Jonathan Coe writes a novel about two composers to escape the news
The author of several recent political books says the return of Donald Trump sent him back in time to the early 20th century.
By Amina Yusuf ·
Readers of Jonathan Coe’s recent novels can expect a different kind of story this week. The English author is publishing a new book titled Lessons in Harmony, which focuses on the friendship between composers Maurice Ravel and Ralph Vaughan Williams in the early 1900s.
Coe spoke from his home in Earls Court, west London, about why he stepped away from contemporary politics. He noted that he had planned to continue writing political novels after titles like Middle England and The Proof of My Innocence.
The change came on November 5, 2024. Coe was staying in a hotel in Cardiff when he heard the news that Donald Trump had won a second term. He described the moment as a hammer blow. He said he had survived Trump’s first term and the subsequent British government changes, but the prospect of another four years felt overwhelming.
Coe stated that he did not understand the global situation well enough to write a political novel at that moment. He decided to retreat into the past. The novel explores Vaughan Williams’ move to Paris to study with Ravel. The composer wanted to fix his own music, which he felt was lumpy and stodgy.
The book deals with the idea of capturing a national spirit through music. Coe points out that Vaughan Williams wanted to express the soul of England in 1907. He notes that England was more monocultural then than it is in 2026. The novel includes a detailed afterword that separates historical fact from fiction. Coe included this because he believes some readers struggle to distinguish the two.
He recalls leaving a cinema after watching the 2006 film The Queen. A man in the audience believed Tony Blair had actually spoken to the Queen in that scene. Coe said he wanted to tell the man that the dialogue was written by Peter Morgan. He feels an obligation to show where the line is drawn between reality and invention.
The new book comes with a playlist of music by Ravel and Vaughan Williams. Coe notes that neither composer considered their most famous pieces to be their best work. He also discusses the influence of these composers on modern music. He points out that many 1970s progressive rock bands borrowed melodies and harmonies from Ravel and Erik Satie.
Lessons in Harmony is published by Viking on November 12. Coe said he does not have an idea for his next book right now. He described this as unusual for him. He is currently active on Instagram and Bluesky, which he says helps generate ideas. He recently released an album with his band The Peer Group on Spotify.
