Restriction is rampant in social life the principles of communist egalitarianism on which the colony was founded have been whittled away in the name of societal survival, such that at first the novel appears as a straightforward critique of communism, one more appropriate to the Cold War era. Her mission is ostensibly to infuse a regulated but distinctly capitalist-spirited competition into a tightly restricted, scarcity-plagued economy.

Its economy is agriculturally based, a sort of country backwater in comparison to the city of Essre, from which Vanja, the main character, comes on a business trip. The setting is the city of Amatka, one of four cities in a colony, connected tenuously to the others by dangerous train routes through an alien landscape. From this basic premise, Tidbeck launches a unique narrative that unsettles the social structures and ideologies underpinning European democratic socialism, in particular liberal humanism. The novel is based on a now-common science fictional premise in the age of climate crisis: when Earth becomes unlivable for reasons not fully explained, some find a way to escape and settle on a hostile alien planet. “… complex, dangerous and exciting” – Tor.NOW IS THE TIME for dystopia, and Swedish author Karin Tidbeck offers a surrealist, distinctly European addition to the genre with her debut novel, Amatka. “A bizarre, provocative story of secrets, the nature of reality, and the struggle between being accepted and being free” – BookPeople “Disturbing and provocative” – Chicago Tribune “A warped and chilling portrait of post-truth reality” – NPR Click here for more info on where to buy. Available in paper, ebook and audio format. “I recommend that you lay your hands on a copy.” -Ann Leckie

But when she stumbles on evidence of a growing threat to the colony, and a cover-up by its administration, she embarks on an investigation that puts her at tremendous risk. Intending to stay just a short while, Vanja falls in love with her housemate, Nina, and prolongs her visit. Immediately she feels that something strange is going on: people act oddly in Amatka, and citizens are monitored for signs of subversion. Vanja, an information assistant, is sent from her home city of Essre to the austere, wintry colony of Amatka with an assignment to collect intelligence for the government. Shortlisted for the Compton Crook Award 2018, the 2018 Locus Award and Prix Utopiales 2018. A surreal debut novel set in a world shaped by language.

Amatka by karin tidbeck