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'History is a silent record of people who could not leave, it is a record of those who did not have a choice' - Paul Lynch.
Dear Reader, Do you enjoy a heart wrenching read? Are your drawn toward dystopian worlds with realistic and fleshed out characters? If so, you may wish to consider last month's selection for the Waterstones (adult) book club in Newry. This is a monthly event with tea, biscuits and a bit of banter, a local endeavor for all those bookwork worms out there who really NEED to talk about the book, or simply listen and reflect.
For this Book-Bee, Prophet Song was certainly a journey away from my usual reading genre, but not one I am sorry to have taken. Beginning in Dublin, the story follows the experience of mother of four, and loving wife Eilish Stack, as her husband is targeted by the state and effectively disappears. This sparks the beginning of a series of events that psychologically, emotionally and materially impact the lives of Eilish and her family in horrific ways. The ominous words of her son Bailey uncomfortably reflect what happens when a state takes over, and Human Rights begin to erode, 'the worm is turning...it is gaining power, the worm does what it likes'.
Reading Prophet Song was quite the emotional rollercoaster. I polished this book off in two days as the wind and rain pelted off my window, creating a rather appropriate apocalyptic vibe. Admittedly, the beginning chapters did feel slow paced, and almost overladen with detail at times. But do not, my friend, assume that this novel is slow burn throughout. When it does gain momentum, there is barely time to process one harrowing event before another occurs. It is not a tale for the faint hearted.
What was particularly refreshing about this work of modern Irish literature, was its ability to resonate with our history without mentioning any specific groups. Lynch chooses the colour white to represent peace and humanity and links the political unrest in Prophet Song into a wider global context. The secret police (GNSB), civil war, and displacement of individuals, to name but a few features, bring these gut wrenching events right to our doorstep, Dublin is only about an hour away by bus after all, and Eilish Stack could be your neighbour.
If you ever feel desensitised watching the news, the remedy could be Prophet Song. Alternatively, if you are prone to overthinking and general destress I would 100% suggest a lighter read. For those who are purely escapist readers you may feel tricked into coming full circle with this one.
I will give it a rating of 5 honey pots, out of 5. My reasoning; although the content of the story did often feel destressing, it certainly reaffirms the importance of Human Rights; and that will always be a profound message.
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