Another England: How to Reclaim Our National Story

by Caroline Lucas

Who are the English? Today, the dominant story told about our national history solely serves the interests of the right. The only people who dare speak of 'Englishness' are cheerleaders for isolationism and imperial nostalgia.

But there is another story, equally compelling, about who we are, about the English people's radical inclusivity, their ancient commitment to the natural world, their long struggle to win rights for all. It puts the Chartists and the Levellers in their rightful places alongside Nelson and Churchill. It draws on the medieval writers and Romantic poets who emphasised the sanctity of the environment. And at its heart is England's ancient multicultural heritage, embodied by the Black and Asian writers the curriculum neglects.

Here, Caroline Lucas uses this alternative story to offer a progressive vision of what Englishness is and what it might be. Delving deep into our national history, she explores what England's progressive spirit can teach us about the most pressing issues of our whether the fraught legacies of Empire, the benefits of migration, or the accelerating climate emergency. And she sketches out an alternative one that progressives can embrace to build a fairer future.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Environment, British Literature

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 2024

About the author

Caroline Patricia Lucas is an English politician and member of the Green Party of England and Wales who has been the Member of Parliament for Brighton Pavilion since 2010, when she became the first Green MP in the House of Commons.

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I’m reminded of those words from G.K Chesterton. Smile at us, pay us, pass us; but do not quite forget; For we are the people of England, and we have not spoken yet.’ - Martin Bell, Tatton 1997.

Perhaps captures some of the themes. A hope for a more wholesome Englishness. When I heard that Caroline Lucas was standing down - I wasn’t too surprised. She’s done such an amazing job for so long as the only green voice in the commons and for Brighton Pavilion; it must be so tiring.

This book offers an exploration of what it means to be English. The use of literature, poetry and myths flows together nicely. This vision of English working class history and resistance has been growing since Hobsbawm’s time. Makes use of ideas put forward by figures like David Olusoga, George Monbiot, and Afua Hirsch. Nuanced approach to Celtic nationalisms and issues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Also a strong green focus. Describing the loss of 85% of salts marshes, 80% of heathland, and 97% of our wildlife meadows. How can a sense of identity survive the destruction of landscape.

‘Old elm that murmured in our chimney top; the sweetest anthem autumn ever made. And into mellow whispering calms would drop. When showers fell on thy many-coloured shade. When dark tempests mimic thunder darkness came to strangle light. That rocked thee like a cradle to thy root, How did I love to hear the winds upbraid. Thy strength without - while all within was mute’ John Clare, 1830.

Also makes me think of The Kinks:

'All the stories have been told, Of kings and days of old
But there's no England now
All the wars that were won and lost
Somehow don't seem to matter very much anymore
All the lies we were told,
All the lies of the people running round
Their castles have burned...'

[Victoria (Eve's Alexandria) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Lucas has been a beacon of hope in British politics for the last 14 years and I enjoyed spending time with her in this strange, idiosyncratic book. A mixture of literary analysis and political manifesto, it’s at its best when it gets deep into its twin strands - whether that’s the long section on John Clare and enclosure or the excoriation of climate change denialism. At times the connections Luca’s draws between contemporary politics and, say, The Tempest feel a little glib, ripped from A Level coursework. But, generally, it’s a wonderful demonstration of how literature and the arts can shape a person’s politics and inform their worldview. It’s true, you could fit the policy messages in here on a single sheet of A4 - and if you know anything about Green politics they’re no surprise - but there is something beguiling about listening to Lucas explain them with reference to John Dunne or Dickens.

[Sammy Dickinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I am a big fan of the author having followed her political career over years, I found this one a little vague and lacking in substance. The concept of discussing the modern English identity through the lens of historic English literature is compelling, and the writing undoubtedly flows well. But it all feels a little abstract. Unfortunately, the linkages that are being drawn feel forced, and lack a grounding in reality. Great idea, poor execution.

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book not really knowing what it was about or what its thesis would be, and while I enjoyed reading it, I felt that it lacked a depth of analysis which would have delivered fully on the author’s aims.

I really enjoyed the idea behind the book, and it came at the perfect time with the far-right on the rise, and the idea of looking for ways that the left can reclaim England’s national story was a positive one. The use of literature to demonstrate a continuity of thought throughout history was also a good way to argue each individual chapter.

However, I felt that what the book lacked was a clear, overarching argument which should have been reinforced throughout. This meant that the different chapters often felt disparate and disconnected, preventing Lucas from delivering the powerful concluding remarks which would have offered more of a definitive answer to the questions she posed.

