It’s fair to say that when a first-time author dreamt up a scenario that the Isle of Man would become a safe haven in the midst of a terrifying global pandemic, he never realised how prophetic his book may become.

Phil Kelly released his debut novel, ’Mann Alone’, recently.

The story is a tense, apocalyptic thriller set in the near future, where a hideous disease has wiped out much of humanity.

Recognising the horrifying reality of the situation, the Isle of Man Government seal the borders and shuts the island off, keeping the disease at bay and creating one of the last outposts of civilisation.

The story focuses on the efforts of two men, islander Peter Quinnel, a local farmer and leader of the island’s body of army reservists and Dr Vin Singh, a pathologist charged with keeping the island free of the disease.

These men must find common ground and stop the island falling apart to internal tensions.

Phil’s book is an exciting and gripping ’what-if’ take on a seemingly unlikely scenario.

At least it did seem unlikely when he first conceived the story when he came to the island some years ago.

Essex man Phil has no connections to the island, bar a stint working as an auditor for a short period.

When he was here, he was captured by the island’s apparent ability to become self-sufficient and protected, which led him to imagine the scenario which led to his book, never quite thinking that one day his story may bear a resemblance to the reality.

’I am rather surprised at how timely and relevant this book is,’ said Phil.

’People have suggested that I have based the story on the covid outbreak, but it really isn’t the case.

I actually had the idea to write the story when I worked on the island for a short time back in the mid 1990s.

’I saw and imagined then that the island, in such a situation, could easily shut its borders down and become self-sufficient in food and energy.

’I have had the idea for the story in the back of my mind for many years now. But I never really developed it.

’It was only during the lockdown and his global pandemic that I finally got round to writing the story. It is quite ironic and a real coincidence that is the current situation that finally made me get it written.’

’Its not really about how to deal with the pandemic,’ he continued.

’My story concentrates more on the internal relations, conflicts and tensions between the people on the island and the government, and people who have fled to the island and are seeking refuge.’

’Mann Alone’ is published by Lily Publications and is available priced £8.50 from local bookshops and online from lilypublications.co.uk

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspaper