Debut author in for top prize

THE debut novel of a Stockport-born author has been long listed for the prestigious Booker Prize.

Wyl Menmuir’s first book The Many is one of 13 in the running to claim one of literature’s most prestigious honours, the Man Booker Prize 2016.

Wyl, 36, was born in Stockport and grew up in Romiley.

He studied at Marple Hall High School and the former Ridge Danyers college, before going on to read English at the University of Newcastle and also completing an MA in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.

He now lives with his wife and two young children in Cornwall.

Described as ‘beautiful and frightening’, The Many tells the story of Timothy Buchannan, who moves to a remote fishing village.

The novel is surreal and unsettling, and deals with themes including grief, loss and isolation.

Wyl wrote the book while studying for his Masters at Manchester Met, and graduated with a distinction last month.

Loosely based on some real-life events, The Many focuses upon the experiences of Timothy, who buys an abandoned house in Cornwall.

When he sees the state of it he questions the wisdom of his move, but starts to renovate the house for his wife to join him there.

When the villagers see smoke rising from the chimney they are disturbed and intrigued by the presence of the newcomer.

The longer Timothy stays, the more deeply he becomes entangled in the unsettling experience of life in the village.

Wyl said: “I’m absolutely shocked and elated to have been long listed for the Man Booker Prize. Since my publisher rang to tell me the news last Wednesday, it has felt as if I’m dreaming.

“If The Many makes the shortlist later this year, obviously that will be fantastic, but to have come this far is more than I ever anticipated or even dared to hope for.

“Huge thanks to all my friends and family, particularly Em, Tom and Lana, for all their love and support.

“Without them, this just wouldn’t have been possible.”

The long list for the £50,000 prize will be whittled down to a final six on September 13 before the winner is announced on October 25.

The Many is now available to buy from all good bookshops and online.