Overall, an enjoyable and interesting book from a passionately progressive author, but a little lacking in depth of argument for me to give this more than 3 stars.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with so much of what Caroline Lucas says and I enjoyed her approach to looking at England through literature. But the political situation has changed even in the year since this book was published - the Reform party is rapidly gaining ground and the election of Trump has shown how scarily quickly a democracy can become unstuck. And I just feel depressed and helpless - how can we achieve a better life for everyone in this country when there are so many vested interests in keeping systems as they are?

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

a soothing read for hopeful people. as a long-time immigrant to England, I’ve always loved it - never in a dodgy way, I hasten to add - so here is a great book where Caroline Lucas addresses why English patriotism gets such a bad rap (and its positive iterations). some tiny parts confused me (there’s a bit about how “only” 21% of immigrants to the UK are refugees, but surely that’s a lot - I thought it was far lower), and the climate/nature sections are not the most happy reads, but knowledge is power, etc. learned a lot about our various feudal/landlord hang ups as a country. looking forward to a better future!

[Andy Weston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have appreciated this a lot more if Lucas had gone a bit easier on pushing her political message.

I actually agree with a lot of what she says politically, I just think it was overdone here.
The book has a lot of strengths though, and her key idea of looking at England and its history through its literature is a sound one.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Lucas explores the idea of Englishness, something that has been claimed by the far right in recent years, and explores how Englishness should be reclaimed by the left. She does this using a hybrid of examining English literature and her own policy manifesto to explore what a new English identity could be.

This is my first non-fiction book of the year and wanted to pick it up as part of the political dystopian theme this month, as I think England is politically a scary place right now. I went into it not really knowing what to expect from it and feel I have come away with some hope which is what a lot of people need at the moment with politics being the way it is everywhere seemingly.

I feel like I learned a lot and I think my eyes were definitely opened to a lot of possibilities as to what England could do in order to get a stronger sense of identity rooted in democracy, reformation, devolution, policy reform, accountability and the power of mythologising.

At times parts of the book definitely felt ambitious in terms of some of the reforms suggested given the barriers that exist to change, but it reminds us if enough of us have hope (not optimism) that we could start to enact change.

I think it was definitely worth the read and could have done with being a little longer to get into more nuance and more grounding of policy suggestions. I am definitely going to spend some time digesting this and thinking about the things that came up in the book.

[Tristan Eagling · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘We have enjoyed our extra game of bowls. Now it’s time to show we can win the war’

I didn’t think I’d like this and went in with low expectations, but once I started I couldn’t put it down.

This book shows that national pride does not need to be thugs with George’s crosses draped over their shoulders throwing stones at Mosques. But is instead, and always has been, something aligned with inclusivity, a love of nature, and a hatred of inequality.

Caroline uses a mix of history and English literature to expertly make her point in a way that I’d hope will with resonate with the reader, regardless of where their political allegiances lie.

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and thought provoking book that highlights the power of storytelling and narrative in politics. Caroline Lucas paints a hopeful picture of how our past and our literature can shape a different, more tolerant future. While the conclusion drifts into issues of wider political reform, my key takeaway was that the stories we tell about ourselves matter and that we should not shy away from harnessing them to strive towards a more nuanced and inclusive view of what it means to be English.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking and enjoyable. Could've been more, but this is not the author's day job and, frankly, she's out there doing way more important things than writing books, so fair play to her for making this one decent.

[Robert Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Develops a well explained and sourced alternative to the current system of government . Wonderful journey back into who we think we , how we journeyed here , how perception was framed to promote this whilst pointing to what we could be. It challenges the accepted inequality that has become the accepted normal order of life. Refreshing.

[Neil Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall really good. loved the literary references and the joy in her writing. I will certainly dip in and out of this book in future. It felt at times slightly disjointed and a gentle conversation with an intelligent, well read friend.

[Atlantean BCT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful book that is very easy to read. Caroline Lucas has a deep love of English literature, which comes out. I agree with the analysis that the English national story needs to be rescued from the narrow narrative, espoused by the right, what I felt was lacking was a clearer view of how this can be done.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, and thought it covered an impressive amount in a short amount of time. Having a focus on literature pulled together what could have been quite eclectic chapters.
Politically, it was vague, but despite the author I actually don’t think the goal of the book was to be explicitly political.
Overall though a really good read about the past (and future) of England regardless of your political leanings.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I suspect many other readers of this book are, I am a supporter of the green party and have a lot of respect for Caroline Lucas.

It most probably stands to reason therefore that I really enjoyed this book and some of it (not all) resonated with me. Lucas informed me on a few facts I wasn't aware of added detail to some that I was.

