An island tour with Will Smith – Mainlander

Today is the day for a trip to Jersey we reckon. And that lovely Will Smith whose recent novel Mainlander is set there has met us off the ferry and taken us to have a lovely mug of cider and a Jersey Wonder or two. Not sure what the latter is, but we smile politely until we realise that on an island, there might not be a place to avoid it if we have to.

Luckily seeing our faces, he explains that the doughnuts which have arrived infront of us, in this seafront cafe we’re in is the said Jersey Wonder. So we tuck in and ask him some questions. “Eat up!” he tells us, “we’re off on a booktrail after this little chat!” Just as well we brought our sensible shoes for this island is rocky, windy and the best views are from the cliff edge…

We clink our mugs of cider and take a swig. How lovely the sky is here and the weather is so blustery yet warm at the same time.

And with that he tells us to swill the last of the cider and to follow him. For this is the Booktrail Will Smith style –

The booktrail of The Mainlander by Will Smith……written especially for us and for you, to take you on a journey into the unknown. The unknown with a mug of cider in our hands. This might not end well.

Hi Will. So then where are we starting off today. Up on the Grosnez headland you say? You might have to pull me up there. It looks a bit steep.

Will : Nah what do you mean? It’s a lovely place. The opening scene of the book on the Grosnez headland, is one of my favourite places on the Island, and in the world. I once watched the sunset there, from the same vantage, though not disposition, as Colin, and I never forgot it.
Now then take a look at this – the Marine Peilstand 3 tower – this is Colin’s view as he sits on the headland. You can see the Marine Peilstand 3 tower in the distance, described in a very poetic way:

“the silhouettes of its viewing platforms jutting out like the teeth of a key.”

Imagine reading the book Mainlander right here !!?? It’s quite scary the way you are drawn to the water. With the effects of one sip of cider I can feel it even more. So, I walk away from the edge, but Will is standing there staring out to sea. I leave the man deep in thought and read a little more of the book. Just as I reach the scene which takes place at Grosnez Castle, Will points at the arch just beside it where Colin walks through. So as with the best literary trails, we walk in Colin’s footsteps and go through the arch.

The archway to mystery I think as I pass underneath. I love the little door to the right  – for less important people back in the day or for short people? I go to ask Will but he’s showing me the ledge where we see Duncan sitting in the novel. He laughs at my face when he mentions the word ledge – the island’s surrounded by them he says. Bet it’s the rockiest booktrail you’ve ever been on! The man’s got bionic legs as no sooner as I nod, then he’s rocketed up the cliff to the next spot on the trail.

What a view! Sit eat and enjoy a Jersey Wonder and think of Colin..Will tells me and promptly hands over a donut that looks as if it’s been in a fight. It’s in the shape of a knot. A good food round these parts they say.

It’s really yummy. Very tasty but I could actually done with another sip of that cider about now to wash it down. Who would have thought?

as we walkk and wander round this island, the sense of isolation and remoteness really whip around you like the wind and the silence becomes a melody of sorts. The views are stunning and the sense of community and history is rich – everyone we pass waves and smiles. I admire the flora and fauna and then take a look at Barney’s view across St Aubin’s Bay towards St Helier harbour, where he meets Mickey in the middle of the night. ‘Just as well it’s not night if you’re nervous of cliffs” laughs Will. Well he’s quite the joker isn’t he? 😉

I’m going to take you somewhere much safer now he says. Somewhere out of this wind and somewhere you’ll be able to hear something other than the silence of fresh air…

I can’t wait. I mean the novel is mostly set on the island and in the great outdoors so where can I be going? Turns out the quiet place is where Barney meets Mickey. Where the story takes a twist….

The steps down to the bunker where Barney meets Mickey, now cleaned up as a tourist site. It’s part of the “Battery Lothringen” at Noirmont Point. Will’s right though, it’s very quiet and a little bit eerie. 

ooh bit nervous now…..
The inside of the bunker where Barney meets Mickey – again, now cleaned up and open to the public. It’s one amazing and eerie place all at once. The place is steeped in histpry and intrigue and having read the novel, takes on  whole new meaning. It’s great to be where the characters you’ve read about have just stood!

After we leave the prison, there is a few more places on the trail to go. La Tour de Vinde, one of the places Colin and Debbie search for Colin. Portelet Tower is on the islet and is another stop on Colin and Debbie’s search.

With the booktrail at an end, we head back for another round of Jersey Wonders and cider. May decide to stay here on Jersey for a while – its so nice and the atmosphere as seen through the eyes of Will Smith and his characters evokes an island of mystery and intrigue.

Susan the booktrailer

Booktrail Boarding Pass Information:

Twitter: @willsmithuk