The author of Britain's brightest new book about ME, Nasim Marie Jafry, signed dozens of copies at the book launch in Edinburgh's Waterstone's bookshop last week.

Nasim's first novel "The State of ME" – published on August 4 – tells the story of Helen Fleet, a 20-year-old languages student struck down with a mystery illness – later identified as Coxsackie virus – while on her year's study abroad in Normandy that leaves her bedridden and living with her parents.

Eventually diagnosed with ME by the university doctor, she must learn to adapt to everything the virus throws at her. At times, she views her resulting ME as a 'spanner in the works'. At others, as an affliction which affects every corner of her life.

Be prepared for a roller-coaster of a ride through the life and loves of Helen, told with the precision, drive and lack of sentimentality of a professional story-teller. The language is rip-roaringly simple and easy-to-read while unflinchingly raw about her level of dependence on others and reduced expectations.

Nasim Marie Jafry was born in the west of Scotland is 1963 to a Scottish mother and Pakistani father. She has a MA and MSc from Glasgow University but her studies were severely disrupted when she became ill with ME. She has spent time in San Francisco but now lives in Edinburgh. Her short sories have appeared in various publications.

"The State of ME" is published by Friday Fiction, an imprint of Harper Collins, at £7.99. It will be reviewed in the next issue of The ME Association's quarterly magazine, "ME Essential".

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Nasim Marie Jafry blogs at http://velo-gubbed-legs.blogspot.com/