In November 2019, local author, Roger Sanders, handed his Brexit-themed novel manuscript to a book publisher in Newport library with a dream of publication.
Almost two years to the day, his debut novel, Ted’s Cafe, is finally published by Beachy Books and a book launch took place over the weekend at the library.
A labour of love
Ted’s Cafe has been a labour of love for Roger , who lives in Newport, and follows the story of David Tanner, an ex-journalist born at the ‘fag end’ of the baby boomer years, and his friends, who dissect the news at the only place still trading from their youth — ‘Ted’s Cafe’.
The story follows the post-work life and loves of the four old friends as they try and make sense of a fast-changing world in the countdown to Brexit.
About everyday events
But, at its heart, Ted’s Cafe is about the everyday events that will connect with many of Roger’s generation and current time of life,
“I wanted to write a story about friends reconnecting in retirement and how they adjust to their new lifestyle.
“It’s about friendship, betrayal, newfound love and attempting to understand the modern world and the issues that dominate everyday folk.”
Division of Brexit
No matter what opinion you hold, Brexit certainly divided the country, and it’s a feeling that is very much reflected in the novel.
Although, as Roger is quick to point out, the repercussions of Brexit are very much evident now,
“I think the longer time has passed since Ted’s Cafe was written, you only need to look at the news to see how Brexit has come to be more relevant, as well as wider issues of climate change, which punctuate the news events during the year-long timeframe of the novel.”
The last year of the old ‘normal’
But of course, like all of us, Roger had no idea what the impact of Coronavirus would have on his life and the world.
“The pandemic was something none of us expected. In many ways, my story is about the last year of the old ‘normal’, because everything has changed.”
About the main character
David Tanner, the central character in the novel, mentions the importance of what he refers to as ‘social spaces’, which, along with the coffee shops he frequents with his friends, includes his local library.
The real author mirrors their importance,
“The library is a great social space that I use regularly.
“I think they are hugely valuable hubs for the community.’
Heritage goes back generations
Although the novel is not based on the Isle of Wight, Roger is very much an ‘Islander’, as he explains,
“The Island and the characters I have met over the years have influenced me. I love walking in the West Wight, where I regularly get ideas.
“My family lived in the Shalfleet area for eight generations. I enjoy meeting up with friends for coffee at various locations and that helped inspire the story.”
Ted’s Cafe published by Beachy Books is priced at £7.99 and is available to order at all good bookshops including Waterstones, Newport and Medina Books, Cowes, and it is available to buy online.
For more information see the publisher’s Website.
News shared by Philip on behalf of Beachy Books. Ed