She does a decent job of discussing English ness against the current political landscape but somewhat paradoxically she concludes Englishness is not really much of a thing.

I love literature and I liked the idea of using it as a framework for this topic but it felt a little unconvincing to me.

Overall I found this to be both entertaining and interesting and it gave me food for thought.

[Michaela Gaitskell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the premise of this book but I feel some of her arguments were not entirely convincing. Definitely an interesting topic to ponder on though

[YW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite my many disagreements with Caroline Lucas’ politics, Another England is surely a fantastic read. Lucas weaves together the marginalized stories of many different Englands to inspire a debate about a national identity. The book does not reject the reactionary and dark sides of English history. However, it shows that, much like the empire, liberal voices have a long legacy in the nation.

Most striking to me is Lucas’ almost conservative instinct. By “conservative,” I do not mean right wing. Rather, Lucas shows an innate desire to conserve as much of the nation’s traditions and voices as possible in a modern world. This instinct leads to a mix of interesting policy proposals, some not always from the stereotypical left of politics. For example, Lucas’ emphasis on local identity is almost reminiscent of the communitarian conservatism of Michael Gove and Danny Krueger. In this sense, the book frees communities, nations and traditions from the exclusive hold of the right.

None of this is an endorsement of her or her party. I remain skeptical of her policies in and out of this book. Her warning of the imminent disintegration of the UK seems unwarranted. Ideas such as a literal war footing for climate change remain undesirable. Despite her seriousness, the English Green Party is not a grown-up party or a responsible governing power. Nevertheless, this book does something exceedingly valuable. In an Europe of bitter identity crisis, the far right must not win the identity debate. Lucas has put forward an alternative thesis. Those of us on the center left do not have to fully agree with the substance of her arguments to march her effort.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate what Caroline Lucas is trying to achieve here, evoking a progressive vision of Englishness rather than ceding all ground to the right-wing. In fact, she doesn't necessarily wish to tear down other visions of Britain but merely offers a new vision inclusive to all.

It is about time that somebody attempted to write this book. England isn't just empire and monarchy. There is a rich history of republicanism and standing up to authority, even those who wish to redistribute wealth.

That said, I don't feel this book fully captures what is needed to reclaim an identity of Englishness for the left-wing. Whilst literary examples are given, most of the solutions Caroline offers are political. These solutions aren't bad. For instance, she touches on the west Lothian question and the lack of autonomy that English regions have to vote on affairs that matter directly to them. These issues need addressing. However, when we talk about an English identity, the solutions will need to be cultural as well as political.

I also felt the chapter "The Storms to Come" was a but misplaced here. Whilst it is true that climate change is a major issue facing all the world not excluding England, I don't feel that it has much to do with this subject. Lucas's Green credentials took hold here.

This is only a short volume, and I doubt Caroline felt she was going to be able to capture everything needed to achieve her goal. This, however, is a decent stepping stop and what is hopefully a conversation starter amongst on the left.

The writing in the book is clear and concise. I loved the literary examples in the book. I also adored the last chapter, "A Jerusalem for All". On that subject, it may offend some, but I've long felt Jerusalem would be a much better national anthem than God Save the King. As Lucas points out, there is something in there for both left and right.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had very high hopes for this book. It correctly states that Britain has an England problem, that the mantle of Englishness has been adopted by the right in politics, and that we won't really move forward until these issues have been addressed. The book then goes on to muffle the response.

I liked the way in which the book starts with an appeal to what is the essence of England. How Robin Hood couldn't be translated to many other countries, although Switzerland has the figure of William Tell as a counter balance. The story then moves on to historic figures of communitarianism - the Levellers, the Luddites, the Co-operative Movement. This is all really good analysis, but it fails at the point of 'so what?' What is lacking is a mechanism to link all of this nostalgic emotion to where we are today. To guide us into the future. That was disappointing.

The book fails to address the twin issues of why 'Englishness' is a creature of the right and how the rest of Britain can help to resolve its 'England Problem'. Taking the first issue first, the right have adopted 'Englishness' because the left have allowed them to do so. It is a relatively unopposed field. This book is an attempt to counter that. To show that the left can look to a number of English traditions and not to be embarrassed by them. The tradition of redistribution (Robin Hood), the tradition of commonality (the Common Law), and the tradition of fairness (here the NHS looms large). It argues for a form of mutuality that chimes against the individualism of our age. In this, it swims against the contemporary currents.

This is why there has been no effective solution to the 'England Problem'. The constituent parts of Britain are too focussed upon their own selfish settlements to be willing to admit that more needs to be done for England. This inward focus, the lack of mutuality, has dominated the internal politics of the UK for decades. Turning it around, the lack of concern at how bad a deal England receives from the Union is what is fuelling the drift of Englishness to the right.

