[It will be impossible to write this without spoilers of some kind…]
Paul Lunch’s Prophet Song is a difficult read. Not in the way it is written (though some people will struggle with how he handles dialogue) but because of its unrelenting agony, a depression that builds unremittingly, such that – even half-way through – you get a pretty good idea how it’s going to end…
…and that’s not the way you’d probably want it too.
In terms of theme and subject, it is a merciless book; one far too relevant for our society today – and perhaps only one small step removed from the future we may face tomorrow.
I can see why it won the Booker. It was probably right that it did so. But that didn’t stop me wanting to up-stumps mid-way, before it got any worse for the main characters…
I didn’t, and it did.
You should read it – but expect the complete opposite of ‘fluffy’.
Ian Gouge - Writer 