In the Shadow of Marc Bolan

A Child of Rarn

Publisher: PublishNation (12 July 2024)

Language: ‎English

Paperback: ‎230 pages

ISBN 13-‎979-8329113761

Dimensions: ‎13.97 x 1.32 x 21.59 cm

Signed copies are available for just £9.99 inc p&p direct from the author.

Please email malfoster1956@gmail.com with a delivery address for PayPal link

What people are saying...

“In the Shadow of Marc Bolan tells the moving story of the psychological aftermath and spiritual influence Bolan left behind following his untimely death in 1977. Cleverly written with sensitivity and respect, this book is a must-read  for all of Bolan’s people, one I am more than happy to endorse as a life-long T.Rex fan." - Sue Bone

“Well done to Mal Foster for having the foresight to produce such a precious little masterpiece”. -   Jonathan Finden

"Great story. I really enjoyed it. This novel deserves to do well!" - Zoe Hatfield

“It oozes something which is purely lyrical, thought-provoking, and at times, quite heart-breaking. As with many of this author’s titles, you find yourself siding with the protagonist and fighting their corner. I know this book will appeal to all those valiant souls who still live and breathe the music of their late 70’s, glam rock idol, and I suspect it will also attract the attention of many outside the sphere of Marc Bolan/T.Rex fandom. A truly brilliant read!” - Fiona Browne (Literary Editor)

“Just finished reading 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’. A story not about Marc Bolan, but about a fictional character called Marc Abela who suffers from numerous health issues and was born on the day Marc Bolan died. A good read and an easy read of 222 pages. Lots of twists and turns along the way as it speeds up with the interesting storyline, with various Bolan touches of which it would be silly to give away here to those who may want to check it out, and it is worth checking out!... What a beautifully written, poignant and enjoyable book. It leaves something to think about when one has finished reading it! - Intelligent writing and great and original storytelling.” – Danielz (T.Rextasy)

“Really enjoying my new book, 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan,' I can’t put it down. It’s VERY good!” – Janel Bai

“In the Shadow of Marc Bolan is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of one man's haunting connection to the glam rock legend, blending psychological drama with a touch of the paranormal in a captivating narrative.”  - Frederick Olawale

 

“I binge read ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’, interesting book, especially as I work in mental health. Really enjoyed it!” – Diane Carey

 

“I’ve just finished reading ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’. Another great book by Mal Foster!” – Simon Brown.

 

“I extend my best wishes for the success of your book, ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan.' Witnessing fellow writers like yourself share their stories with the world is truly inspiring. May your words continue to resonate with countless hearts, and may you experience enduring success on your literary journey.” – Faith Martin (Best-selling Crime Writer)

 

“You need to put this book on top of your must-read list!” – Mady Joshi

“Now joining in with the fun of Mal Foster's new novel 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan.' … I never read fiction, so this will make a change!” – Richard Parrish

“I've just finished 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan'. OMG! ... I couldn't put it down!” - Tricia Jackman

"You don't need to be a Marc Bolan fan to enjoy this book. It's full of twists. I loved the T. Rex connection; it took me back to my teenage days. It's an excellent holiday read." – Jane Johnson

“Glamazing, glamtastic!” – Seff LoRusso (Elastic Glam Rock Radio, Cape Cod, United States)

“I loved this book! I hadn't heard of Marc Bolan before reading this but you don't need to be a fan! The story develops beautifully and you get to really care about the characters. Definitely recommend!” – Amazon Customer

“Absolutely loved it (‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’) – Maggie Crate

“Great read, start to finish. I started to read the book not knowing what to expect. The book has a very engaging storyline throughout with characters that draw you in, to all they say and do. Many twists and turns keep you wanting to read more. I can't recommend this book enough. You will not be disappointed!” – Janette Prowse

"A fine read!" - Ron Dunn

“I read the book on my trip to London and finished the last few pages while sitting on Marc’s bench on Bank Holiday Monday this week. I enjoyed it, very different ” - Pamela Humphreys (Note: Marc's bench is the memorial at Golders Green Crematorium in London).

