Be Here Now is Paul Carroll’s latest novel, telling the fictional story of a long-awaited Oasis comeback concert, taking place on a green energy island in the North Sea. It’s a story that blends music, politics, environmental themes and human nature into a believable and engaging narrative that feels strikingly close to reality.
Believable fiction
The story introduces us to a range of concert goers: a group of four male Mancunian friends, two women who grow closer as the days pass, a blogger with an Oasis fixation, a handful of committed environmentalists, a fictional Minister of Parliament, and several other colourful characters.
The setting is a fictional wind farm and green energy island in the middle of the North Sea. The year is 2029, and the concert is billed as a carbon-neutral event – a showcase of how the UK is supposedly leading the way in environmental innovation, and, of course, how electrifying Oasis still are after all these years.
Storyline and players
Without wanting to spoil the plot, the story weaves together elements of conspiracy, sexual intrigue, political power plays, and the relentless grip of commercialism. Alongside that are more human moments – friendships, tensions, relationship troubles, and moments of personal reflection. The characters are believable – the kind of people you might meet in the pub, bump into at the supermarket, or overhear chatting on the train. Their ambitions and flaws make them relatable and compelling.
As the days count down to the much-hyped Oasis comeback concert, it becomes clear that some of the people involved have agendas that go far beyond the band’s setlist or which Gallaghers will grace the stage and what they will be wearing. Personalities clash, expectations are upended, and events begin to spiral. The ending is unexpected – and best left unspoiled.
Writing style
Carroll has a unique writing style that keeps you wondering where the story is heading. Though the novel is clearly fictional there’s something remarkably authentic about it. You might even find yourself doing a double take, wondering whether this event really took place.
The main characters are likeable, and their problems relatable. You find yourself wondering what they will do next in their life, what direction the relationships will go in and what decisions they will take.
The end
Even the best-laid plans can fall apart, and the beautifully planned setting for the concert turns into something less than that, thanks to a little sabotage that was meant to ridicule the efforts of the Minister for CLEAN (Climate, Life, Ecology And Nature) and the wider climate change movement itself.
Yes, it is a book of fiction.
But it doesn’t seem very fictional.
