SOUTH Fremantle author Murray Cameron was born in the royal Burgh of Nairn, a Scottish Highlands fishing and farming settlement 27km east of Inverness.
He worked in India on a tea estate before moving to Australia in 1956 and settled in Perth in 1973.
With university education in psychology, linguistics and history, the 85 year old has self-published two-book series Calm Crescendo, featuring first novel And Mighty Oaks, followed by second, Corriedale.
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READ NOWThe books includes settings from his childhood in Scotland and current home, with references including UWA, Cottesloe, Claremont, Fremantle, the Swan River, Rottnest Island and Darling Ranges.
“Since my very early days I was enthralled by books and almost since then, I have wanted to write a book,” Cameron said.
He was inspired by the stories he heard growing up in the tiny north of Scotland town, told by people returning from interesting careers or World War II.
“These were stirring times for a boy growing up,” Cameron said.
“Surely the lives of these Nairn people who had been at work or at war were the stuff that books are made on.”
Over many years and many starts, the Calm Crescendo story started to take shape, split in to two books due to the length.
“The books are not only the stories of peoples’ lives but the stories ‘in’ their lives,” Cameron said.
“The characters live their roles moving about the world across the years from the 1930s to the 1970s in times of remarkable social and political change.
“Two of the main characters have to overcome the restraints and constrictions of the class system.
“There is danger, there is death, there is endeavour and success, and a story of great love.”
And Mighty Oaks and Corriedale will be launched at Saga Bookshop, 203 South Terrace, South Fremantle on Sunday, December 9 from 6pm-8pm. No bookings necessary.