An Inner Life

An Inner Life is a fictional story told from the perspective of a 'locked in' quadriplegic 26 year old male called Callum Ross. Following a 100 foot fall from a tree, whilst working as a tree surgeon to supplement his being in a band who are striving for a recording deal, Callum finds himself alive in hospital but unable to move. Initially he accepts that he is lucky to be alive and that is immobility is temporary. He fails to understand however why staff and family members seem not to hear him when he speaks. Again, he assumes that as he has been in a coma for the best part of 3 months, there is some loss of muscle tone, which must include his voice. Prior to being discharged his specialist finally delivers the news that he is now a potential, life-long quadriplegic and that they damage to his spine may also result in his not being able to speak. Devastated by the news and the dawning realisation of his future, having been close to signing a recording contract with the band that he sang with, he descends into a deep black depression. The book explores his initial fury towards the world, and whilst he has the support of close family and girlfriend he slowly turns away from them one-by-one. Until that is one day, following a visit from a life-long friend he catches a glimpse of a small crack of light breaking through his initial depression. He follows that light and realises that whilst his plans for his life are now drastically altered, he does still have a life; an inner one at the very least. An Inner Life is a heartbreaking (at times) read but serves as a testament to the meaning of true courage, determination and inner strength. Callum displays a wisdom and insight into life that is far in excess of his meagre 26 years on this planet. I defy anyone not to read this book and to want to go out and make something special out of their lives.