‘Immanuel’ by Matthew McNaught - my favourite book of 2022

My favourite book of 2022 was Immanuel by Matthew McNaught (another Southampton resident), published by Fitzcarraldo Editions (who consistently produce excellent books).

It's ostensibly an essay on the experience of a particular religious community and their shift from a relatively benign existence in Winchester, to becoming part of a radical, charismatic ministry in Nigeria.

But it's really about people, and it is this essential core of the book that makes it so compelling. It reflects on our need for belonging, the power that comes from being part of a 'super-organism', faith (and crises of faith), relationships, family, and how we might become blinded to the abuse of others when these human needs are manipulated.

That might seem like a heavy going topic, but it's no slog to read and carried by a lightness that comes from the author's open-hearted approach and, ultimately, love for his fellow humans who are at the centre of this work.

Buy it from your friendly, neighbourhood, independent bookshop, such as October Books in Southampton, Westbourne Bookshop, Medina Bookshop in Cowes, P & G Wells in Winchester, or Pigeon Books in Portsmouth.

I'm sure that if they don't have it in stock, they’ll be able to get it.

And if you'd rather go online, check out bookshop.org as you some of the money supports independent high street shops.

Finally, if you're keeping an eye on the pennies, ask your local library if they can get it in for you. You might have to wait a while, but it will be worth it.

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[This is an edited form of a post originally shared on LinkedIn]