John West
Bringing history to life with passion and meticulous research is something we value deeply at Fortis Publishing. John West exemplifies this dedication in his work. His book, The Psychiatrist, masterfully intertwines historical fact with fiction, recounting his father’s real-life experiences as a British POW while also imagining a poignant journey that was never realized.
In this exclusive interview with Ken Scott, John delves into his research process, the inspiration behind the novel, and the emotional journey of retracing his father’s wartime footsteps.
A POW’s Struggle in a Brutal Coal Mine
John West’s father was a prisoner of war during World War II, forced into hard labor at a coal mine in Silesia.
Life in captivity was relentless—12-hour shifts, seven days a week, in grueling conditions, regardless of health or injury. The mine, where both British POWs and enslaved Russian and Polish workers toiled, prioritized production over human life.
For many, including John’s father, this experience left lasting scars. The novel opens with his father’s recurring nightmare—a chilling descent into the dark depths of the mine, symbolizing both physical entrapment and emotional trauma.
A Journey Across Time: Fact Meets Fiction
Unlike many war books that focus on battlefield heroics, The Psychiatrist is a story of survival, resilience, and reflection. John West went beyond digital archives—he traveled to the very places his father had been, from POW camps to former mining towns, piecing together fragments of history.
But the novel takes an unexpected turn. Since John never had the opportunity to take his father on a pilgrimage back to these places, he reimagines what such a trip might have been like. In the book, John’s father embarks on this journey with his brother Jeff, reflecting on the past and confronting old ghosts.
“I think my father had wanted me to be his travel companion,” John shares. “Life got in the way, and it never happened. This book became my way of making it right.”
A Deeply Layered Narrative
Beyond the historical elements, The Psychiatrist is a richly woven story of human connection.
Through carefully crafted characters—including a Polish taxi driver named Marnier, a former German POW, and a long-term mental health patient—John explores themes of loss, identity, and healing.
Ken Scott praises the book for its unique approach:
“What stands out is how John balances meticulous research with a gripping narrative. You’re not just reading about history—you’re feeling it through the characters.”
Will There Be a Sequel?
When asked about a potential follow-up, John remains open to the idea.
“This book took a decade to research and write, but along the way, I uncovered many untold stories from other families. There’s definitely more to explore.”