The Booker is sailing into blissful irrelevance
Evening Standard|November 27, 2023
THE thing about Prophet Song, Paul Lynch's unexpected winner of the Booker, is that it's almost hilariously unprophetic. 
Melanie McDonagh
The Booker is sailing into blissful irrelevance

It starts with the Irish secret police knocking at the door, looking for a trades unionist, and goes on to a dystopian vision of a fascist state.

In fact, it turns out the actual Irish police were so scared by the rioters on the streets of Dublin on Friday that they left them to get on with it. And the only reason why the police might come knocking is when the new, authoritarian hate speech law comes into effect, whereby you’ll be banned from having any “hateful” material either on your computer or in book form in your home.

This story is from the November 27, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 27, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EVENING STANDARDView All
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
The London Standard

In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos

Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Is this government full of amateurs?
The London Standard

Is this government full of amateurs?

Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
The London Standard

It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States

Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
The London Standard

Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?

Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2024
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
The London Standard

London wins battle of the global city brands again...

...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
At home with...Earl of East
The London Standard

At home with...Earl of East

The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
The London Standard

How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology

INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
The London Standard

This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving

AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Market merrymaking
The London Standard

Market merrymaking

Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Festive favourites
The London Standard

Festive favourites

Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024