Book reviews
The National Secular Society have a series of reviews of literature which explores themes related to secularism, religion and society. Including:
The Children Act, by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan's book and the film it has inspired prompt the questions of what the state should do when a young person's religion conflicts with their welfare, and how this affects religious freedom.
Review by Emma Park | Read the book | Watch the film
The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood
First published in 1985, at the height of the Reagan era and six years after the Iranian Revolution, it has remained controversial and popular in equal measure. Vividly imagined and skilfully told, it has survived its original context and continues to provide a compelling narrative for our times. Like Philip Pullman's later Dark Materials trilogy, it is a fictional critique of Judaeo-Christian supremacy.
Review by Emma Park | Read the book | Watch series one
'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi
This award-winning graphic novel tells the author's story of growing up in Iran following the 1979 Islamic revolution, and her later experiences living in Europe.
Review by Megan Manson | Buy the Book
'Christian Nation' by Frederic C. Rich
Frederic C. Rich's counterfactual dystopian novel explores the themes of identity, resilience and redemption in an America changing into a new theocracy. A vibrant and thrilling defence of secular democracy.
