This is quite a different novel from Jonathan Coe. The only thing that felt familiar from novels like The Rotters' Club and Bournville was his attention to vivid political and social detail of the period, something I always enjoy. In the case of The Proof of My Innocence, the political background to events is the brief premiership of Liz Truss and the rise of the alt-right.

The novel is a very clever series of stories-within-stories, parodying different fictional styles and ultimately centering around a murder mystery. It is difficult to say too much without giving away spoilers, but I will say that I very much enjoyed it. The writer seemed like he had a lot of fun with this novel, even when the subject matter is quite serious. There are very many clues and symbols in the first part of the novel which take on importance later on, so that the novel will be very rewarding as a re-read, something I plan to do soon.

An enjoyable read which is good at skewering elements of the British political scenario or the recent and less recent past. However, the political satire was the best element of this sprawling book. It fell flat in other areas through trying to do too many things, with its different layers, points of view, and changes of genre which occur throughout the novel. It made it difficult to keep track of the many characters at times. And the mystery about the lost proof, and the murder, both seemed inadequately justified. I didn’t care enough about those elements to make this a fully satisfying read.

See it. Say it. Sorted.

Phyl returns to her parents home from university with little idea of next steps beyond that she’d like to write. She’s interested in the Dark Acadia genre but her mother’s old friend, Christopher Swann, interests her in the cosy mystery world and also that of auto-fiction. Christopher is very concerned about a shadowy right wing think tank, The Processus Group which has links back to his days at Cambridge and in his blog he puts forward his conspiracy theories. He fears this group will have influence over the incoming and ultimately ill fated government of Liz Truss. Christopher will attend TrueCon, a right wing conference in order to pursue his story and hopefully reveal the groups real intentions. This is part state of the nation satire, part cosy mystery, part autofiction, all wrapped up in Coe’s bang on point humour whilst casting an incisive eye over the absurdity and havoc caused by the few weeks of the Truss regime.

Well, you’d think think this latest novel from Jonathan Coe would be a right old mess given the ambitious premise. It’s absolutely not but I think few writers could handle the concept with the aplomb of this author. He entertains me from start to finish, making me laugh out loud at some of the clever humour but also leaves you in no doubt of the sinister undertones. There’s quite a cast of characters yet I have no trouble distinguishing them at all. I love DI Prue Freeborn (so clever!) whose staying power is admirable and Phyl and Rashida, Christopher’s adopted daughter, who hang the whole thing together. There’s lively dialogue throughout with multiple colourful and highly entertaining scenes.

The book is very well crafted in several layers and I like how the author weaves actual events seamlessly into the narrative creating an air of authenticity. Conversely there’s a lot of mind bending so you aren’t sure what’s real and what’s not. There are twists and turns right to the very end. Is it sorted? Who knows.

I enjoy the spotlight on the influence of conservative elements especially that which emanates from elite universities and the impact they may or may not have on governments. The thrill when they think they have one in their own image in La Truss. Look how well that went. 🥬

I do find the constant repetition of See it, say it, sorted as tedious as the rail announcements which is probably the authors intention but it does get too much. It falls a bit flat in a couple of occasions but soon picks up again and then it dawns on the relevance of those sections.

Overall, it’s very engaging, quirky, satirical and funny novel which makes me think. Can’t be bad then!!


With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

After setting a previous novel, Middle England, against the turbulence of the EU Brexit referendum, Jonathan Coe’s latest novel is located during the short lived political regime of Liz Truss. It’s a strange read, flirting with notions of truth and reality, and contemplating life as fiction and, probably, fiction as life.

Looked at from one angle, it contains a number of different stories. There’s a cosy crime story, all little villages, aristocrats and Cotswolds. Then, there’s a rather unlikely memoir and, finally, an exercise in auto fiction or a conclusion to the novel – take your pick.