“I read ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan' while on a plane to Malta. Brilliant!” – Julia Errington

“Just finished reading ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’. Really enjoyed it, great book!” – Ian Morsman – Staff photographer, Aldershot Town Football Club.

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’. At first, I assumed that with the title, I would need to be a Marc Bolan/T.Rex Superfan! I didn’t need to be. I know the history surrounding Marc Bolan’s death and some of his songs and poetry. The links between the protagonist Marc Abela and Bolan are utterly fascinating. Having read ‘Fluke’s Cradle’, one of Mal Foster’s previous novels, you can understand the paranormal vibe. I found his latest title to have many twists, turns and intriguing moments, with characters I absolutely adored. Another fantastic novel by this author.” – Emma Foy  

"Excellent read with just enough of a hint of Marc!" - Paul Docherty

 

“I’m so excited to read my signed copy of ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’. It combines my love of books and Glamrock!” – Kella Campbell, author, Vancouver, Canada.

“I bought this book and it’s well worth the read… Give it a go!” – Penny Jakumeit

“Incredible read! Really impressed, I bought this book because I’m a fan of Marc Bolan but you definitely don't need to be one to enjoy this story or where it takes you. Great read!” – Tommy on Amazon

“I recently discovered ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’, I was very impressed!” - Eniola Ayomide

“Bolan Boogie, and the King of the Knaphill Spires... ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’, is another excellent novel from Mal Foster. A great story, full of intrigue, with twists, turns and never a dull moment.” – Johnny T

“I’ve just finished reading 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan', and I must say, it’s Mal Foster’s best book yet!” – Jude Browne

“In the realm of storytelling, readers discover a haven, and authors craft their enduring legacies. Mal Foster’s latest work, In the Shadow of Marc Bolan, is a beautiful addition to this world!” – Sandra Daigle 

“Really enjoying my bedtime read. It’s very good!” – Chloe Woodhouse

“Super cool. It is a very fitting book since Marc’s presence still haunts many of us today. There's got to be a film in there with such a compelling plot! Thanks for writing!” – Dave Henshall 

“I’ve finally got round to reading, ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’. Very unputdownable. Really enjoying it!” – Helen Naughton

“Well, we have now both read your new book. What a great read!” – Paul Jackman

“I've just finished ‘In the Shadow of Marc Bolan’ and found it intriguing and thought-provoking. At first, it took me by surprise as it wasn't quite what I expected, but after a few chapters, I got into it and found it very 'unputdownable'. It was almost like being a fly on the wall, observing the goings on and sometimes I almost felt that I was intruding on someone's personal space.” – Barry Smith-Mills

“Congratulations! - In the Shadow of Marc Bolan. It’s amazing!” – Enny Horlar  

“I recently had the chance to read 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan', and I was thoroughly intrigued by the unique blend of psychological and paranormal suspense you’ve created. 'In the Shadow of Marc Bolan' is a novel that stands out for its originality and depth, appealing to those who enjoy stories that challenge the boundaries of genre. Your writing has that potential to thrill and intrigue readers, offering us a story that is as unique as it is engaging. The way you’ve crafted this story offers up a captivating experience that is both intense and memorable.” - Richard Evans

TRAGIC ROCK STAR BOLAN HAUNTS NEW NOVEL

Woking News & Mail

A Knaphill man has published a novel about a man obsessed with the glamrock star, Marc Bolan. In the Shadow of Marc Bolan is the seventh novel by semi-retired journalist and poet Mal Foster. His latest work revolves around Marc Abela, who was born on 16 September 1977, the day Bolan died in a car crash in Barnes, southwest London.

