The Islanders

by Robert Bell

Roy Michaels ends his first day as president of the United States in a cell. His captors are happy to fill in the blanks. For decades, their organisation has replaced political leaders around the world with vat-grown doubles, who work at their behest to protect the public from the “whims and myopia of democracy.” The real presidents, prime ministers and chancellors are held captive in a manor house on a remote island, though the comfort of their existence has led many to forget that fact.

Michaels arrives on the island, unwilling to surrender to his fate. To reunite with his family, he will need not only to find a method of escape, but also to navigate the strange social structures that have developed on this island of political titans. He must forge alliances and confront enemies, new and old.

Robert Bell’s The Islanders is an imaginative satire which gently skewers politicians of all persuasions. Comic, thought-provoking and thrilling in equal measure, there’s nothing quite like this…

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2021

Reviews

[Sandee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written story of no specific genre. The premise is unique. Every political leader has been kidnapped on their first day in office and replaced with a clone. The originals are kept prisoner on an island. Most have become complacent in their new, comfortable lives. I found the characters and their situations interesting. I didn't like that each character is a stereotype - oversimplified without depth.
I didn't enjoy the humour which I found to be of the frat-boy prank type. Although, I have several friends whom I believe would love the humour and have suggested this book to them. I did like some of the character perspectives and ideas. Overall, it was a quick and unusual read that held my attention and occasionally made me think about things in a new way.

[Ros Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting sounding premise - but it's not well written enough to achieve 'satire'. It just descended, fast, into stereotype with no message. I am a bit confused about what the story was trying to say - was it over-edited, or under-thought through? It takes SO MUCH to get a book actually out there I can't imagine it's just the latter...