PROPHET SONG

by Paul Lynch

I really had to consider long and hard whether I had the nerve to describe this year’s Booker Prize winner Prophet Song as my choice as a Not My Cup of Tea.  Lynch writes beautifully—even poetically.  I was repeatedly struck by his unusual way of describing things, which adds to the excruciatingly realistic atmosphere he creates.  The relentless nature of his story left me feeling beaten down though.  Prophet Song is a modern-day dystopian story set in Ireland, the author’s homeland.  Lynch methodically rolls out the story of what happens when a government assumes more and more authority, imposes more and more stringent restrictions on its citizens and feels no need to answer to anyone.  Prophet Song paints a chilling picture – one that hits very close to home during this time in U.S. history.  And just when I felt like I could not endure any more, the book’s main character has to go identify her 12-year-old son in a morgue.  Yes, Prophet Song is undoubtedly one of the most powerful books of the year.  But I found it agonizing to read.  (Liz)