Perhaps it is unsurprising that out of 11 politicians, only one chose a book of fiction that inspired them (‘It was an awakening’: Diane Abbott, Nicola Sturgeon, Rory Stewart and more on the books that shaped their politics, 29 June). That might help explain why politics has become increasingly polarised. If our political leaders take inspiration from fact-based accounts, there is a risk that an “I am right and you are wrong” approach will prevail. Alan Johnson’s choice of Animal Farm at least gives us thoughts about how power can be captured and exploited.
Let’s hope the next generation of politicians will take their inspiration from literature that tries to paint a more varied view of the human condition, to allow them to be better at developing creative solutions to the issues we face. Letter writers might want to make recommendations.
Warren Brown
Ilkley, West Yorkshire
