A review by ingyingram
Middle England by Jonathan Coe

3.0

Middle brow Middle England. I found this pretty lacking. When you have Tim Shipman's books on Brexit for analysis, John Crace's sketches for satire and black humour, the place of a novel must be different in covering the 'state of the nation'.

But overall, there was just so much that was extraneous. And there are many characters, few of whom are necessary. I'd even argue that many of the women (and how they are portrayed/ speak) are far from equal, well-rounded, or empowering.

I really couldn't buy the possibility of the relationship between Sophie and Ian.
And every time there's a misunderstanding, a disagreement, a clash of views and meeting of representatives of 'social tribes', it's just far, far too obvious a cause/ signifier/ metaphor of or for Brexit.

That said, some examples of Coe's wonderful talent as a writer:
- The dialogue is brilliant and funny between Doug the journalist, and Nigel the government comms adviser. The whole 'Brixit'/ 'Brexit' exchange, and Nigel's meltdown especially.
- the telling of the day of Jo Cox's murder
- the description of Marseille (especially the light 9, Aix, and the heat of a lustful interaction
- the whole character of Coriander as proto-middle class Momentum activist
- the journalist's interview and portrayal of Benjamin