As well as featuring Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, the other element of stability in the novel is the University of Cambridge, where most of the central characters first crossed paths. It is a snobby privileged world and maybe the young Jonathan Coe struggled to fit in as well. It is also seen as a stronghold of right-wing opinion with clear links to government. Christopher Swann, a Cambridge graduate and one of the main characters in the novel, is an observer of right-wing tendencies in British society and comments on them in his blog. He comes to stay with Phyl’s parents on his way to a conference on Conservative thought, and she is worth a mention as her auto fiction contribution wraps up the story. Confusing isn’t it? Add in a case of stolen identity, murder and some odd coincidences and it’s hard to keep track of what is happening.

It’s a very clever novel playing with reality and genre along the way and funny as well as satirical. Jonathan Coe switches from cosy crime to Cambridge memoir without taking a breath while keeping the whole thing realistic and rooted.

So, what’s it about? There’s something here about the workings of the deep state and the innate conservatism of British society, driven by the most prestigious universities, elements of the media and the political class and then all wrapped together in self-perpetuating power. There’s also a commentary on fiction and the novel and how fiction now blurs with social media and assumed reality. Weirdly, you can say what you like on social media but novelists are quickly condemned for being inauthentic or giving offence to any group perceived as minority or disadvantaged.

Finally, if you want to really muddy the waters, there’s a book within the book entitled My Innocence, and a crucial mix-up between the proof and final copy of that work. Make of that what you will in terms of the title although it is unlikely that Jonathan Coe has ever murdered anyone!

In the end this is an excellent, absorbing and amusing novel. It’s a great read!

‘The Proof of My Innocence’ has Coe’s usual preoccupation with political matters, on this occasion the disastrous few weeks of Liz Truss’s premiership.
The story switches between decades and genres, going back to Cambridge in the 1980’s with the beginnings of the shadowy right wing think-tanks and has at its heart an intriguing literary mystery as well as a murder.
The characters for the most part are well drawn and amusing, I particularly liked Detective Inspector Pru Freeborne with her love of good food and wine.

Coe is deservedly referred to as a master of satire, however in this novel sometimes it falls a little flat, for instance the constant reference to the safety announcement
‘See It. Say It. Sorted’ became as tedious in the novel as it is in real life!
I’ve immensely enjoyed Jonathan Coe’s previous ‘state of the nation’ novels, but this one for me just didn’t quite hit the mark, hence 4 stars rather than 5.

Many thanks to Penguin Random House UK for an ARC

The Proof of My Innocence is a clever mix of political satire and murder mystery, set during Liz Truss's short stint as Prime Minister. The story follows blogger Christopher Swann as he investigates a shady right-wing group, leading to a murder at a political conference. Alongside this, we meet Phyl, a young woman working a dull job, who dreams of writing a novel.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy political satire and engaging stories - though the cast of characters can be a bit confusing at times!
I anticipate that fans of Jonathan Coe’s other books will really enjoy "The Proof of My Innocence."

Wonderful. As ever, Coe nails contemporary life and politics in a light, informed and hilarious way. My only slight reservation is the vast cast of characters lost me at times but never for long.

A new Jonathan Coe novel is always a treat and ‘The Proof of My Innocence’ is no exception. Whilst it is another superbly written state of the nation tale, Coe also has a lot of fun with literary and cinematic references, subverting genres, and playing with the reader’s expectations. Appropriately, for our times, there are many versions of the truth in this novel.
The story begins during the battle between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak for leader of the Conservative party and Coe clearly enjoys exploring this absurd drama and its aftermath. The right of the party appears to be growing more powerful and, to explore this, Coe takes us back to a time when these politicians were student members of a clandestine right wing club in 1980s Cambridge.
The central link between the 80s and the present is the character of Christopher Swann; he writes a left-wing blog and is clearly intent on uncovering the unscrupulous behaviour of those who are influencing government policies. As part of his investigation, he attends a conference in the Cotswolds. However, almost as soon as it has begun, it’s over. A guest has been murdered and an investigation is underway. So far, so Agatha Christie!
Over to the younger generation. Chris’s daughter, Rashida, and her friend Phyl, who would like to write a novel if she wasn’t so knackered from her dead-end job at a sushi bar at Heathrow, become involved in Chris’s investigation. Also on the case is a hilariously over-the-top female detective who approaches every dining opportunity with gusto – why drink two bottles when you can down three?
Those who enjoy Coe’s incisive satire, alongside his very real affection for many British idiosyncrasies, will enjoy this novel. My only quibble is that there’s not much deep dive characterisation, a literary skill that shines through in his other novels. Without wishing to give away a key trick of the tale, maybe there’s a reason for this!
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I'm not sure there is a writer alive today who can capture the essence of Britishness better than Jonathan Coe. Set in recent years, this combines his eccentric British humour with a murder mystery. What's not to love?

