Mike wanted to live in a cave, Tammy to learn to juggle, and Padraig to leave his cynicism behind. Sheila was going to do the planning she'd been putting off for 17 years and Sandy have the adventure she'd been waiting for all her life. Roger meant to learn the piano pieces he'd never got around to, while Liz just hoped to go back a more rounded person. Colin wanted to escape from modern life, while Toby hoped the project would give a positive image of sustainable technology. Rodemary intended to experiment with Home Education and Trevor to write 3 screenplays. Trish wanted to rebuild the self-confidence she lost during 2 failed marriages, while Ron left the attitudes of the past behind. Ben thought they'd breeze through the year, while Gordon wasn't so sure. So how did these aspirations measure up against reality? Was the experiment about survival or about fame? Was Ray really forced out? Why were the Carey's so unhappy? Was Ron really a troublemaker? Who nicknamed the sheep 'the Tatler girls'? And what did those 6 single men and 6 single women really get up to? The moving stories of 36 different people (and their animals) are interwoven in this extraordinary book. A compelling, entertaining and moving account of an incredible year.
Events, arguments and romances that never made it to the screen are detailed, as well as the private thoughts and emotions behind the scenes. The untold life stories of those who made it to the island are revealed and the true motives behind the deserters uncovered. The result is compelling, evocative, and at times hilarious account of a year in which relationships developed (and faltered), unlikely leaders emerged, and a way of living together was finally and painstakingly established.

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