There were fairies in Ibiza

By Andre Mattar

Hoping to leave his mundane life in 1980s Yorkshire behind, Alfie finds himself living and working on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza. Caught up in an unfamiliar world of colourful, eccentric characters, he experiences a summer of awakening that is a riot of fun, discovery and enduring friendships.

From Polari-speaking gay gangsters, a displaced American drag queen and a mysterious Italian Count, the young lad is wrapped in the protective arms of his new extended family. But his naivety inadvertently entangles him in unexpected and nefarious situations.

A family torn apart by wartime ghosts affects him more than he could ever have known, yet it leads to a treasured lifelong friendship. This coming-of-age story unfolds between the lemon groves of La Casa and the ancient city walls of Dalt Villa in Ibiza town. As Alfie casts off the restraints of his sheltered childhood, he grows in confidence and allows himself to be open to the opportunities and experiences Ibiza offers. At odds with the life he left behind, he embraces life on the island with a newfound sense of maturity and self-discovery.

Against a subtle backdrop of iconic eighties music and a passion for his classic cars, Alfie's tale is narrated in an unapologetically authentic style, using language and terms contemporary to the era.

On a return to the island forty years later, will any of the people and places that Alfie knew still be there?

Set amidst the magical backdrop of Ibiza in 1984, this is a heart-warming and life-affirming tale of love, laughter and intrigue. It will resonate with anyone who has ever visited the island and captivate those who have yet to experience the magic for themselves.

This could make a lovely film, and the mix of the coming-of-age story, the magical hedonism, the dark secret of Miko's family and the crime storylines has lots of appeal ... Faber Academy

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GZDVJ8TT
• ISBN13: 9798195004576
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 172 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"