ROYALTIES from the sales of Culcheth author Chris Vobe’s debut novel will help support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, following the Russian invasion of February this year.
The Water Tower was first released in October last year and sales have already exceeded expectations.
The two-volume epic has been met with significant acclaim since its publication, with readers finding themselves absorbed in the trials and tribulations of the principal characters: journalist Adam Chapman, librarian Victoria Kendall, academic Clarissa Clements and shopkeeper Hilda Stanton.
Now, former local councillor Chris has announced that 50% of all royalties he receives from sales of the novel between 1st March and 16th June (Chris’s birthday and, in the novel, the date on which the opening chapters are set!) will be donated to the CAFOD Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Earlier this month, both volumes of The Water Tower were made available for the first time in a collected “Omnibus Edition” for Kindle, which can be purchased and downloaded exclusively from Amazon.
Speaking about his decision to support the CAFOD appeal, Chris said: “None of us can have failed to be moved by the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. The bravery, determination and resilience of the Ukranian people has been inspiring; and yet, as we all know, the humanitarian crisis that has followed has been almost unprecedented in scale.
“Over five million people have fled their homes to escape the conflict and millions more have been internally displayed. Homes, schools and hospitals have been destroyed. The work that CAFOD undertake, therefore, is vital in helping to support the increasing number of Ukranian families who are in desperate need of food, shelter and healthcare.
“That is why I will be donating 50% of any royalties I receive from sales of The Water Tower between 1st March and 16th June this year to CAFOD’s Humanitarian Appeal for Ukraine. As we watch the heart-breaking scenes unfold there, I want to play my part – and encourage others to do likewise – in helping to deliver support and aid to those who need it most.”
Since its launch in October last year, sales of The Water Tower have vastly exceeded expectations. The novel has proved popular for its uncompromising reflections on grief and loss, its depiction of its provincial setting of Little Bassington, and for the way in which it balances the many distinct, intersecting strands of the story.
Both volumes of the novel are now available at new, reduced prices, and can be purchased in paperback, hardcover and Kindle eBook format.
Chris added: “The brand new Omnibus Edition of The Water Tower allows you to download the full story to your eBook reader for £6.99 – it is both the easiest and cheapest way of getting your hands on both volumes in one fell swoop. Paperback, hardcover and limited editions are still on sale for those who prefer a physical copy. Buying the new Omnibus Edition has one extra advantage though – it maximises the money that the CAFOD Humanitarian Appeal will receive.
“I’m enormously grateful to everyone who has bought, downloaded and enjoyed The Water Tower since its release last October. It was always destined to be a difficult story to tell, but the response from readers has been remarkable and humbling in equal measure, and has exceeded even my wildest expectations. I’m genuinely thrilled that people have enjoyed the exploits of Adam, Victoria, Hilda, Clarissa and Madison as they navigate rocky relationships, hidden secrets and unconventional love affairs, whilst trying to save Little Bassington’s iconic Tower from demolition. Of course, the enthusiastic response from readers means, I suppose, that I’ll have to dust off my pen and start working on Book 2…”
The Water Tower (Volumes I and II) is available to purchase exclusively from Amazon.
The new Omnibus Edition – combining Volumes I and II – exclusively for Kindle eBook readers can be purchased for £6.99:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09YHXWMQF
Standard Editions (available in paperback, hardcover and Kindle eBook) are available via:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09JZJWLBF
Readers can follow The Water Tower’s dedicated Facebook page via: facebook.com/TheWaterTowerNovel
*Both volumes of The Water Tower contain language, situations and imagery which are adult in nature and may not be suitable for younger readers.
