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A review by beckyjc
Middle England by Jonathan Coe
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The only 'Brexit novel' I've read so far is Ali Smith's seasonal quartet and as I have found the Brexit debacle depressing in real life, I wasn't sure I was quite ready for this. But I watched an adaption of a Jonathan Coe novel in some of the online theatre over lockdown and enjoyed the sharp dialogue and sly look at classism in this country, so decided I would try this one.
The action covers the last decade or so, taking in the London riots, the Olympics, the lead up to and the fallout of Brexit, as lived through the lives of a family and their circle of close friends. The tone of those times is captured really well and I winced, sighed, laughed at a lot of the interactions and discussions between characters. They are very recognisable and reflect the confusions and divisions in British society today. There are generational differences, class differences, intellectual differences, ideological differences - all are exposed in their horrendous, farcical, petty, ridiculous glory.
The chapter that explores how the various characters react in real time to the opening ceremony of the London Olympics is spot-on. I remember that event so clearly; the whole nation coming together and probably not expecting much, only to be completely drawn in and delighted by the spectacle. It certainly inspired some patriotism in me that I haven't felt in years, and reliving that memory through this book was both lovely and sad. How things have changed in such a short few years.
It's fine satire. A mirror is truly held up. I would lend this to friends from other countries to help them understand the fractured British psyche. It's a grand state of the nation book about what it means to be British at this moment in time, which is grounded by relatable characters and the banal realities and impacts of the forces of politics. And it's a skill and a half to make me raise a wry smile about bloody Brexit.
The action covers the last decade or so, taking in the London riots, the Olympics, the lead up to and the fallout of Brexit, as lived through the lives of a family and their circle of close friends. The tone of those times is captured really well and I winced, sighed, laughed at a lot of the interactions and discussions between characters. They are very recognisable and reflect the confusions and divisions in British society today. There are generational differences, class differences, intellectual differences, ideological differences - all are exposed in their horrendous, farcical, petty, ridiculous glory.
The chapter that explores how the various characters react in real time to the opening ceremony of the London Olympics is spot-on. I remember that event so clearly; the whole nation coming together and probably not expecting much, only to be completely drawn in and delighted by the spectacle. It certainly inspired some patriotism in me that I haven't felt in years, and reliving that memory through this book was both lovely and sad. How things have changed in such a short few years.
It's fine satire. A mirror is truly held up. I would lend this to friends from other countries to help them understand the fractured British psyche. It's a grand state of the nation book about what it means to be British at this moment in time, which is grounded by relatable characters and the banal realities and impacts of the forces of politics. And it's a skill and a half to make me raise a wry smile about bloody Brexit.