Prophet Song by Paul Lynch / Review

[@bstephens44]

I could not agree more. The House of Doors was such a strong favourite for me because I am a big fan of Maugham. I also thought Old God’s was great. But I am about one third of the way through Prophet Song and absolutely riveted and terrified. I can only take it in short sessions because it is so powerful and reads like my fears for tomorrow. A masterful work that is so chillingly relevant. I only have four more titles to get to on the long list but this one definitely stands out.

[@cathleenmills7019]

I loved this book. The style completely supports the themes and emotions of the novel. There is so much to talk about after reading it. I am using it as my March book for my book club. The main character is like a lot of American women; no time to think because, like her, we are working one or two jobs, caring for children and, in her case worrying about her husband. I kept wanting to scream at her: get out" get out while you can, but I also understood that, like us, she could not accept the difficulty of the situation. We just can't believe that horrible things can happen to us; our family; our country because they have never happened before. Maybe her fatal flaw is that she can not sense what is coming even when others warn her. It is a cautionary tale for anyone living in America today. I think this is a masterpiece because of the stylistic writing and the major themes of our times and the complex and beautiful characters. I love all of your thoughtful reviews.

[@maureencampbelldonatelli8370]

I too have just started Prophet Song. The slow build of unease together with the stunning turns of phrase and images is magnificent. I find myself reading passages over and over for the sheer beauty of them. Also the long blocks of writing that intensify the building fear and claustrophobia remind me so much of Joyce. So far, an incredible novel.

[@mariecarroll2079]

This was the book that I really wanted to win the Booker Prize. It is definitely the best book that I have read this year Congratulations to Paul Lynch. A well deserved award.

[@nottaller1993]

Chapter 8 - that was one of the darkest things I've read.

[@maryamramay7785]

Just finished this unputdownable piece of art. I was pulled into the extremely compelling last third of the book and had to finish it into the early hours of this morning. There’s so much to say about this uniquely stylised book. It captures you in its grip, so that your emotions palpate with its protagonist Eilish. The language is enriching and enthralling with its prose like quality. One has to read some passages over and over to absorb their essence. It’s so ubiquitous, that any one, anywhere can relate to it and realise the value of peace and harmony in one’s life. Paul Lynch deserves a huge round of applause for this mesmerising work!! I will definitely be catching up on rest of his content.

[@renatakimmerly6497]

I totally agree with you . I found the prose difficult at first, but then caught on . All of your thoughts and observations are in line with mine . The worst of all was Bailey - his transfer and death . Did they make it ? Did they reach safety ? I wish the end confirmed one way or another ….

[@Frank-hh1gu]

Thanks for the overview! Reading for my book club this month. Really looking forward to it!

[@elbahorrocks858]

Eric, Thank you for your thoughtful review. I am adding Prophet Song to my TBR as the ideas you shared resonated with me.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you find it as impactful as I did.

[@christopherboyd6537]

Great review! I’ve been avoiding your review as I’ve just finished this last night (Happy New Year) and have a lot of thoughts. I started reading The Bee Sting a few weeks ago, but had to return it to the library half way through. I had Prophet Song reserved and that became available so thought I’d jump 8th that while I wait for my personal copy of Bee Sting to arrive. I was immediately intimidated by the huge blocks of text with no paragraphs or punctuations, and having just won the Booker, I thought this was going to be a slog to get through. I was totally wrong on all accounts. The book was amazing. And like you said, the structure really helped put you into Eilish’s mindset, which I don’t think would have worked otherwise. There were so many amazingly beautiful pieces of prose juxtaposed with some of the most harrowing descriptions of turmoil. Bravo Paul!

[@millysbookshelf2101]

My copy arrived today - 25 pages in and the vibe I'm getting is scary and so real. Reading the blurb, I guessed it would float my boat and I have strong hopes that my feelings will be the same when I get to the end.

[@heathersneddon8866]

Currently reading this and by far the best book I have read on the Booker longlist. Love the style and how it ratches up the tension

[@CharlieBrookReads]

Such a great book and another one that was unexpected to me. I don’t normally get on with dystopic fiction but the way the author wrote about Eilish and her family helps you really connect with the story. Bar the first chapter I mostly read this in one sitting. Very brutal but crafted beautifully. Great review as always Eric.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That’s great you mostly got to read it in one go! It’s mesmerising.

[@rathdehoust6786]

A powerful and compelling book, I read in one sitting. I agree this is now one of the dystopian novels that will be regarded in the class of Orwell's & Atwood's tales. The beauty of Lynch's writing carries the reader through the disturbing events. I thought the compact style of the writing, no quotation marks or paragraph breaks, added to the urgency surrounding Eilis. I want to go back and find the quote you mentioned about taking something away and replacing it with silence - thanks for pointing that out.

