Few issues have as far-ranging of a potential impact as climate change. Like nuclear weapons or global war, it has a very real potential to end human life on this planet, yet it is not (yet) taken seriously in political conversations in America. Instead, we dilly-dally about old debates like whether authoritarianism or democracy is a better form of practical government. In this book of futuristic fiction, Markley tries to predict how the American experiment might evolve over the next 20 years in light of science. Warning: It resembles more of a dystopia than a utopia.
Markley tells a very wide set of intertwining stories involving over a dozen main characters (with many points of view). The main narrative centers on one intriguing protagonist named Kate Morris, who advocates for the well-being of the planet. She stages multiple peaceful protests and becomes famous for her cause. Abundant subplots involve violent demonstrators, craftiness among politicians, a scientist seeking a future for his family, and both the rich and poor of America. Climate change, not myopically siloed here, involves other issues like social justice and the inflexibility of the American government.
To be honest, I sense a few limitations. The entire first half of this novel is somewhat confusing with so many points of view. It does come together into a tight conclusion. Further, the political stance advocates for an unapologetically wide leftist agenda, even more ambitious than the recent Green New Deal. This limits the potential audience. Although my newspaper sometimes seems to disagree with me, I sincerely hope our future governments will prove more responsive than this novel portends. No widespread political healing from the upheavals of recent years are predicted. Finally, the main narrative development takes place among the strum und drang of the environment, not among the characters, and the environment can be a big drama queen in this story. That tended to slow my intrigue into the plot.
Markley had a highly successful debut novel (Ohio) and captured some big-name endorsements (like Stephen King) for this work. Further, the big-name publisher (Simon & Schuster) pioneering a 900-page work says that someone believes in his talent. But the above limitations keep me from fully embracing this work. There’s so much dystopian material with a happy ending only appended that the art of the fiction-writing seems limited. I would have liked to see more character development of the actual characters, not just the weather. Of course, I support awareness of the cause and implore the American public to embrace needed economic reforms. Markley can and should raise awareness of this needed topic. We must face the realities of what we’re doing to the environment very soon, before it’s too late.
The Deluge: A Novel
By Stephen Markley
Copyright (c) 2023
Release Date: January 10, 2023
Simon & Schuster
ISBN13 9781982123093
Page Count: 896
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Sponsored Link to www.amazon.com