Island Story

Shortlisted for the 2017 Orwell Prize

What is life like in England? Island Story weaves history and ideas telling a story of rebellion (think Brexit) and retail parks, migration and inertia, pessimism and disappearing ways of life, and a fiery, unrealized desire for collective belonging and power.

Skeptical and inquisitive, Taylor cycled all round Britain with only a rusty bike and a tent, interviewing and staying with strangers from all walks of life. Without a map and tra…