A BOOK born from a Swindon reading group’s idea will be published sooner than expected because of its timely plot – about a man in the town self-isolating as society collapses.

Award-winning author Alice Jolly wrote her new novella A Saint in Swindon for this year’s Spring Festival but it has taken on new meaning because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Festival organiser Matt Holland said: “With people needing to isolate all over the country, in fact all over the world, books as a source of succour are more important than ever.

“This began when Artswords, a literature development program linked to Swindon Libraries, thought it would be a good idea to bring author and readers together. The aim was to enable readers to be both commissioners of new literature as well as its eventual consumers.

“As a known supporter of literary fiction, Fairlight Books was the obvious choice as publisher. We are delighted that we’ve been able to bring this project to fruition and overwhelmed by interest and excitement this book has already generated.”

The plot revolves around a mysterious stranger arriving in Swindon, locking himself inside his new home and demanding to be brought classic literature to read while his neighbours wait and wonder what he’s planning.

The idea began in June 2019, when Alice Jolly met members of Swindon’s Artswords group. They told her about the kind of books they like, what they hoped to see in a story and even offered story ideas of their own. After the story was drafted, the group participated in the editing process.

Though originally written for the launch of the town’s arts festival that was due to take place in May, the novella will now be published on April 10 by Fairlight Books.

Publisher Louise Boland, said: “We loved the idea of this book the moment Matt brought it to us last year. It’s a fabulously good read, perfectly fitting for these uncertain times.”

The book’s launch will be part of the festival’s online replacement program of events. Talks and Q&As planned for this year’s festival will instead be streamed online.

Mr Holland added: “We’re keen to try and keep the show on the road.”