The book is predominately set in a Surrey psychiatric unit where Marc, 46, is refusing to speak after being sectioned under the 1983 Mental Health Act. His mother was a dedicated Bolan/T.Rex fan, who took her own life when he was five and he has always been in the shadow of the late glamrock star. A team of psychologists examines whether there is a link between Marc’s condition, past events, and some sort of spiritual influence from Bolan.

Reviewer Fiona Browne described In the Shadow of Marc Bolan as “lyrical, thought-provoking, and, at times, quite heartbreaking. I know this book will appeal to all those valiant souls who still live and breathe the music of their late 70’s glamrock idol and I suspect it will also attract the attention of many outside the sphere of Marc Bolan/T.Rex fandom. A truly brilliant read,” Fiona said.

The novel has already had numerous five-star reviews or ratings on Amazon and Goodreads. It has attracted praise from various UK official Marc Bolan fanbases and from Danielz, lead singer of the T.Rextasy tribute band. It has also been featured on Glamrock Radio in the US.

Mal’s first novel, The Asylum Soul, was published in 2015. It was followed by Fly Back and Purify, An Invisible Nemesis, Jude & Bliss, Fluke’s Cradle and The Story of Virna Babineaux.

In the Shadow of Marc Bolan is available in paperback and ebook from Amazon.

Courtesy: Woking News & Mail 17 October 2024

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INTERVIEW – In the Shadow of Marc Bolan

Kathy Kelso, March 2024

Catching up with my old friend and confidante, Mal Foster, is always a delight. He is the epitome of the teenage dream. “Think like a kid, and you will stay young,” says the boyish sixty-seven-year-old who was born in Surrey in December 1956.

 

We last spoke when his fifth novel, Fluke’s Cradle, was published in 2022. Since then, he has released The Story of Virna Babineaux and is about to unleash his seventh book, the much anticipated In the Shadow of Marc Bolan, his biggest project to date.

Mal and I have known each other since the mid-1970s. He was a massive T.Rex fan in those days, and I remember how desperate and devastated he was when Marc Bolan died before his time in 1977.

Mal says, “I was just twenty back then. Indeed, the events of ’77 made me feel completely numb for quite a long time. For a while, I couldn’t play any Bolan songs. Marc’s voice just set me off. I didn’t want to accept that he was gone. It wasn’t until one summer’s evening in 1982 that I could dig out all those vinyls again.”

And now you have written a book about it all?

“I was never going to write a book about Marc himself. The inspiration comes from those left behind who are still influenced by his music.”

Nearly fifty years since his death, Marc Bolan’s popularity is as strong as ever.

“Just look at social media", says Mal. “There is a whole raft of stuff relating to Bolan. Books, films, some great tribute bands, and historical interviews. Most recently, a tribute album and the documentary Angel-Headed Hipster".

“Although a little apprehensive and nervous that there may have been parallels with my new book’s storyline, I enjoyed the recent release of Bolan’s Shoes, which included superb performances by Leanne Best and Timothy Spall. The film proved to me that everyone has their own unique story to tell.”

“Going back, I remember sitting in a smoky cinema in Camberley when Born to Boogie was released in 1972. I watched it around and around on a loop and stayed in the Odeon for at least seven hours that day.”

So, what eventually made you put pen to paper with this one?

“I’ve always wanted to write a book of fiction different from anything else I’d seen. Something that people could dip into at any time and find very lyrical. A book they would want to sing along to in some way! My regular readers will notice that the book is in a journal style, similar to my first novel, The Asylum Soul".

And what about the novel itself? Without giving away any spoilers, please do tell me more…

“Look, here’s an early synopsis,” says Mal, sheepishly passing over his phone…

[See above]

So, what are your honest aspirations for this book?

“Honest? Ha ha. Of course, I want the book to appeal to Bolan fans and those less familiar with his music and other work. I hope I have produced something which underlines the deep respect I have always had for him. Please remember, though, the novel itself is about the son of a T.Rex fan, and not Marc Bolan himself, although I must confess, the strong spiritual presence of Bolan does play its part.”