Kenneth Steven
Kenneth Steven is a successful poet, novelist and children’s writer who has published some 25 books. His BBC Radio 4 documentary on the island of St Kilda won him a Sony Award. His previous novel, The Well of the North Wind (SPCK, 2016), was a spiritual tale set on 6th-century Iona, whilst Beneath the Ice (Saraband, 2016) tells the story of the Arctic Sami people. His latest novel, 2020, presents a dystopic vision of Britain at breaking point and was longlisted for The Portico Prize.
2020
Longlisted for the Portico Prize 2019
In 2020, Britain is at breaking point… In a country sorely divided, what happens to empathy and tolerance, to generosity of spirit? And can hope survive?
In 2020, years of economic turmoil, bitter debates over immigration, and anger at the political elites have created a maelstrom, a dis-United Kingdom. The country is a bomb waiting to explode. Then it does.
As the nightmare unfolds, a myriad of voices – from across the political and social spectrum – offer wildly differing perspectives on the chaotic events… and unexpectedly reveal modern Britain’s soul with 20/20 acuity.
Thoughtful, compassionate and sometimes provocative, Kenneth Steven’s 2020 is a parable for our times.
As featured on BBC Radio 4 Front Row
REVIEWS OF 2020
“An important book that should be read by everyone… A gripping and compelling narrative.” Undiscovered Scotland
