Author of the critically acclaimed 'Shetland' novels is giving free books to self-isolating OAPs

The author of the Shetland Island novels which inspired a hit BBC series is keeping self-isolated OAPs mentally stimulated by leaving books outside her home for them.
Shetland author, Ann Cleeves, is reaching out to local OAPs during the coronavirus outbreakShetland author, Ann Cleeves, is reaching out to local OAPs during the coronavirus outbreak
Shetland author, Ann Cleeves, is reaching out to local OAPs during the coronavirus outbreak

Ann Cleeves, 65, is too young to be forced into self-isolation but is caring for her grandson who has asthma and is at risk from Coronavirus.The crime writer, who has penned more than 30 novels, including the Shetland Island series focusing on Inspector Jimmy Perez, is keeping in touch with elderly and vulnerable neighbours through a WhatsApp group.And she left a box full of books for OAPs to rifle through on the wall of her home in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear.Ann said: ‘There are people who are self-isolating on my street and everyone is looking out for them and saying do they need anything.‘The books are for anybody who is self-isolating, some of the libraries are closing.‘I have replenished it a bit, I went out first thing.‘I get sent a lot of books.‘Someone I work with at the publisher said she would do that too."The gran-of-six lived on the Shetland Isles for one year in her 20s, and worked at the Bird Observatory on Fair Isle which burnt down last year.She has been going back ever since, and her series of novels inspired a BBC series.Ann added: "People in my street have a WhatsApp group and I just said 'if you need books come and help yourself'.‘I think it is kindness that will beat it in the end."

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