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Viking for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hilarious, compelling and highly thought-provoking, 'The Proof of my Innocence' is a novel that plays with 'truth', writing, family and contemporary life. Using the (let's face it) ridiculous few weeks of Liz Truss' Prime Ministership, and playing with notions of politics, Coe tells the story of Phyl, a discontented 'sushi bar' worker and her desire to drop her boring job and write a 'cosy crime' novel. He plays with the trop of 'crime fiction' as well as implicitly commenting not the state of the nation. I laughed aloud and often thought he'd put into words my exact thoughts - I'm talking about the words said by Phyl here, not the grumbling conservatives at the conference. Honestly, highly recommended. Another winner. Thanks to Netgalley and to the publishers for the privilege of the ARC.

This is an interesting read. it weaves different points of view and times into one narrative and makes it work. There is the view of the university leaver, the parents, the friends and the politicians all with a different background d and knowledge. The plot is underpinned by a death from the past, that allowed one man to flourish perhaps at the expense of another. The view points are clever, giving tidbits of info and more colouring in of the facts as each saw them, the backdrop for most of the book is PM Liz Truss’ premiership and the movement in the Conservative Party along this time, the conferences, the back room deals and the agreements made in the shadows. All a fascinating new lens on recent history although a little clunky at times meeting it all, .

I am normally a fan of Jonathan Coe and was delighted when I got the opportunity, via Penguin and NetGalley, to read an advance copy. Unfortunately though this turned out to be a most disappointing read.

As you’d expect with a novel by this author, there is a state of the nation/current political backdrop which runs throughout (set during the brief time of Liz Truss’s leadership) and featuring a gathering of a political group obviously based on UKIP/Reform. But the main story is the sudden death of someone who disapproves of this group and its leader. We switch to the past (some of the characters were at Cambridge together) as this is where the political group had their roots.

There is a novel within a novel here – one of the main characters (Phyl) decides to write a cosy crime novel and this forms the majority of the text. But for once in a Coe novel I felt the characterisation was lacking – none of the characters came alive for me and so whether it was part of the actual novel, or the novel within a novel, I didn’t really care at all what happened. I was also deeply underwhelmed by the character of Peter Cockerell – so much of him was made in the cosy crime part of the book and yet I couldn’t understand why anyone would care that much about the thoughts of a pretty much unknown and supposedly dead author, or what happened to the bound proofs of his book.
There is a twist at the end too, but I didn’t believe in that either I’m afraid.

I will definitely still want to read Jonathan Coe’s next book – hopefully this is a one off drop in form for him.

3.5 ⭐

I've yet to read a Coe book I didnt enjoy.
His wit and humour always make the story something worth reading.
This felt a bit different to his usual, the mixed style of writing didn't always work for me.
I enjoyed Phyl as a character, and was glad when she showed up .
Overall enjoyable, and an interesting book.

An interesting meta story within a story. Does it describe what is happening or the imagination of the protagonist fledgling writer.

Describes two deaths - one today and one thirty years ago

Amongst the plot is a fictional description of the ascent of the right in the US and UK, and how that has affected the country. As a counterpoint, it is set at the time of Liz Triss’s premiership, to show the folly of such thinking.

