The Devil's Pinch

The reader is introduced to Jed and Bethany as a couple living in Melbourne. They grew up in different parts of regional Victoria but are thrown together on a camping trip. Both of these central characters take turns in telling us their story.
The narrative begins when Jed hits Bethany, instantly providing a moral dilemma. Before long it becomes evident that Jed has drinking and drug issues, and is lying to Bethany and himself.
Bethany confronts Jed about his violence when he sees her bruised and battered face. It takes a great deal of strength on her part but she manages to state her mind and mean it.
The ball is in Jed's court. Can he give up the booze and drugs? Or will he become another victim? Jed thinks that if he keeps his drinking and drug use a secret, they don't exist. He compartmentalizes his life and is in denial. This provides endless frustration for Beth and his parents. Like many addicts before him it will take hitting rock bottom before Jed is able to make the necessary changes to his life.
Beth’s grandmother is in hospital and dies – but while Beth is away Jed binges. She returns to the city knowing that Jed is in hospital. Beth, along with Jed’s parents are shocked to hear the extent of his drinking and drug taking at a Case Management meeting but Beth does not give up.
Both attend the funeral and afterwards Jed takes off for a hike at the prom. While walking he hashes over all the events of his life that have shaped him along with the fact that Beth flinched as he was saying good-bye and that it is time to take stock of his life and face up to his addiction. However, it is some time before he is able to deal with his relationship problems, as he suffers a physical setback while hiking. This begins the hardest journey of his life.
At this point Jed has to make some tough decisions. If he is to change his life, should he stay with Bethany and Josh or will this make his transformation impossible? Beth, too, wonders what is best for both of them. She had dreams of marrying Jed, but were these dreams realistic?
The ending leaves the reader inspired by the power of individuals to change the course their lives are taking, despite the fact that neither character finishes up where they expected in life’s journey.