Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A Dulwich teacher and his eight-year-old daughter have co-authored an adventure mystery novel, drawing inspiration from East Croydon’s iconic landmarks.
The mystery book, which will be published on September 19, is the result of Marc Clerkin, an English Curriculum Director at Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich, and his daughter Zoe’s bedtime tales and seaside scrawls.
Secret of the Sea, a self-published novel, is the first of a series for readers between the ages of nine and twelve that takes place in the made-up seaside village of Collersands.
It centers on Katy and Poppie, two 12-year-old girls who discover an old shipwreck and pursue a series of clues that reveal long-kept truths beneath the sea.
Marc said:
“As a teacher, I’m used to helping other people’s children develop their writing but seeing my own daughter’s imagination come to life on the page has been something truly special.”
The story uses East Croydon landmarks from his daughter’s childhood, including Heathfield Academy Primary School and Galicia Restaurant on the High Street, but is set in Collersands, which is inspired by trips taken by the family to Rye and Camber Sands in Sussex.
Zoe has “always wanted to do” this, having been inspired by her love of mystery and adventure like her dad, with her favourite book series being The Secret Seven whose author, Enid Blyton, was born in East Dulwich.
Marc said:
“In the early Eighties, all we had were books and TV — I grew up loving the old Doctor Who books by Terence Dicks, Ian Marter and Malcolm Hulke, and I wanted her to feel that same magic.
Adults as well love collections. It’s nostalgic, really. The characters from Enid Blyton books are wistful things, from a different era, different generation.”
The book includes a phone to make sure the story is up to date, but it avoids social media to preserve the “magic.”
This Friday, September 19, at 3 p.m., the two will debut their book at the Herne Hill Tavern.
Additionally, they have started work on the trilogy’s second volume, which will be published in April of next year.
What East Croydon landmarks feature in the story?
A critical transportation hub distinguished by its modern station building, known for its striking steel and glass structure, often referred to as the “50p building” for its original faceted architectural design, which resembles a British coin. It is a well-known suburban landmark in the Croydon skyline. A central historic shopping centre within Croydon, and identifiable by local people.
An interesting cultural icon with the Museum of Croydon and other local attractions. A popular food hall converted from shipping containers, given its location to host events and multiple places to eat.
The parish church has a tall stone tower; an important historic landmark. All these buildings create an identifiable and rich backdrop to the story; cementing the imaginary adventure in real places that many local readers would be familiar with.