When I was Otherwise

This novel opens with macabre impact, as a newspaper report describes the discovery of two dead women - one of them a skeleton – in a North London house. The women are revealed to be the sister and sister-in-law of the man who shared the house. The story of these characters’ lives is told through a blend of powerful characterisation and social satire, and summons the mingled tragedy and humour of old age to powerful effect.

Stephen BENATAR London born, Stephen Benatar's first novel was published when he was 44, and he acknowledges the support and inspiration of Pamela Hansford Johnson in this achievement. Seven more novels followed, including, uniquely, one published by a borough council. Having established both his literary reputation and sales prowess through his own press, Welbeck, Stephen is now also published by Capuchin Classics and NYRB.