The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Prophet Song – Paul Lynch
READ FOR BOOKERTHON
Prophet Song is set in an alternative Dublin where a tyrannical government is weaving its way into people’s lives, and society is slowly collapsing. It focuses on one family who suffer in many ways and one mother, Eilish Stack, who is trying to hold her family together.
● Surely there is no more pertinent and relevant novel than Prophet Song right now. I am embarrassingly ignorant as to the history of the war that is currently dominating the hearts and minds of so many of us at the moment. I have read articles, I have listened to podcasts and I just can’t get my head around it.
While educating us on specific historical events isn’t necessarily Paul Lynch’s goal, what he has achieved is made the experiences of conflict and war as human and messy and relatable as possible. A devastating read that left me feeling nauseated and bereft. – Suzy
Sooner or later pain becomes too great for fear and when the people’s fear has gone the regime will have to go.
● One of the first stylistic things I noticed in Prophet Song is that while chapters and section breaks exist, this author is not a fan of the <enter> button, even during dialogue. There are also no speech marks or other notations to indicate speech or a change of speaker. I was concerned momentarily, but actually it provided a new kind of reading experience. Firstly, it made me slow down and really read every word. And it simulated the non-stop, rolling events, propelling me from one scene to the next.
As well as the style, I also admired Lynch’s way with words and character development. He has lovely phrasing that can endure or devastate so cleverly. I rollercoastered through the emotions with Eilish as she had a small win or a new tragedy. There is one scene in particular that I think will stay with me forever.
It’s probably obvious I absolutely loved this book. I was completely immersed in the story, and was impressed at how it was stylistically put together. I also appreciated how it made me further consider current world events. – Rachel
Published 2023
One World Publications
320 pages
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I’ve nearly finished this one, it is so relentless, I’ve got rocks in my gut worrying for them, thinking of Gaza, and the refrain of not leaving, the things that bind.
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