Philip Blackwell, the scion of the British book retailer giant Blackwell Group, has announced an employment position for a book lover at his bookshop based at the high-end eco-resort of Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll.
Applicants for the resort bookshop are required to have a passion for books, be personable and able to engage people, and host creative-writing courses amongst other qualities. The chosen applicant will be hired on a minimum three-month contract, during which they are to mingle with resort visitors including celebrities, and write "an entertaining and lively blog that captures the exhausting life of a desert island bookseller."
They will also live near the luxury resort, which lies within the famed Baa Atoll biosphere reserve.
Regarding the post, The Guardian newspaper cited Blackwell as saying, "The pay is derisory but the fringe benefits unparalleled. The role will evolve and it is in part up to you to make the most of this unique opportunity. It’s a dream job for many people. If I was 25 again I would do it.”
“We want someone on the ground who is creative and inspiring and can maybe get more people to share the pleasure of reading, which is what people enjoy doing on holiday."
According to The Guardian, the bookshop will feature a range of volumes that reflect the Maldivian environment including its renowned marine ecosystems, along with other titles that appeal to the interests of Soneva Fushi's wealthy guests.
The resort bookshop is part of Blackwell's Ultimate Library, a business he set up to create library collections for resort hotels after he gave up running Blackwell Group in the wake of his family selling the business. He currently has over 250 resort libraries around the world.
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