Deepest Red

Anton Marks on his new novel Bushman

It’s been a few years since an Anton Mark’s novel last hit the shelves. That’s not to say he hasn’t been writing, in fact as usual he churns out work at an alarming rate – too quickly maybe for his publishers to keep up with.
Well, for those who like me who have been eagerly awaiting his next book it’s finally here. And while the last (In the Days of Dread) was a futuristic thriller set some thirty years in the future, Bushman is very much set in the present.

It tells the story of Omar Watson – otherwise known as Bushman - a complex character who went from working for Jamaica’s notorious special police force to disappearing from public view, growing dreads and cultivating Ganga on land he owns in the hills. Then there is his brother Everett, a London city dealer with little love lost for his brother. But the question is will Bushman set aside the family feud when his brother needs him most?
A fast-paced and engrossing read I have to thank Anton for giving me a sneak preview.

So Anton, where have you been?
I’ve been here. Here and writing; you know this publishing jungle though, things get delayed. Sometimes you can’t get books out quite as quickly as you would like.

Will we have to wait another three years for the next?
Not f I can help it.

What I enjoyed most about the novel Bushman was your obvious background knowledge of trading in the city – and of course the kind of life Bushman lived. Where does that knowledge come from?
I have always been a really inquisitive person and I really think that helps as a writer. If there is anything I need to know all I have to do is ask. People seem happy to confide in me.
Do you know a person like Bushman?
I guess he is based on my cousin who I also went to school with. He is someone who became involved in military intelligence in Jamaica. He’s a fantastic person with so many stories to tell, some great stories, I’m glad he shared them.
When did you realise you wanted to become a writer?
Writing has always been natural for me. Since primary school I have loved writing stories. And I have always loved films, I love storytelling.
Jamaica and Rasta always seem to appear in your work. What does Jamaica mean to you?
It’s a fascinating island. There is so much to experience there. Yes there is crime in certain sections. But any history of criminality is linked to neighbourhoods that are poor and depressed. And it’s not all like that.
I left England as a child and went to school in Jamaica. When I look back I think that helped me personally no end.
Do you set out to give a message when you are writing?
My central concern is to entertain. But I guess there is a theme, or rather a question: How far will you go for family. It’s a fascinating issue. Some people talk all the time about family. They may talk about the challenges and difficulties and conflicts. But imagine posing the question: how far are you prepared to go for your family? Understand that and you understand what families are about.
And just as you bring out a new book you have developed a web-site too?
Yeah, it’s a very different kind of writer’s web-site. I didn’t want it to be boring so the graphics and content are very important. It goes a step further than just trying to attract new readers. It will showcase future material and some sections are written in the voices of the most popular characters from my books.
When can we expect another book?
Hopefully June. Look out again for something a little different. I am publishing a children’s book - well a book for young adults. It’s not in the Harry Potter tradition though so don’t expect any magicians.

Bushman is published by The Xpress this month.
Launch party: 27th of April SW7. For further info e: info@anton-marks.com

posted by Andrea Enisuoh @ 9:53 AM