Essex-based author Paul Ilett has released his latest novel, Five Siblings at 23, a dramatic tale set in his hometown of Southend. The book follows the Fletcher family, focusing on the lives of five siblings as they reach the age of 23, exploring their relationships, struggles, and growth over two decades.
Ilett, a bestselling author with a passion for local settings, said that the story drew heavily from his personal experiences. “It made sense for the Fletcher family to live in Southend,” he explained. “There are plenty of local references throughout the novel, some obvious and some more subtle, but Southenders will recognize the places and locations.”
Popular landmarks from the area, such as Adventure Island, Cliffs Pavilion, and Southchurch Village, play significant roles in the novel, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. Ilett, who has lived in Southend for over 40 years, believes these familiar locations enrich the reader’s experience.
The novel’s central plot revolves around the diverse lives of the five Fletcher siblings, whose large age gaps lead to time jumps across the chapters. These shifts provide a glimpse into where life has taken each character, often presenting surprising outcomes.
Tackling serious issues such as terminal illness and domestic abuse, Five Siblings at 23 integrates real-life research, including consultations with Essex Police and a local doctor. Ilett also drew from his own background, including his 20 years of experience as a foster carer and his personal journey as a gay man who came out at 23.
A supporter of the self-publishing community, Ilett has already seen success with his first two self-published novels, which sold over 40,000 copies worldwide. Reflecting on the changing landscape of publishing, he shared, “The traditional route to publishing is becoming increasingly difficult for new authors. The industry often favors celebrities and established names, even when they openly admit that they won’t write the books themselves. Self-publishing gives me full control over the process, and that’s something I value.”
With Five Siblings at 23, Ilett continues to make waves in the self-publishing world, offering a deeply personal and local perspective on family, life, and the challenges we face.
