down very quickly. I was a really highly motivated woman who lived life in the fast lane. I even went to the gym in the morning before work.
“I got ME when I was 40 and I was so sick that I couldn’t move. I was incredibly weak, often to the point of being spoon fed. I felt trapped in my own body and went into my own mind. While I was bed bound the Holocaust kept going through my mind. I thought about their suffering and I felt lucky to lie in a comfortable bed and get the chance to get well. Holocaust victims were forced to get up at 4am.”
The 54- year- old spent eight years working on the book - and now her good health is starting to return.
The book tells the tale of a Jewish and German lesbian couple who were torn apart by the evil Nazi regime.
Gail said: “They are fictional characters based on true events. They were a couple and the book describes what happened to them.”
She is delighted that her book is now a reality and is grateful for the support from her family, friends and Dr Hills.”
She said: “It feels surreal. I has been going on for a long time and it is finally here. I can’t believe it.”
Donations from the sale of the book will go towards the NSPCC.
It is available at Waterstones in Ayr, online through Amazon and direct from the publisher.