Ullapool Bookshop sells 1000th copy of hit novel The Faultline by John McLellan
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Ullapool Bookshop is celebrating selling the 1000th copy of bestselling novel, The Faultline, by John McLellan.
In May 2022, the Bookshop sold its first copy of the Wester Ross set book, beginning a remarkable journey which saw it became a firm favourite.
Essentially a coming-of-age story, the novel is set in the late '70s around Kinlochewe, weaving in details about mountains, geology, a crashed wartime plane and swimming in upland lochs.
Katharine Douglas, bookshop manager, said: "In early June 2022, John came to the bookshop to meet me, as he was taking part in a Geopark field trip that week. He signed our stock of his books and it was fascinating to hear him talk about the surprise of being a debut novelist. A few days later, I had to phone him and ask for more copies, as we had sold out.
"By June 30th 2022, ‘The Faultline’ became a Number 1 bestselling book at Ullapool Bookshop and it has remained at Number 1 ever since. In July, John returned to spend the day in Ullapool, meeting customers, signing books and also giving a talk one summer’s evening.
"It is unprecedented in my 12 years of working here, to have a book which people just keep picking up and buying, either through word of mouth, or reading the blurb, or liking the subject matter. We have sold copies throughout the world, including online orders to Holland, Greece and USA!"
"In fact John has just had to re–order another reprint, as copies have temporarily sold out. The book is being printed in the UK, by Whitehall Printing, Bristol and will be available soon."
John McLellan explained what it means to him to have reached the major milestone, saying: "It's been very special seeing my novel find its way into the hands of so many people who live in the north–west Highlands or who are visiting, and I'm grateful to everyone who has bought a copy. In large part the book is about love and an aspect of that is a deeply held affection for the mountains, scenery and people of this area.
"Geology first drew me to this part of the world, as a student long ago, and I'm chuffed that all these sales have given something back – via the region's very own Geopark who have received a donation form every copy sold.
"The feedback I have been fortunate to receive tells me that readers have enjoyed the story and also find it uplifting, thoughtful and ultimately hopeful. A year ago I could never have imagined people being affected in this way but it is lovely to hear, and if the novel is having a positive impact on people then I couldn't ask for more. People might be interested to know there is a 'book 2' on the way too.”
McLellan's second book which is currently in the works, is said to be set in north-west Scotland too.
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Owner of Ullapool Bookshop, Tina Thomson said: "Congratulations to John on this incredible milestone reached and we are thrilled to be part of his journey as an author. We wish him well with his second book, and also hope his novels will be hopefully be taken on by a Publisher soon. I can’t understand why no-one has snapped up ‘The Faultline’ already."
Exclusive signed copies are on sale: www.ullapoolbookshop.co.uk or from Ullapool Bookshop, on Quay Street, Ullapool, IV26 2UE.