[@janeshuttleworth5563]

80 pages in and thinking - This could win. Like the style, characterisation and story telling. Very current with so many populist governments and leaders around the world. Making me think - when and how would I take action in the same situation. I am training for a half marathon and did a long run today so have a good excuse to read this for the rest of the day. And great review btw!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! Yeah, you never know which way the judges will go but regardless of book prizes it is a very powerful story. Glad you're finding it so too. It is a really difficult question about when we take action and when we should let things pass. And you've definitely earned some relaxing reading time! Good luck with the half marathon. 😊📚

[@amywagner5377]

Yes, it reminds me of the persecution of the unvaccinated during COVID-19!! Pfizer just said no one was forced to get it, but governments mandated it and denied people jobs and didn't recognize natural immunity. Natural immunity is what vaccine science is based off of!

[@mashamj]

Prophet song was on my “interested in” list from the booker but this review pushed it all the way up of my TBR. Thank you for a thorough review as always 😊

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you find it as striking as I did.

[@HappyKnitter2020]

My current read is Prophet Song, loving the writing style. Only bought this & The Bees this year, all others are from library. Dnf'd 2 others & finished reading 4 to date. This is the best so far for me

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

Wow You sold me Just what seen from descriptions, I thought this wasn’t for me. But now I can’t see how I can miss it.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

There’s a lot to admire about it and I hope you find it as powerful as I did.

[@Psittacus_erithacus]

This was my first video from your channel. A genuinely useful review*, very much appreciated. -- * I know that doesn't sound like much, but it is actually quite high (& uncommon) praise.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks so much!

[@eyesonindie]

Ooh, I'm hearing so many great things about this book! Thanks for sharing!

[@rachelmatthews8489]

This is the only book on the long list I have read so far and I really enjoyed it. I intend to read the whole list and feel I got off to a good start 😊

[@lancelennon4565]

Eric, I have just finished this novel and was incredibly moved by it. I can well understand why it won the 2023 Booker. As you say the narrative structure takes a little getting used to but once you pick up the flow of the prose it moves the story along like being in a river of chaotic movement, bringing to the mind constant images of all too many harrowing conflicts happening in the world today. I have been following your reviews for a couple of years now, finding them insightful and helpful in my fictional reading. Keep up the excellent work.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you and I’m so glad you found it such a powerful read. As you say, it’s easy and sad to see the parallels between the story and what’s happening in the world today.

[@jeffdoyle]

Easier to read if you’re Irish. the book is claustrophobic and filled with dread but all too realistic if not likely

[@decline1129]

I can’t find the ebook version anywhere to purchase in the US. I did see it available for kobo UK, just not US or on Kindle

[@barbaramcfadden527]

I finished this morning. It was terrorizing and claustrophobic. The author has a stunning grasp of a mother’s horror, and primal drive to save her family. And all the while I wondered… could this happen here? Can the stress-test of politics on democracy withstand the pressure it is bearing today. Thanks Eric, and Paul Lynch.

[@bradykelso8682]

Love your new book club! So glad I joined!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! I’m so happy people are getting so involved. 😊📚

[@johnnamurraycamp5100]

Thanks for your fine comments (and choice of citation incl. "silence"), Eric! As I've posted elsewhere, I was grabbed at the gitgo by the set-up on page 20 (paperback edition): "... if you change ownership of the institutions, then you can change ownership of the facts, you can alter the structure of belief, what is agreed upon, that is what they are doing ..." Historically, this is nothing new. For individuals, it can become a crisis. Will I comply or contest? Which is truly more 'patriotic'? Should we tell the truth as we see it or pretend normalcy? If it escalates, will we stay or leave? What about the missing? What about our children? If it happened to somebody from a different country, would we welcome them to our (presumably) safer shores? I was engrossed throughout. Well done. (Full disclosure, having read the 6 shorts: while reading The Bee Sting I was engrossed AND I laughed. That doesn't make either a better novel, but feels like enough for me to vote for the Bee by a nose or a stinger. Maybe I craved laughter's release 😂)

[@cindyhaiken5644]

This one sounds much more compelling than many of the other books on the longlist. It is not out in the US until December but a copy is heading my way from Blackwell’s.

[@KyWill-ji8sg]

Is is one of the few I actually bought instead of getting from the library really looking forward to getting to it

[@readandre-read]

This video wrecked my last shred of willpower and I ordered the book.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😈 hope you enjoy it!

[@marionk8314]

Great review. Happy to have found a new book channel. Please note Irish names like Eilish are pronounced differently.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks very much! I hope you found the novel as powerful as I did. An Irishman once told me Irish names are pronounced differently in different parts of Ireland and Irish people often argue about the “proper” way different names should be pronounced. Do you know if there is a definitive way to pronounce Eilish? I’ve not heard how Paul Lynch himself pronounces it.

