The Book of Jeremiah

A daring literary romp through a surreal landscape, Copello's latest offering recasts the Biblical prophet Jeremiah in a dystopian world, instantly familiar to the reader by its environmental degradation, social inequality and political injustice. Just as the ancient Jeremiah inhabited turbulent times and came close to giving up, so too does Copello's modern incarnation, as he bewails the conditions of 'this callous present' while continuing to search for 'the truth' in a hedonistic and divisive age. There is a strong streak of the rebel about Copello's Jeremiah - an intelligent, compassionate and intensely sensual man, he doesn't hesitate to tackle such issues as the place of technology and learning, freedom of speech, and ideology as he dreams of overthrowing the powers that be to 'create what is called democracy'. Copello's special brand of dark irony and magic realism runs through this poetic narrative, ensuring it is both entertaining and provocative, and an allegory for our times. Denise O'Hagan