What can be done about it? The book provides no clear answers. An emotional nostalgic appeal to a better past doesn't really help us to move forward. In that sense, whilst a nice enough read, I found the book to be largely empty.

[Ginni · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘General history of Europe - British Isles’ - this is the definition of the Dewey number 941 assigned to Caroline Lucas’ book. Yet this could have been cross- classified in English Literature, Politics, or even folk stories and songs....I hadn’t realised that Caroline Lucas has a PhD in English Literature. I’ve always admired her as a sane, sensible politician - one of the vanishingly few in English politics these days, it seems. So I suppose combined with my interest in Green issues and especially natural history, I am predisposed to find this book chiming with me to such an extent.
Lucas uses literature to ‘shed new light on the three great challenges in contemporary English politics’ - political reform, a ‘greener’ lifestyle with sustainability at its core, and an end to division in society where we ‘ celebrate difference rather than seeking to suppress it.’
One reference in the book was quite uncanny for me. In the chapter, ‘The Storms to Come’ about governments’ failure to act in the face of the climate crisis, Lucas refers to a science fiction novel by John Wyndham, ‘The Kraken Wakes’. Alien forces establish bases in the ocean deeps, and eventually work to destroy humanity by melting the polar ice caps and literally drowning dry land. I read all of Wyndham’s sci-fi novels as a teenager back in the ‘60s; a couple of months ago, I reread ‘The Kraken Wakes’ and realised with a jolt that this scenario is actually coming true....as well as the rise in sea level, ocean currents affect the weather systems, with knock on effects to agriculture....so her reference had particular relevance for me.
This is a clearly written and readable book that deserves a wide audience. I hope it achieves this.

[Chris Tapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

A couple of quite interesting sections (e.g. on English literature, the Charter of the Forest etc) but generally it comes across as just another entry into the clapped-out genre of "upper middle class intellectuals distance themselves from the plebs by attacking their patriotism". It feels as if it had been written forty years ago. All the tired old themes are raised, such as that the British (or English, whenever she can force it) are still to "come to terms" with their colonial history, the Atlantic slave trade etc. Really, still? Maybe another couple of centuries of self-flagellation and we'll finally get there, eh?

Brexit is clearly the real motivation for this book (surprise!), and all the usual lazy, false claims are repeated, such as the ubiquitous straw man slur that Brexit was actually about people wanting to somehow return to the days of empire, rather than just wanting political independence from the EU. Has anyone ever actually met one of these empire-seeking straw people, or even read this opinion from anyone, anywhere, ever? Is the Scottish independence movement driven by a desire for world domination? Maybe the Frexit movement? Nexit? No, it's just a slur, reserved for the English, of course.

It's worrying for a modern progressive reader that there is still a market on the left for such snobbish dinner-party grandstanding. Hopefully this will die out with the rich old boomers, but I won't hold my breath, it seems this is one English tradition that never goes out of fashion.

[Julie Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure why just the Kindle edition is listed as I listened to it on audible and read an early proof (thank you Penguin Random House) and read the hardback ... all in preparation for my interview with her! Copious notes were made and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time meeting Caroline, giving her a lift in my especially borrowed hydrogen car (thank you Riversimple) and interviewing her for an event with Rossiter Books.

Honourable Friends? was the book I read that first got me interested in British politics and understanding how unfunctional it often is and since reading that Caroline Lucas has been my political hero. She writes incredibly well and in Another England her literary and historical knowledge is phenomenal (she has got a PhD in Eng Lit which may help).

The book is very thought provoking as she delves into literature to find examples of how stories of England have been told in the past to give us inspiration for how they could be being told today, rather than letting English nationalism be a concept grasped by the right for a more populist story.

It is political too. She suggests that England would be better if it had its own parliament, power is better devolved regionally, and we desperately need to have access to and feel part of nature.

She'll be a sad loss to British politics when she steps down but maybe that will give her more time for writing great books!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Lucas will be a huge loss to the House of Commons when she steps down after this election, however she has served well and nobody can deny that she has been one of the most genuine MP's in years.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, her excellent 2015 book 'Honourable Friends' was a good read but the synopsis of this was far different.

What I got was EXACTLY as she had described on the title. I do not like to think of myself as English, it is a tainted word to me, particularly in the midst of the rise of populism in the UK and worldwide. Nonetheless, this makes fascinating (and so obvious when pointed out) arguments as to why this is wrong. Caroline Lucas carefully diffuses the factions that would come from a discussion such as this. It is by no means a simple premise - if it was we'd have sorted things years ago, but by looking at the arts (in particular Literature and Music) and other aspects, she confidently puts forward cohesive, well thought out judgments on how it came to pass that we have arrived at the factions of 'being English' that we are in today.

