Prophet Song: Paul Lynch

After the 1st chapter I am finding the style takes getting used to. There is no traditionally –expected speech punctuation or layout, and it is a very few paragraphs – a near stream-of-consciousness style. The reasons not immediately obvious; sense of inevitability perhaps, events in unstoppable flow? Or does it reflect the central character not making central character not making sense of her world?

In Chapter 3, I am still struggling. The style is moving from being intriguingly original and dense to irritatingly impenetrable and starting to stand in the way of comprehension and appreciation

However, the focus on the central character and her family is superbly done, reflecting the radicalization of a non-radical, from being passive to active? It is interesting how little we know about the reason/nature /history/characteristics of the new regime. It puts reader in the position of the main character.

I am now halfway through, getting used to the style although still do not like it, and I am still unsure as to the reason for it.

As I approach the end, the style is not bothering me. It has a feeling of emotional and dramatic rightness about it. There is a powerful and yet ambiguous ending. A very fine work that gives a frightening and vivid picture of what it is to suddenly be in a war zone and then a refugee.