The Swimmers is a furistic fable about how the power of storytelling can be turned into propaganda by those who wish to impose their will on others. It’s messy and, at times, hard to follow. But it’s also lyrical and beautiful to read. Chaotically structured and constantly rambling just like the jungle the story takes […]
dystopia
Dark dystopian stories that feel like they might really happen (and soon)
It may seem counter intuitive to read dark stories in these dark times. Over the past year I’ve see-sawed between wanting to escape into light, fluffy, happy books, and needing the cleansing catharsis that near-future dystopian novels can bring. Here are four dark novels which I’ve really enjoyed. I hope you find one to add […]
Review: The Mother Fault, by Kate Mildenhall
I really enjoyed The Mother Fault, as much for the journey as the dystopian setting of a near-future Australia. Fast-paced and easy to read, I chewed through this story in two sittings. Mildenhall manages to weave everyday parenting challenges – loss of identity, nostalgia for pre-natal careers, maintaining a marital relationship in the face of […]
Review: Dyschronia by Jennifer Mills
Exquisite writing and a devastating take on chronic illness, Mills’ depiction of the climate disaster that awaits Australia is a very dark read. This is a slow-paced and unrelentingly heartbreaking story. It’s not one you can skim your way through late at night. You will need to focus to have any hope of following the […]
Review: Prototype Alpha-3, by Alanah Andrews
I bought Prototype Alpha-3 for myself as a Christmas present because I’ve really enjoyed Alanah Andrews’ other books and short stories. It did not disappoint. I meant to read it in small chunks but ended up staying up late to finish it because I had to know what happens! Easy reading, characters you can get […]
Review: Wolfe Island, by Lucy Treloar
And yet, the book ended. I feel so sad that it’s gone. God, it was beautiful. You absolutely must read it. Lucy Treloar’s Wolfe Island is the dystopian novel you read when you don’t want to read a dystopian novel. It’s a gorgeously written story of a reclusive artist who tries to stay out of […]