I look forward to many more of Caroline Lucas' outputs for years to come, as I hope she will do.

[Adam Fuss · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was only by chance that I discovered Another England, browsing in Kemptown Bookshop in Brighton, Caroline Lucas’ home constituency, while on a short trip there last month. I’m so very glad I spent the few minutes reading the introduction in the shop and seized the opportunity to purchase a signed copy.

I may come back and add more to this review as I’ve had time to reflect, but I have to say that what struck me most is how hopeful Caroline Lucas is about what another England could look like. For a politician of a clear political orientation, her approach struck me as remarkably fair and welcoming. I think even the most hard right reader could find something to admire and take away from the book.

On another level, it gave me a long reading list to fill many gaps in my knowledge of English literature.

Finally, I was surprised by how much Another England spoke to me as an American reader and had me asking where we can find our Caroline Lucas and what stories of our own can we look at in a new light to think about another America.

[Leon Spence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caroline Lucas really is an engaging writer on subjects that matter to her. Sections on constitutional reform, England's place in the world and, unsurprisingly, the environment are thought provoking, well argued and most importantly, persuasive. The idea of developing her views drawing on English literature is a good one and the sources work well.

But...

It's so disappointing that Ms Lucas writes from such an entrenched left-wing view that it seems impossible for her to concede the motiviations of those on the right (or even centre-right) are anything but evil. That wouldn't matter if she started by saying 'this is going to be an entirely one-sided book', but she doesn't, she writes as though she is trying to take a balanced approach weighing each argument thoughtfully.

Lucas writes in her conclusion (when considering a list of favourite novels) "They all help us to see life from other people's points of view, to walk a while in their shoes." The greatest failing of her book is that she chooses not to a walk a while in the shoes of those she disagrees with.

[Chris Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library, and everything worked for me; nice solid hardback, decent-sized print, fascinating content, manageable length chapters. It is not an easy read because of the subject matter, but the concept of Englishness is so eloquently explored, and the structure of the book allows for an engaging development of the argument, so I was hooked.

The joy of this book, for me, is how the author draws on our rich literary inheritance with such ease. I haven't read another book that links literature, culture, politics and contemporary challenges such as climate change, devolution, Brexit and migration so effectively.

I was particularly moved by the argument that English society has inequity deep in its being, but that, as citizens with integrity, we can be empowered to change this.

This is an adeptly-timed, unique, deep and inspiring book, I hope that it gets the interest it deserves, and I thoroughly recommend you read it!

[Karl Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Lucas' cocktail of English political and nationalistic commentary, and her organic love of literature combines to provide the reader with an engaging and, in many ways, reassuring affirmation that there is 'Another England' that can be carefully but genuinely championed. This is not a litany of nostalgic, sugary 'if onlys'; more a considered assessment of what we can celebrate, and how authors through the ages have captured this. As a spine, there is an organised clarity of argument - even if there is too much bustling, disparate reference to our societal failings at times in some of the early chapters - and I felt that much of what she commits to is worthy, sympathetic and thought-provoking; traits commensurate, I guess, with a successful leader of the Green Party and winner of numerous Ethical Awards. It also reminded me of certain writers and texts which I simply must revisit...

[Sarak77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The phrases with which the elites have tried to comfort themselves and us since the end of the Empire - world-beating, global Britain, a power broker between America and Europe, punching above our weight - ring hollow when the task of moving some cheese across the English Channel becomes an operation requiring military levels of logistical sophistication.
Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party and its first MP, argues for a new England, rising from the ruins of a collapsed United Kingdom. Beneath the eminently sensible proposals for effective local government and greater protection for nature, there's an abiding sense of loss, from the historic rights to common land under the enclosure acts to the fast expiring opportunities to combat man-made climate change. For all that, it's not a pessimistic read, as the evidence of the past shows that there is nothing inevitable about our current situation.

[Rosie Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I love about this book is its genrelessness (yes, I think I just made up that word).
Good reads has it as politics and history, but it is most definitely literary criticism too.

Using English literature as a portal into our ever-changing culture, Caroline Lucas takes the binary sting out of politics, unruffling any prejudices we might have before they have had time to emerge. In just a few pages in one of her final chapters, she weaves Sir Francis Drake and the unfinished game of bowls, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, HG Wells and later science fiction writers, into a narrative tapestry that leads to a huge "aha" of understanding.

Vision, humour and (a bit of) hope. Read this book.