Lotte

by Martin Raymond

In 1933, Lotte has left behind the poverty of her childhood. She has a fine house in the best street and a tentative position in Stirling society for her young family. But when her children are asleep, Lotte ceaselessly walks the town's streets and rural paths, winding further away from home each night, driven by guilt and ghosts she cannot forget. Lotte can't outrun the long shadow of her mind, and her small town cannot explain the erratic wandering woman in their midst, placing her in an asylum, never to be heard from again.

A century later, a chance remark leads her grandson on a path to uncovering Lotte's fate, delving into knots of family secrets, unravelling the stories silenced by small-town propriety. Family myths and notes from the asylum collide in this moving, immersive debut novel, giving a voice to lost lives, a glimpse of solidarity between generations.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2025

Reviews

[Gary Lawrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story based on the author's family history which I have an interest as a family historian. I am also a resident of Stirling so good to read a book based on the city and its past. Horrendous reflection of how we as a society treated people with minor mental health issues in the inter-war years. Very well researched by the author and well written throughout. Can get a little confusing as it bounces from one period to another but overall a very enjoyable read and would highly recommend. Well done IndieNovella for publishing this one!

[Mary Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting. quote a slog to read but I got there.