BLACK DOG: A MARRIAGE IN ASHES

JOHN BIGGS 

Custom Books Publications, 2015

Tom and Susan had it all: Tom handsome, solid, successful; Susan beautiful, artistic, reckless. But they shared a secret: Susan was bipolar.

 They think their enclosed life in Hobart is the problem. They move to Hong Kong  to leave the black dog behind. And so it seems, until the irresistible and ruthless Oi Mei joins Tom’s firm.  She shows him a different world of sensuality; so different he thinks his love for Susan is remaining unchanged. Oi Mei sees that it doesn’t. Susan’s black dog jumps back onto her shoulders. Fatally.

Stricken with guilt and grief, Tom returns to their native Tasmania with Susan’s body, where she is cremated. He keeps her ashes in an urn in his bedroom. Has their marriage ended in ashes? 

 Black Dog is an exploration of the natures of love and lust, and of the terrible consequences of betrayal for the vulnerable.

Read excerpt: Susan Diagnosed   Downfall      Reconciliation?