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The Exit Facility: A fast-paced and darkly humorous novel set in Scotland
Shortlisted for the ADCI Literary Prize."An ‘engaging’ novel featuring a world you ‘might expect to see in Black Mirror’" (ADCI Literary Prize Judge, Vikki Patis)In Scotland, in the not too distant future, Elaine, a partially-sighted woman in her sixties, enters an exit facility. Down on her uppers, she is in search of a swift, free and dignified death so that she can preserve her last remaining asset – a small flat – for her daughter to inherit. But once Elaine has checked in and finds her “Exit” delayed, the enforced wait leads her to question her choice and, more importantly, the state’s motives…
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2021
2 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Scott-Barrett
20 books6 followersFiona spent forty years working as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language, and thirty of those years writing EFL textbooks (see the list of titles on her author page). She has now retired to her native city of Edinburgh and has turned her hand to writing fiction. The Exit Facilitry is her debut noel. Her second novel, The Foreign Wibes' Club, is inspired by and set in Crete, where she lived for twenty years.
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July 5, 2025
A page-turner by a promising new Scottish author!
The Exit Facility features a partially-sighted woman living in Edinburgh who decides, for the benefit of her daughter, to visit an 'exit facility' and put an end to her life in a dignified way. Her daughter, Alexandra, will then inherit her mother's flat which should act as a financial asset. Once Elaine gets to the facility, she discovers that her 'exit date' has been postponed due to delays. The staff (headed by the sinister Facility Administrator) are unsympathetic and the other residents of the facility seem undisturbed; but Elaine is having none of it.
I want to start off by saying that this book is incredibly funny. Our heroine, Elaine, is wonderfully sarcastic and witty. As The Exit Facility relies strongly on dialogue as a narrative tool, the humour really helps keep the pace strong and makes for a really easy and enjoyable read. The topics covered in the novel are challenging and at times quite sad, so the humour keeps it light and fun.
Possibly my favourite aspect of the book are the people. The cast of characters is wide but everyone has a distinct personality - even characters we meet only for a few pages (such as Rose and Olivia who are preparing for their 'exit') capture you. Scott-Barrett has an ability to create characters who feel well-rounded, who have flaws but who do not fall into stereotypes. They are distinct but also recognisable in our own lives. We all know a rogue like Joe, a sweet old lady like Miss Latimer, a shy nerdy guy like Hamish. We all wish we knew someone like Hugo! The familiarity of the characters makes the whole notion of the goings-on in the exit facility that bit more sinister, as it feels as though it could be happening to you and your friends.
Given that I myself live there, I found it really interesting to read a book set in Scotland in the near future. Though with definite dystopian elements, The Exit Facility feels topical. As more countries begin to adopt laws in favour of assisted dying, it seems only natural that Scotland should soon follow. The Exit Facility discusses this issue with subtlety, never preaching one side of the argument or the other, instead placing itself in the middle and exemplifying the ways in which greed and power can destroy and corrupt things that are meant to be positive initiatives.
Aside from the issue of assisted dying, the novel addresses a number of other vital issues like disability, poverty and homelessness. Through reading the author's website, I discovered that Scott-Barrett is partially-sighted herself which gives the experiences of her main character credibility. Elaine's partial-sightedness is mentioned throughout the book, both in her narration and in her interaction with other characters. This, in conjuction with her experience as an older woman makes, Elaine a fascinating character and gives her a strong perspective - even when she feels powerless she is adamant about being heard and taken seriously. I also enjoyed the fact that Elaine drinks, smokes and has sex, once again making her feel like a real character and reminding the reader that life does not stop being fun when you're 60 - or stuck in an exit facility!
On the whole, I found The Exit Facility a highly enjoyable read. The plot is dramatic and exciting, the characters strong and believable, and the writing well-paced and entertaining. I look forward to the author's next work!
The Exit Facility features a partially-sighted woman living in Edinburgh who decides, for the benefit of her daughter, to visit an 'exit facility' and put an end to her life in a dignified way. Her daughter, Alexandra, will then inherit her mother's flat which should act as a financial asset. Once Elaine gets to the facility, she discovers that her 'exit date' has been postponed due to delays. The staff (headed by the sinister Facility Administrator) are unsympathetic and the other residents of the facility seem undisturbed; but Elaine is having none of it.
I want to start off by saying that this book is incredibly funny. Our heroine, Elaine, is wonderfully sarcastic and witty. As The Exit Facility relies strongly on dialogue as a narrative tool, the humour really helps keep the pace strong and makes for a really easy and enjoyable read. The topics covered in the novel are challenging and at times quite sad, so the humour keeps it light and fun.
Possibly my favourite aspect of the book are the people. The cast of characters is wide but everyone has a distinct personality - even characters we meet only for a few pages (such as Rose and Olivia who are preparing for their 'exit') capture you. Scott-Barrett has an ability to create characters who feel well-rounded, who have flaws but who do not fall into stereotypes. They are distinct but also recognisable in our own lives. We all know a rogue like Joe, a sweet old lady like Miss Latimer, a shy nerdy guy like Hamish. We all wish we knew someone like Hugo! The familiarity of the characters makes the whole notion of the goings-on in the exit facility that bit more sinister, as it feels as though it could be happening to you and your friends.
Given that I myself live there, I found it really interesting to read a book set in Scotland in the near future. Though with definite dystopian elements, The Exit Facility feels topical. As more countries begin to adopt laws in favour of assisted dying, it seems only natural that Scotland should soon follow. The Exit Facility discusses this issue with subtlety, never preaching one side of the argument or the other, instead placing itself in the middle and exemplifying the ways in which greed and power can destroy and corrupt things that are meant to be positive initiatives.
Aside from the issue of assisted dying, the novel addresses a number of other vital issues like disability, poverty and homelessness. Through reading the author's website, I discovered that Scott-Barrett is partially-sighted herself which gives the experiences of her main character credibility. Elaine's partial-sightedness is mentioned throughout the book, both in her narration and in her interaction with other characters. This, in conjuction with her experience as an older woman makes, Elaine a fascinating character and gives her a strong perspective - even when she feels powerless she is adamant about being heard and taken seriously. I also enjoyed the fact that Elaine drinks, smokes and has sex, once again making her feel like a real character and reminding the reader that life does not stop being fun when you're 60 - or stuck in an exit facility!
On the whole, I found The Exit Facility a highly enjoyable read. The plot is dramatic and exciting, the characters strong and believable, and the writing well-paced and entertaining. I look forward to the author's next work!
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