The Speech

wow! This novel makes for intense reading, even in 2016!
I think it is fairly obvious why this novel is appealing it features politics, race and racism. key issues in todays media, albeit slightly different.
The novel is written exceptionally well, it is detailed, educational and informative exactly what you want from this type of fiction.
The characters are a diverse mix and this is hugely appealing to me, so few books reflect modern society or even the society of the era. Nelson is extremely likeable and throughout the book, you are routing for him and is struggle in racist Britain.
Enoch Powell is written very well, this is not a case where the author demonises a figure head to achieve a narrative. Enoch is shown to be a politician who's grasp on race and immigration is self serving & majorly flawed. I think he represents the form of closeted racism & bigotry, obviously until the day he makes the speech and out's himself, as such. Although I despised the Character and the belief systems he holds. The issue of immigration is one still being played out in media, even this very day! So I feel this book is an important form of breaking down the barriers and showing readers the sins of the past.
The last chapter really is the icing on the cake for me, it shows (despite media hype of Brexit) how far Britain really has come in terms of race relations and multiculturalism. I was so glad the author had included this fast forward to the future type chapter.
Huge respect to the author for such a detailed, polished novel. a very thought provoking 5* read!

Smith ingeniously constructs a microworld of fictional and historical characters in the 1968 week during which Enoch Powell delivered his Rivers of Blood speech in Birmingham. The resonance of the British political context of emigration is timely and unmistakable.

I have to admit to not being familiar with Enoch Powell's River of Blood speech, knowing only the basics of its origin. However, I found this book totally enthralling and educational at the same time. Extremely well written, I really felt the prejudice of the time. Having the story from different perspectives really added to the rich tapestry of the tale. A thought provoking book that mirrors situations of current times in terms of Trump and his thinking. I wouldn't be surprised if this book found its way into schools. An excellent read.