Mania

A scarily funny comment on current trends. Lionel Shriver in excellent and thought-provoking form in her latest look at modern life. A book which should not be ignored or written off lightly. Highly commended.

A brilliant, thought provoking story that really makes the reader think, a superb book that I would absolutely recommend

This is the harrowing story of a country sliding into a state of collapse through the eyes of Pearson, our opinionated protagonist . Forced by the weight of public opinion and new laws to accept the concept of mental parity, she finally succumbs to self righteous indignation and takes affirmative action refusing to accept intellectual egalitarianism and alternative programming: Putting every part of her family life at huge risk and a relationship with partner and children in jeopardy. The account of the dumbing down of every facet of society is chilling in the extreme. This book goes a massive way to demonstrate by fictional means the ease in which group mentality and group think takes over universal common sense by demonstrating the ease in which mindsets can be influenced using comparisons in history and more recent political events. Also awareness of the speed to accept dogmatic mantra without questioning the consequences for individuals, society and any country’s ability to remain functional both at home and on the world stage. A thought provoking fiction based on recent events that entertains on a fictional level, using a relatively normal family thrust into Armageddon, whilst educating the. reader in the dangers of acceptance and complacency. A 5* read on every level by an author at the top of her game. Many thanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for this hugely rewarding advanced review copy.