Middle England

Reviews / Votes

Brilliantly funny . . . a compelling state of the nation novel, full of light and shade, which vividly charts modern Britain's tragicomic slide * Economist * Expansive and often very funny . . . Coe - a writer of uncommon decency - reminds us that the way out of this mess is through moderation, through compromise, through that age-old English ability to laugh at ourselves * Observer * A pertinent, entertaining study of a nation in crisis -- 'Books of the Year' * Financial Times * His affectionately witty attitude to our human foibles is always uplifting . . . Superb * The Times * In Middle England, Coe shows an understanding of this country that goes beyond what most cabinet ministers can muster . . . he subtly builds a picture that exposes the cracks in society . . . 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 * Tackling his characters' opposing points of view, he draws a portrait of a recognisable Britain baffled by its loss of industry and jobs, and of everyday people shocked by a rise of acceptable racism and xenophobia. It's also very, very funny * Stylist * Millions of words have been and will be written on Brexit but few will get to the heart of why it is happening as incisively as Middle England -- John Boyne * Irish Times * This is a picture of England that comes from a place of compassion and understanding * inews * Coe is as funny and tender as ever, restoring some humanity to the tumultuous societal backdrop * Grazia * Middle England combines top-class soap opera storytelling with melancholy insight into what it means to be English * Metro *