A NEW novel exploring the lives of young women in 1960s Clydeside will be launched next month.

Kitten Heels, penned by West Dunbartonshire author Maureen Cullen, will be launched on October 12 at the Helensburgh Community Hub.

The book, published by Glasgow-based independent house Ringwood, follows the story of Kathleen Gallagher, a young girl navigating life in 1960s Clydeside.

The narrative delves into themes of poverty, mental health, and the role of women in society, all told from Kathleen's perspective.

Kitten Heels has been written by Maureen Cullen (Image: Ringwood) In 1962, Kathleen is fated to work in a bra factory like her mother, despite her young age.

Her life is a constant juggle of responsibilities - caring for her three younger siblings, collecting wages from her absentee father, and sacrificing her social life.

The death of Kathleen’s grandmother further strains her relationship with her mother, altering the family dynamic.

Kitten Heels portrays Kathleen’s coming-of-age journey, highlighting how she finds comfort and support in the community of women around her.

These women, despite facing various hardships and institutional obstacles, find ways to grow and support each other.

The novel is said to resonate strongly with local readers, given its authentic use of Scots and its portrayal of the resilience and strength of working-class women during this period.

Born and raised in West Dunbartonshire, Maureen Cullen draws inspiration from the area for much of her writing.

After 30 years in social work, she shifted her focus to writing poetry and short fiction, completing a Master’s Degree in creative writing from Lancaster University in 2015.

Her poetry has been published in multiple magazines and online webzines.

She also had a poetry conversation with Patricia M Osborne, Sherry and Sparkly, published by the Hedgehog Press in 2021.

Cullen has been shortlisted in numerous short story competitions, including the V.S. Pritchett Prize, the Fish Prize, and the Bristol Prize.

She won the Labello Prize for short fiction in 2014 and the Ringwood Short Story competition in 2022.

Kitten Heels is her debut novel, and she is currently working on a short story collection for Ringwood.

The novel has already garnered praise from fellow authors.

Paul McVeigh, author of The Good Son, described it as "funny, frank, and moving," adding that "we need more books like this".