William Kinread’s (L 74-79) third novel – ‘Refuge’
“Everyone is trying to leave the past behind them and find a place of safety,” William said, when telling me about his new book. “It’s what they do when they get there that counts.”
There is a real zeitgeist about this novel because although the Kosovan War in 1999 forms the heart of the story, the issues of migration have never been more relevant.
Based on real events linked by fiction, William has drawn on his time as a solicitor acting for Kosovan refugees seeking asylum, to contrast the hardworking entrepreneurs starting over with the professional criminals looking to exploit their hosts.
This book has all the ingredients for a blockbuster. Tobacco smuggling, money laundering, MI6, GCHQ, and an ex-SAS operative working for a covert special forces unit called 14 Intelligence Company. And despite what he says about leaving the past behind him, there are clear references to Sedbergh in the SAS training session. “Easy after the Wilson Run!” William says.
And then there is Inga with her ice blonde hair and alternative sense of fashion. But does anyone know who she really is?
“This is a real page-turner,” said Ben Collins, the School’s Alumni Director. “You will struggle to put it down.”
William was born and raised in Ripon, where he still lives today with his wife, son and two dogs. During his last year at Sedbergh School, he won a national writing competition, whereupon he was invited to attend the illustrious Savile Club, in London’s Mayfair. A top book publisher said at the time that, although he had “an obvious talent for writing,” William needed “more experience of life.” After a highly successful legal career this, his third novel, shows he certainly has that.
‘Refuge’ is published by Fisher King Publishing and is available from Amazon and other major retailers.
Watch William’s video here: