Our book group choice for April 2025 is Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. The novel paints a chillingly realistic portrait of a society’s rapid descent into totalitarianism.
Set in a near-future Ireland, the novel follows Eilish Stack, a mother of four, as she navigates the disintegration of her familiar world.
The narrative begins with the emergence of a ruthless, far-right government that swiftly erodes civil liberties. Eilish’s husband, Larry, a trade unionist, is taken by the newly formed secret police, setting in motion a series of escalating horrors. As the political situation deteriorates, Eilish is forced to confront impossible choices to protect her family.
The book powerfully depicts the gradual creep of authoritarianism, where once-ordinary life becomes a battle for survival. Lynch’s prose creates a sense of relentless urgency, mirroring Eilish’s growing panic. The reader witnesses the breakdown of societal structures, the rise of violence, and the agonizing decisions faced by those caught in the crossfire.
Prophet Song is a stark exploration of how easily a nation can succumb to tyranny, and a poignant portrayal of a mother’s unwavering determination to safeguard her children amidst chaos. It is a very relevant story, that forces the reader to empathise with those that are forced to flee their homelands.
Discussion Questions
- How did you find the book? Did you finish?
- At what point did you make up your mind about the book?
- Did the way the book was written ( the style) affect how you felt about what was happening?
- The author said he wanted to make the reader radically empathise with Eilish and her situation. Did he succeed? What does radical empathy mean to you?
- Why do you think the author made her father, Simon have dementia?
- The issue of free will, paralysing effect of fear, the importance of hope were all important themes, did any of them stand out more to you?
- Were you frustrated with Eilish?
- What do you think happened to Larry and Mark?
- What did you think of the clown?
- What did you think of the worm that Bailey talks about?
- Did it remind you of a particular conflict, past or present?
- I read that it is so close to reality in many places that it cant be called dystopian?
- Why do you think it was set in Ireland?
- The audiobook is narrated by a male actor (Gerry O’Brien) even though it is told from 1st person POV of Eilish what do you make of that decision?
- Did it change your mind about anything? Eg about when it is time to run
- The author was previously a film critic and said he thinks viaually, were there any images that struck you?
Individual Ratings
Kelby's Rating 
DKB's Rating
EmmaT's Rating 
Jo's Rating
Willow's Rating
Baljit's Rating
Catherine's Rating
Sue's Rating