Taboo The Novel

By Nigel Halliday

Taboo or not Taboo? Paul Blythe wants to be a painter, but at art college in the days of Cool Britannia, the only game allowed is shock art and taboo-breaking. At this, he proves unexpectedly gifted, and he produces a series of works, any one of which could win him an international reputation. Unfortunately, he finds that every one of them has already won an international reputation for someone else.

As Paul embarks on his final year, with domestic pressures also building, ambition, frustration, and resentment drive him in search of a taboo that no one else has broken. In the process, he has to face some crucial questions. Does he have to be original to be himself? Where does he find his values? And are some things just wrong?

Taboo explores the beauties and questions of contemporary art and life, and the challenges of being authentically yourself in a crowded and competitive world.

‘It’s a problem, isn’t it: being taboo-breaking and original at the same time? That’s a very small space to work in.’

Taboo - a new novel by Nigel Halliday

Publication date: 26th September 2025

ISBN: 9-781068-280504

Price: £8.99 + p&p

Pre-publication orders in the UK get free p&p. From 26th September 2025, available here and through all good bookshops

To pre-order your copy, click ‘shop here’ below

Response from readers

  • ‘The book starts as a comedy of ideas but accelerates into a thriller. The first time I caught my breath was in the final coda.’

    (Paul, 54, consultant psychiatrist)

  • ‘Taboo is an intellectual farce, which looks at the current emptiness at the heart of today’s conceptual art world and questions what’s important in art, as in life… There are very funny one-liners throughout.’

    (Jean, 50, writer and management consultant)

  • ‘The book sent my imagination and memories back to art college vividly, showing up the pain and vulnerability of art college as you place into the world that which is so personal and raw. Paul’s slightly worrying [lack of] knowledge of contemporary art is a constant source of amusement through the book.’

    (Luci, 31, artist)

  • ‘I absolutely loved Taboo. It is witty and funny – particularly the History of Art references. [It brings out] both the humorous aspect as well as the surprising beauty of conceptual art. The descriptions are vivid yet simple. I almost cried when reading the last chapter … very human as well as entertaining and thought-provoking… A wonderful read.’

    (Bethan, 18, student)