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The Proof of My Innocence
The Proof of My Innocence: A hilarious political novel wrapped in a murder mystery, from the bestselling author of Middle England | Jonathan Coe
2 posts | 2 read | 2 to read
'A brilliant, shrewd, satirical novel gimlet-eyed, funny, very clever and a searchingly profound look at the state of this strange country of ours' William Boyd 'My comfort read: anything by Jonathan Coe' Bob Mortimer --- Post-university life doesnt suit Phyl. Time passes slowly living back home with her parents, working a zero-hour contract serving Japanese food to holidaymakers at Heathrows Terminal 5. As for her budding plans of becoming a writer, those are going nowhere. That is, until family friend Chris comes to stay. Hes been on the path to uncover a sinister think-tank, founded at Cambridge University in the 1980s, thats been scheming to push the British government in a more extreme direction. One thats finally poised to put their plans into action. But speaking truth to power can be dangerous - and power will stop at nothing to stay on top. As Britain finds itself under the leadership of a new Prime Minister whose tenure will only last for seven weeks, Chris pursues his story to a conference being held deep in the Cotswolds, where events take a sinister turn and a murder enquiry is soon in progress. But will the solution to the mystery lie in contemporary politics, or in a literary enigma that is almost forty years old? Darting between decades and genres, THE PROOF OF MY INNOCENCE is a wickedly funny and razor-sharp new novel from one of Britains most beloved novelists, showing how the key to understanding the present can often be found in the murkiest corners of the past. --- 'Coe shows an understanding of this country that goes beyond what most cabinet ministers can muster . . . he is a master of satire but pokes fun subtly, without ever being cruel, biting or blatant . . . his light, funny writing makes you feel better' Evening Standard 'A novelist who gains in range and reputation with every book' Pat Barker 'Please, God ... if theres a next life, let me write as well as Jonathan Coe' Anthony Bourdain 'Probably the best English novelist of his generation' Nick Hornby
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CarolynM
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Pickpick

I just loved this book. Ostensibly it‘s a murder mystery told by means of literary pastiche (a cosy mystery complete with secret passages, plenty of suspects & a quirky detective, a dark academia background excursion & an auto fiction conclusion) but at heart it‘s a political asking (expressly) why the proponents of the Thatcher/Reagan era policies which have created our current society do not like that society. ⬇️

CarolynM ⬆️ It is full of word games, literary references and discussions of the sitcom Friends. It‘s also very funny. Book number 6 for #14books14weeks @liz_m 2d
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review
TrishB
Proof of My Innocence | Jonathan Coe
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Mehso-so

Not sure where to start with this- so-so because I finished so not a pan. But not as funny as usual, little smiles from me occasionally at generic ‘British crapness‘ observations.
Clever, but confusing and the story kept getting lost. I also dislike books within books. Maybe it is a pan 🤷‍♀️ anyway, don‘t rush to read.
Other opinions may differ 😁

squirrelbrain I shan‘t rush then! Too many other more promising books to read. 7mo
BarbaraBB I won‘t either. Thanks for the heads up 7mo
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