Manchester author with global ambitions.

"Saving the World and Being Happy", West Didsbury author R. Eric Swanepoels first novel (available from 18 August 2004 with an official release date of 4 October), received key inspiration from paintings in Manchester Art Gallery. Eric, who admits putting the finishing touches to his political romantic comedy" pint-in-hand at West Didsbury bars The Metropolitan, The Woodstock and One, says that paintings by John Everett Millais ("Autumn Leaves") and Ford Madox Brown ("Work") are central to the plot.

(PRWEB) August 21, 2004 -- So what is this partly Manchester-inspired book about? The books dubiously romantic hero, Nathaniel, is smitten by his gorgeous classmate Rosemary while still at school. His desperate and long-unrequited love starts him on a trail of misadventure and growing political awareness in which art plays a role. Eventually he launches an international movement aimed at bringing the rampant multinational corporations to heel and so saving the world. Is he successful, and does he win her?

Eric states that, as far as he is aware, this is the first time a novel has attempted to offer a serious solution to global inequality, but ...although a lot of research went into it, the last thing the book is is a heavy read - Id like to think youll be laughing most of the way through!" If Tony Cook, Chief Executive of ABCtales.com and Co-Founder of Red Pepper magazine, is to be believed Eric Swanepoel's first novel is a great read. He moves from rite of passage for the individual to rite of passage for the planet in a bold dramatic sweep. This is a funny, thought-provoking and intelligent book. I recommend it to you."

If it does well then its good to know that Manchester will be part of it. Eric says: I love living here and I couldnt have done it without the place!"

"Saving the World and Being Happy", subtitled "The Computer Ager" (ISBN 141371756X), is available in trade paperback format (379 pages) from most online suppliers and the publishers (www.publishbritannica.com). It will soon be orderable in bookstores. Full details here: www.BeingHappy.info