Alderman presents a dystopian narrative set in a world sharply divided into tech billionaires and the general populace. The novel serves as a biting commentary on wealth inequality, societal disparity, and the power dynamics that emerge from the concentration of immense wealth. From the beginning, the story immediately establishes the eccentricity and detached reality of the affluent.
The story introduces Lenk Sketlish, the eccentric founder of the Fantail social network. In this dystopian setting, the world stands on the brink of a global catastrophe. The impending disaster is forewarned and the wealthiest including Sketlish, Zimri Nommik, and head of Medlar Technologies Ellen Bywater scramble to secure their survival in secret bunkers. The narrative also introduces key characters like Lai Zhen—a survivor of Hong Kong's fall turned survivalist, Martha Einkorn—an escapee from a cult who works for Sketlish, Selah Nommik—a proficient coder and Zimri’s wife, and Badger Bywater. They are utilizing the Medlar network access to aid in saving the world from the impending calamity.
The parallel stories of the characters provide a diverse perspective on the impact of this wealth divide on different individuals. Badger's utilization of their access to Medlar Technologies highlights the intersection of technology, activism, and the potential for change within a highly controlled society. Selah Nommik's duality as a wife of a tech magnate and an expert coder emphasizes the complexity of identity and the façade individuals adopt in different spheres.
The contrasting motivations of the characters—ranging from self-preservation to collaborative efforts to save the world—underscore the potential for both the worst and the best of human nature in times of crisis. It raises questions about individual responsibility, ethics, and the collective choices that shape the course of humanity.
Alderman weaves together these narratives to challenge the perceptions of power, societal structures, unchecked capitalism, and the potential trajectories of our collective future. It also reflects on the distribution of power and the ethical implications of technological advancements in an increasingly stratified world.
