NI author Colin Bateman predicted 2020 pandemic in children’s novel from 2007

As his children’s adventure gets a new lease of life thanks to a newly formed publishing company, the Bangor writer insists he had no crystal ball.

Colin Bateman wrote Titanic 2020 at a time when he was making a foray into the world of children’s literature.

Originally published in 2007, the award-winning futuristic adventure set in 2020 follows young Jimmy Armstrong from Belfast who stows away on the new and definitely unsinkable Titanic.

As the ship sets sail, a mysterious, incurable disease begins to spread across the globe, causing widespread panic.

Colin said: “Back when I wrote it, I could never have predicted the circumstances we find ourselves in today.

“But the book is not all doom and fear-mongering. I think it makes for a great escape into a fantasy version of what we’re currently facing – one filled with adventure, humour and ultimately, hope.”

The book, which is suitable for nine to 12-year-olds, has been out of print for some time. When the rights reverted to Colin he approached his friends at Open House festival in Bangor with a view to making it available again on Kindle.

Open House said: “The publication is a new departure for us, but we’re excited to find ways of connecting with our audiences during these strange times, when we can’t run events.

“When Colin approached us about co-publishing Titanic 2020 on Kindle, we thought it was the perfect partnership – and impeccable timing.”