Mannin Boy

About the Book

Twelve year old Jamie longs to follow in his father's footsteps and become a fisherman with the local fleet of Peel. While his best friend works as ship's cook and sails for the fishing grounds, he must stay at home and go to school.

However, all plans for the future are abandoned when tragedy strikes the family and it falls to Jamie to keep them together. His wish to become a fisherman comes true, and with it, the adventure of a lifetime.

About the Author

I moved to the Isle of Mann just over five years ago, having lived in different countries throughout the world for more than twenty years.

The ancient Manx settlement of Peel captured my imagination as I wandered through the old, narrow streets and slowly I found myself wondering about the lives of the people who used to live in the quaint little back street cottages.

Gradually, my characters came to life and soon I was engrossed by the type of lives they might have lived a hundred and fifty years ago. My tale was nearing its final chapters when I discovered that there were indeed real life events which reflected my story - particularly regarding Manx ships which set sail for Australia where crew members went in search of their fortune.

I hope that my story will give Manx children a sense of life in Victorian times and a glimpse of the island's fishing heritage.