A Times Best Novel of the Year
'Taranto’s hilarious, provocative debut novel . . . switches seamlessly between psychological realism and diabolical farce.' – The Times/The Sunday Times, 'Books of the Year'
'Sometimes you read something new and immediately think how brilliant it would be for a book club.' – Vogue
In Julius Taranto’s wickedly satirical and refreshingly irreverent debut novel, a young physicist follows her mentor to an island research institute that gives safe harbour to 'cancelled' artists and scientists.
Helen, a graduate student on a quest to save the planet, is one of the best minds of her generation. But when her irreplaceable advisor’s student sex scandal is exposed, she must choose whether to give up on her work or accompany him to RIP, a research institute which grants safe harbour to the disgraced and the deplorable.
As Helen settles into life at the institute alongside her partner Hew, she develops a crush on an older novelist, while he is drawn to an increasingly violent protest movement. As the rift between them deepens, they both face major – and potentially world-altering – choices.
Hilarious, provocative and thought-provoking, How I Won A Nobel Prize approaches the issues of our times in a genuine and fresh way, examining the price we’re willing to pay for progress and what it means, in the end, to be a good person.
‘A stunning new talent, announcing itself fully formed’ – Jonathan Lethem, author of Motherless Brooklyn