Barry Litherland is an award-winning author known for his versatile storytelling across a wide range of genres, including paranormal and crime thrillers, literary mysteries, young adult, and children’s fiction. His Phil Tyler Mystery Thriller series, which includes Breaking Waves, Shifting Sands, Rising Tides, and Shining Lights, has captivated readers with its gripping narratives. His paranormal and political thrillers, such as The Trophy Room and The Hand of Ronan Hawke, keep fans on the edge of their seats, while his children’s books, including Jenny’s Heroes and Jenny’s Terrifying Tale, are beloved by young readers and their families. Barry’s literary works, Dark Skies and Fireflies and Butterflies in Stormy Skies, showcase his talent for deep, thought-provoking fiction, while his young adult novel, Maa-Ghut, demonstrates his broad storytelling range.
After a successful and rewarding career in primary education, Barry now dedicates his time to writing, reading, cycling, walking, photography, and exploring the rugged landscapes of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands where he lives. Barry’s work resonates with readers for its relatable characters, intricate plots, and immersive settings that defy genre conventions. This one-on-one interview shares Barry Litherland’s background and experience writing Maa-Ghut.
Tell us about Maa-Ghut.
Fourteen-year-old Evie Mycroft is no stranger to standing up for justice. A rebel, eco-warrior, and feminist at heart, she’s driven by the desire to make a difference. But beneath her courage lies self-doubt—until everything she knows about her world is turned upside down. One ordinary afternoon, Evie comes home to find that her family, her town, and even her appearance have changed. She’s no longer in her own life. In this new, terrifying world, Evie has swapped places with Eva, a girl living in a society where a persecuted minority, the Maa-Ghut, are oppressed and dehumanized. As a monstrous threat looms closer, Evie realizes she must step up to fight for the values that matter—justice, equality, and freedom.
Maa-Ghut is a captivating, suspense-filled novel that explores the harsh realities of identity, consumerism, and societal injustice. With heart-pounding suspense and thought-provoking social themes, Evie and Eva’s journey will challenge, shock, and provoke—but it will also leave you hopeful, with its message of hope and resistance.
What inspired you to write Maa-Ghut?
Our world is changing. We are threatened by global warming. Long established confidence in the doctrines of economic growth, global economics and consumerism is weakening. The political future seems uncertain. I wanted my two protagonists to view these conflicting interests through fresh eyes, to make their choices, and pick their sides. No preaching. No presumptions. Just authentic characters, a gripping, believable story, humour, menace, suspense, and opportunities to re-assess what really matters. Ultimately, this book is about hope—about the incredible potential for change when individuals summon the courage to fight for what they believe is right.
How did you feel when you found out you received a Book Excellence Award?
I'm still processing the excitement! The recognition from the Book Excellence Awards has opened up a world of incredible opportunities and I’m feeling more inspired and motivated than ever. In fact, I’m already deep into writing my next novel!
I decided to enter the Book Excellence Awards because I truly believed in its credibility and reputation. It’s not just another contest—this is a prestigious, respected platform that can elevate authors and their work. Winning has already proven to be a game-changer, offering fresh exposure and the chance to connect with a wider audience.
How did your background and experience influence your writing?
My extensive background in education, particularly working with children aged 5-11, has profoundly shaped my writing. For years, my mission was to help young minds form their own educated views, think critically, and reflect on the world around them. I’ve always believed that fiction, when done well, plays a vital role in this process. Writing has been in my blood for as long as I can remember, and it’s become my way of offering young readers the same opportunities for self-reflection and growth that I encouraged in the classroom.
My latest novel for young adults, Maa-Ghut, invites readers to reflect on pressing societal issues—racism, consumerism, and the dangers of polarized thinking. It balances humor, sadness, and moments of discomfort, but at its heart, it’s a hopeful story, designed to encourage introspection and conversation. The discussion questions at the end are there to help readers dig deeper into these themes.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
The world is at a turning point. Only through empathy, by understanding the humanity of others and by taking positive steps to foster the well-being of all, can our world society truly move forward.
Maa-Ghut is my invitation to readers to confront difficult, thought-provoking issues while also sparking hope for a future shaped by compassion and concern for others. Through this gripping narrative, I aim to move readers emotionally—whether it's through moments that make them smile, a tear or two, or the sheer excitement of a story that stays with them long after the last page. It's a call to action, a celebration of empathy, and a story that I hope readers will want to discuss and share with those around them.
Purchasing the Book
Maa-Ghut has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, authors, and reviewers around the world. Book Excellence writes, “Maa-Ghut is a powerful young adult fiction that blends thought-provoking social themes with an exciting, suspense-filled story…ideal for fans of The Hate U Give and The Catcher in the Rye with its focus on identity, injustice, and summoning the courage to speak truth to power against oppression.”
The book is available for sale on Amazon. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Maa-Ghut-Barry-Litherland-ebook/dp/B0CZ7LVKHN
To connect with Barry and learn more about his work, visit: https://www.bleaknorth.net. You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram and BlueSky.
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