A new novel, written by an Isle of Wight author, exploring election integrity and environmental concerns, launches at Monkton Arts Lounge in Ryde on Thursday 26th February, with free entry for all.
The event begins at 5.30pm, following the afternoon Spoken Word session that Graham Brown leads earlier in the day.
About the book
The novel, Results, written by Jonathan J Softly, weaves together two fictional storylines set in the days immediately after the US election of November 2024.
The first follows campaign volunteers in Chicago who instinctively feel that the local ward results do not match expectations.
With the campaign office closing and volunteers dispersing, one intern remains and produces a printout that appears to contradict the final official figures – suggesting an unexplained difference between the raw data and the certified results.
A second thread
The second storyline follows a mature student investigating the global decline in insect populations, and a possible connection to the widespread use of electromagnetic radiation from phone masts, mobile devices and Wi-Fi.
The student finds that EMR use has risen over the same period that insect populations have fallen, yet struggles to locate research confirming that insects remain unaffected – or indeed documentation establishing safe exposure levels for plants, trees, animals, children or adult women.
The two storylines eventually converge within the narrative.
What to expect on the night
A former Chicago resident opens the evening with a brief interview with the author at 5.30pm, followed by a Q&A session and book signings from 6pm.
Chicago Blues four-piece, The Sharpetones, then take to the stage from approximately 6.30pm until 7.30pm.
Results will be available to purchase at the launch event, or from Medina Bookshop in Cowes.
Monkton Arts Lounge can be found at 11 East St, Ryde PO33 1JP.
