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Title:	Prophet Song
Authors:	Lynch, Paul
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	309
Year:	2023
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Language:	English
Description:	Microbiologist Eilish Stark is left alone to care for her four children when her husband Larry, a trade unionist, disappears in a Dublin both familiar, and harrowingly different. Narrating Ireland's descent into a totalitarian state, this is a cautionary tale of the fragility of democracy, wrought through beautiful and breathtaking prose. A reminder of the power of fiction to challenge complacency, this is the unforgettable story of a family facing personal upheaval of all that they hold dear.
Categories:	Fiction, Award Winner, Contemporary, Dystopia/Futuristic, Human Rights, Morals/Ethics, Political, Social commentary/perspectives, Ireland, Staff Pick, Just Added, 2026 Titles, New Adult

Reviews

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By: CHCH 020		2026-03-11 17:17:34

Never before have all the attending members of our group unanimously given 5 stars to a book. It was a harrowing read but absorbing, gripping and one book that needs to be finished. Although the setting was Ireland, the imposition of an authoritarian regime could happen in any country. When civil society is breaking down and the rules and norms that everyone is familiar with, are distorted then swept aside, it becomes untenable and like Eilish, those who can, leave - at a cost. We loved the poetry of the prose and although we had to adjust to the way of writing, we got into the swing of it.

By: NORTH 007		2026-02-14 14:27:31

A stimulating story of what is happening in the world told through Eilish's experience of living with her family through a regime of 'rule of power' and terror, kept grounded by beautiful descriptions of nature - amazing writing.

By: WELL 001		2026-01-13 17:13:48

The whole group liked this very much. Clever writing and an absorbing story.

By: WHAKA 008		2025-10-21 09:34:25

Most thought it was a difficult read and our scores were quite varied. A very dark story in which Lynch did a good job of portraying a mother's anguish during a nightmare situation.

By: FERN 001		2025-05-19 10:41:07

Our group scored individually, everything from 1-5. All found the writing style difficult to adjust to, but realised it contributed to the tension of the story. All found it depressing, some said terrifying. Two scored the book 5, and remarked on the detail of the ordinary daily life.

By: MARTIN 001		2025-03-24 14:05:30

A chilling read but beautifully written. Characters well formed. Story believable about what has happened in the past, and could happen in the future.