Middle England

A Novel

By: Jonathan Coe

Narrated by: Rory Kinnear

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

"A comedy for our times” (The Guardian), Middle England is a piercing and provocative novel about a country in crisis. From the frenzy of the 2012 Olympics to the aftermath of the Brexit referendum, here Jonathan Coe chronicles the story of modern Britain by way of a cast of characters whose world is being upended.

There are newlyweds who disagree about the country’s future and, possibly, their relationship; a political commentator who writes impassioned columns about austerity from his lavish town house while his radical teenage daughter undertakes a relentless quest for universal justice; and Benjamin Trotter, who embarks on an apparently doomed new career in middle age, and his father, whose last wish is to vote to leave the European Union. A sequel to The Rotters’ Club and The Closed Circle that stands entirely alone, Middle England is a darkly comic look at our strange new world.

©2019 Jonathan Coe (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Timely and timeless ..Coe’s singular achievement is the dexterity with which he illustrates the generational conflicts and the nuanced experiences of aging...this plaintive, clarion call is an acerbic, keenly observed satire peppered with the penetrating wit for which Coe is so justly admired.” (Bill Kelly, Booklist, starred)

“Sharply observed, bitingly witty yet emotionally generous...Coe’s marvelous humor is still in evidence, but it’s got a decided edge...Coe, with his usual acuity, tells the story of a collective meltdown through its impact on individuals.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred)

“Excellent...a neat pastiche of the cultural flash points of the past decade, done with humor and empathy...a remarkable portrait of a country at an inflection point.” (Publishers Weekly)

Nice story mostly featuring Remoaners

I enjoyed this book, very much enhanced by the narrator, with only one caveat: initially confused where the story was going, I gradually became aware of the Brexit theme. Then I listened mainly for which side of the question the author was on. Then it became obvious when all storylines focused on Remainers and how wonderful being a European was and how glad everyone was when the Brexit bigots shut up or had the good sense to die. There were a lot of missed opportunities in this book and the author took the “safe” way out. Nevertheless I listened to the end despite my sorrow for the characters. The writing student got it, and it wasn’t just Benjamin.

What a Grand Club

I have been a huge Coe fan since What A Carve Up came out. Somehow I never got to Middle England until now. A wonderful book with a fantastic narrator

Solid novel

I enjoyed this very much; had gotten it because it won the Costa. For me, an American, it was an enlightening explanation of Brexit in human terms. Funny, with complex and well-developed characters.

Everything an audio book should be.....

What a pleasure!! Truly didn't want it to come to an end. Rory Kinnear does a fantastic job reading and the writing is top notch.

What a joy-

Great character driven novel, funny and poignant. I got quite invested in so many of the characters. Interesting personal perspectives on the lead up to Brexit as well. Narrator was outstanding.

Beautifully written and narrated !

It was such a delight to listen to another of Jonathan Coe’s books. I cannot understand why none of his other works are available on Audible in English. Such a bummer.

Great novel and great narrator

I always agonize over whether to buy a book in Kindle format or buy the Audible version. Rory Kinnear is an excellent narrator and perfect for this book, so I would highly recommend the Audible version. I have enjoyed Jonathan Coe's novels very much. You will probably enjoy this even more if you read the previous novels, "Rotters Club" and "The Closed Circle."

Lovely book about some difficult times in England

This is a charming, well written book that, without righteous stridency conveyed the division in England during the years that led to Brexit. There’s kindness and sadness and also humor in the characters of this book. And a welcome, hopeful appeal for inclusion.