By Nabaz Aziz (he/him)
Paul Lynch’s Booker Prize-winning novel, Prophet Song, paints a gripping dystopian tale centred on the emergence of totalitarianism in Ireland, thrusting the nation into the throes of civil unrest. Critics have lauded the novel for its ability to create a palpable sense of claustrophobia, leaving readers shaken and disturbed. The Guardian went so far as to label it “horribly real,” while some reviewers have drawn comparisons to George Orwell’s iconic 1984, marking it as a significant milestone in Western literature.
In our modern age, there’s a tendency to believe that the Leviathan has been tamed in the Western world and its threat quelled. Yet, Prophet Song challenges this assumption, acting as a poignant reminder that wherever the Leviathan reigns, whether near or far, its threat persists – turning a blind eye doesn’t guarantee our safety from the monster.
For many readers who explore literature from both Eastern (especially Middle Eastern) and Western cultures, it’s clear that the gap between them is widening. Despite the impact of globalization, there’s little common ground in this literature when it comes to human issues. Western literature tends to focus on individual problems through genres like crime fiction, while Eastern literature often addresses collective issues like war, starvation, and migration. Sadly, there aren’t many authors bridging these worlds and fostering mutual understanding. Instead, mass media often takes over, leaving literature behind and creating noticeable consequences.
Prophet Song doesn’t just remind us of the looming threat of totalitarianism and fascism in the Western world; it also delves deeper into our collective consciousness, stirring up uncomfortable truths about our dwindling empathy towards one another. The novel’s power lies not only in its portrayal of a persistent Leviathan waiting to reveal itself, but also in its ability to awaken a sense of empathy that we’ve long suppressed. Through the character of Eilish, we’re confronted with the unsettling notion that the suffering of others, even under the Leviathan’s rule, feels distant and unreal to us. The novel’s genius lies in its capacity to challenge us not with hypothetical scenarios, but by compelling us to inhabit the experiences of those who endure. It underscores the futility of individualistic tendencies in the face of adversity, reminding us that no amount of self-preservation can shield us or our loved ones from the Leviathan’s grasp.
What strikes me is the diminishing sense of claustrophobia and unease among people when they witness events happening elsewhere in the world, compared to when they’re forced to imagine those very events happening to them. In the Eastern world, particularly the Middle East, where people have endured over a century of living under the absolute power of Leviathans, the harsh realities of daily life often surpass the brutality depicted in the novel. Waking up to new totalitarian rulers, ongoing wars, and escalating casualties is a grim reality for many. For Eastern readers, the events in Prophet Song may not evoke shock, but rather a grim recognition of their own lived experiences. Paul Lynch seems to suggest that reality itself is more brutal than fiction; there’s no need to rely on imagination to understand each other’s pain and suffering. His message transcends the future; it’s about the present. He seeks to build a bridge between the Eastern and Western worlds by connecting the harsh realities of life with the realm of imagination.
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch was published by Oneworld on August 22 2023.