Foday Mannah, an English teacher at James Young High School in Livingston, West Lothian, is celebrating the launch of his first novel, "The Search For Othella Savage." The book, published by Quercus Books in May 2025 with a paperback edition due in April 2026, has already won the 2022 Mo Siewcharran Prize and was shortlisted for the 2025 Bloody Scotland Debut Prize.
Novel Explores Themes of Power and Friendship
While loosely a crime novel, the story delves into broader themes including the abuse of religious and political power, gender inequality, and the strength of friendship. The narrative is set across Scotland and Sierra Leone, the two countries where Mannah has spent most of his life.
Mannah, who lives in Broxburn, spent a decade bringing the novel from early drafts to publication. Reflecting on the journey, he emphasized the importance of perseverance. "It can take a long time, but the result is more than worth the effort," he said.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
As an English teacher, Mannah offers guidance to students who dream of becoming authors. He advises: "Read. Read a lot. Not just fiction but also nonfiction and newspapers. If you want to become a writer, it is vital that you are also a reader and take in as much variety as possible."
Despite the summer holidays approaching, Mannah has no plans to rest. He intends to use the break to work on his next story, continuing his literary pursuits alongside his teaching career.