[@fosullivan9783]

Your pronunciation of Eilis was perfect

[@philipwilson2571]

Great review. Novel is a brilliant presentation of rampant tyranny and a disintegrating family, with a truly harrowing ending.

[@julieaulava9567]

I so enjoy how you describe books. Sounds like I can't wait until Dec. I wonder if I can get it in Canada when I'm there. If not, it's a good thing there's Blackwells.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks so much! I wish books were published simultaneously around the world - I feel so bad some people don't have access to the books which have just been published here in the UK.

[@janethansen9612]

I was impressed for all the reasons you state. It reminded me of Black Butterflies,too, in the way it describes the gradual collapse of society. I plan to reread it to take in the writing at a slower pace.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you! Glad you felt the same way.

[@clairedonnelly4588]

Well done for the pronunciation of Eilish! Cant wait to read this

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

Sounds like a prophetic and relevant story. 😊💙

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes!

[@seanelliot3512]

Hi Eric hope you're well I have ordered this novel today I am excited to read it

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you find it as powerful as I did.

[@PATHnewsnetwork]

Where can I get it pdf ?

[@ericgeneric135]

This one sounds very interesting! Maybe I'll check it out after I finish The Bee Sting.

[@thecinematicmind]

*WINNER* The Booker Prize 2023 I had a gut feeling it would win.

[@terileekline]

This is the only Booker Prize shortlist book I have not yet read .. starting tomorrow!

[@drzempf1]

Sadly, Eric, PROPHET SONG has yet to become available in the US. I wonder if it’s available in the British Commonwealth areas, eg Canada…

[@janethansen9612]

It’s now out in Australia.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Hope it comes out there soon!

[@DebMcDonald]

Has anyone read his famine novel Grace? I’m not sure what I think and would love other opinions.

[@dqan7372]

Looking forward to it!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I’ve read All The Little Bird Hearts Still listening to The Bee Sting Prophets Song is next on my kindle. ☘️👋🍀📕📚📖☕️🇮🇪

[@katrinamuritala3207]

I’m looking forward to this one

[@RoseArnoldd]

I cannot wait for my copy to arrive 😊

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Phillybookfairy]

I can’t wait til my library gets it! It’s definitely one that I need to read!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I hope your library gets it soon!

[@Phillybookfairy]

@@EricKarlAnderson me too aren’t they announcing the prize around the 26th? Of this month or is that just the short list?

[@EricKarlAnderson]

@@Phillybookfairy I think it's Sept 21 when the shortlist is announced.

[@powerspyin1games]

I just finished this book. Chapter 8...

[@meghbanerjeemusic]

Thank you

[@lorimiller854]

Definitely want to read this.

[@tmtb80]

What a fantastic cover!

[@heathersneddon8866]

Just finished. So so powerful. My winner. BTW- I think her name is not I-lish, think how one pronounces Ale. Could be wrong but always thought it was pronounced Ale-ish

[@sarawoods1450]

Listened on BBC. Yes governments need to be watched carefully but was also struck by the anger that so far seems to be the only “go to” emotion by the characters. MLK approach was by contrast so impressive and effective. But …

[@jeffdoyle]

Just finished it - 300 pages of looming dread

[@jackwalter5970]

Heard good things about this one.

[@TrulyUN-mh5mw]

Excellent choice. The Morgenthau Plan or The McCarthy Plan? That is the question......... I live in Ireland, my ancestral homeland. Fabian socialism has a death grip on our nation........ love The McCarthy Plan for the sake of all nations of the world 🕊️❤️🙏☘️

[@i.k.8868]

de zwaan glijdt en krinkelt wittig door de zon . . . .ok I want to read this book :)

[@wonderland5297]

This book is exactly about Russia nowadays. I’m on the moment when gov cut the internet. And right now youTube is banning in Rus

[@peaseblossom4252]

I know this video is from months ago, but I just finished reading Prophet Song last night and was literally stunned & so wished I could discuss it with someone. Next best thing is searching out my favorite Booktubers reviewing it. I couldn’t put it down-So chilling! And brilliantly written. I just watched a video of Paul Lynch where he described his intention of using no paragraph breaks or quotation marks as mimicking Eilish being shunted forward, no space to turn around, and he didn’t want white space on the page so the reader was also carried along with her. It felt like that when I was reading! It’s haunting how many countries something like this is currently happening in. I would say it’s one of the best books I’ve read.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’m glad you found it so impactful and it makes a lot of sense that he made that stylistic choice.

[@Maintain_Decorum]

I am not loving the writing style-it’s hard to follow. ☹️

[@celvinscott502]

First!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😊📚

[@drew9351]

Horribly pretentious book. I understand it's fiction but it's completely unbelievable

[@mirkovic]

Like Book reviewers condemning writers for writing about things beyond their experience, ethnicity, sexual preferences? American Dirt much?