Mary Beard

“What he does is to say, when the catastrophe comes, you won’t know what’s happening,”

Mary Beard · said 2026-11-09 · reported 2026-11-10

Beard explained that the book places the reader alongside its characters in not fully understanding the catastrophe.

“And there are bits where you, the reader, are with the characters in not fully understanding. Now, I think that’s fantastically exciting.”

Mary Beard · said 2026-11-09 · reported 2026-11-10

Beard praised the novel's device of leaving the reader in partial confusion as exciting.

“recognition of what some people would see as the blindingly obvious, that you find great books in every genre.”

Mary Beard · said 2026-11-09 · reported 2026-11-10

Beard said Harrison's win acknowledged that great writing exists across all genres.

“the politics of now seen through the lens of the future”

Mary Beard · said 2026-11-09 · reported 2026-11-10

Beard described the novel as a political commentary viewed through a future lens.