Jonathan Coe is a remarkably consistent writer, as well as a subtle and relatively undervalued one. The Proof of My Innocence is his latest state of the nation novel, following Bourneville and Middle England in recent times, which conceals the bite of its satire in likeability and diversion. Like many of its books, it also pulls off the trick of being much more experimental than it appears (and writes some of that trickery into its own playing with form and writerliness). It's also a murder mystery (and a parody of cosy crime novels), a subversion of auto fiction, a powerful satire (that word again) of Ango-American conservatism, and a history of Britain in the last 45 years or so. His writing and dialogue are as powerful as ever, and there are lots of very good jokes, often at his own expense, which make The Proof of My Innocence a joy to read, like all Coe's novels. One character's encounter with a bishop at Cambridge made me laugh loudly more than once. It might not quite have the charm of Mr Wilder and Me, but The Proof of My Innocence compensates for that with more bite. Remarkable.

Clever mash up of traditional murder mystery and a biting and very up-to-date political commentary which feels refreshing to read so soon in fiction.
Some characters more likeable than others making it easy to relate to particular threads of the story as you feel an empathy - and shared frustration - for them.

I suspect there are quite a few different ways to enjoy A Proof of My Innocence, and I think I failed to grasp some of the cunning literary tricks that Jonathan Coe used to tell this story. However I still enjoyed it on the level I that read it, even though I was left slightly confused at the ending. A Very readable, entertaining and clever novel.

Many thanks to all concerned for allowing me to read and review this book. It deserves to be a big success when it is released.

In the UK, the "crime, thrillers, and mystery" genre reigns supreme among adult readers, according to surveys. In Jonathan Coe's novel 'The Proof of My Innocence', he ingeniously blends his usual biting political satire with the classic country house murder mystery. Coe's writing is always incisive and entertaining, regardless of whether readers share his political perspective. His latest offering is another wonderful display of skill from a very talented author. Coe is as at home writing about contemporary Britain of the 2020s as he was writing about the Britain of the 1970s. Special thank you to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for a no obligation advance digital review copy.

Jonathan Coe has always been so talented at interweaving social commentary, modern history and political satire with a great and often very moving plot. Whether that be a critique of the Tory government in What a Carve Up, or a history of modern Britain and also of Cadbury’s, seen through the lens of the personal history of one midlands family in Bourneville. As well as interweaving stories, Coe interweaves genres, and The Proof of my Innocence is no exception. The book is part political satire and part murder mystery. Initially it focuses on Phyl, a recent graduate who finds herself living back with her parents, doing a dead-end job in a sushi restaurant at Heathrow airport. The monotony of life at home is disrupted by the arrival of an old friend of her moths, Christopher Swann, whose left-wing blog is currently focused on uncovering and revealing the plans of a right-wing think tank that he came across during his time at Cambridge University in the 80s.

His arrival coincides with the appointment of Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister, and with a right-wing conference taking place in the Cotswolds. Christopher heads off to investigate, though not before bringing his daughter Rashida to stay with Phyl’s family, and contributing to Phyl’s slow realisation that she too would like to become a writer.

Things soon go awry as the conference progresses, not just because of the policies implemented by the new PM and her Cancellow, but because delegates wake one morning to find that a murder has taken place. The rest of the novel - which it would be unfair to describe in much detail, for fear of risking spoilers - expertly and cleverly combines both an ongoing, satirical look at the politics of those in the Conservative party and to the right of it, and a murder investigation in which both Phyl and Rashida become active participants.
An engrossing and clever book!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy.

It is such a pleasure to read a new Jonathan Coe ‘state of the nation’ novel, especially to have the privilege of an ARC so that the many social and cultural references are still quite fresh. Liz Truss’ 50 days as Prime Minister were a gift for him and he has had great fun with them. My own student days were during the late 1970s, including visits to Cambridge, so his character Brian’s experiences resonated with me as well.

He plays about here with different styles of writing and to those readers familiar with cosy crime or dark academia conspiracy stories there are nods to authors in those styles. I enjoyed the murder mystery element in particular. JC is terrific at making me feel I’m a little bit smart, picking up on his film, book or social references, though I wonder how many passed me by. There is another theme here too, probably more personal to him - how an author’s legacy is created, managed and sometimes lost as years go by and books go out of print.

Endlessly entertaining, as JC’s books always are, and best enjoyed hot from the press.

With thanks to Penguin via NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.