3.5 stars in fact.
After an economic and societal collapse, the citizens of Lewes have submitted themselves to rule by an all encompasing data collection algorithm, 'the Process'. Via ubiquitous organic implants, the emotional satisfaction of the participants is monitored, and the 'Process' dispenses goods, services and employment to its serfs in a way calculated to maximize their happiness. Sounds great hey?
From time to time, the system must be rebalanced, and surplus citizens, calculated to be of no value to the 'Process' must perforce be evicted from the town. It is James' responsibility, as the town bailiff, to enforce these evictions. He has frightening steampunk armour, and a callous ritual to asist in the execution of these duties.
On patrol, outside town James finds an injured soldier, Hector, strung on barbed wire. The Process is manufacturing soldiers, and is recreating the Gallipoli landings, to refine and improve its algorithmic equations for perfect harmony and peace. James, Hector and the citizens of Lewes are to be cogs in the grinder.
Sounds mad and bonkers, does it not?
But century after the disaster of Suvla Bay, no more insane than that campaign and what came after in the Great War. Especially since the centennial comemorations focus on the bravery of participants, and not the stupidity which let to its necessity. There is passion and bitterness aplenty in Matthew De Abaitua's novel, and it is well worth the reading
After an economic and societal collapse, the citizens of Lewes have submitted themselves to rule by an all encompasing data collection algorithm, 'the Process'. Via ubiquitous organic implants, the emotional satisfaction of the participants is monitored, and the 'Process' dispenses goods, services and employment to its serfs in a way calculated to maximize their happiness. Sounds great hey?
From time to time, the system must be rebalanced, and surplus citizens, calculated to be of no value to the 'Process' must perforce be evicted from the town. It is James' responsibility, as the town bailiff, to enforce these evictions. He has frightening steampunk armour, and a callous ritual to asist in the execution of these duties.
On patrol, outside town James finds an injured soldier, Hector, strung on barbed wire. The Process is manufacturing soldiers, and is recreating the Gallipoli landings, to refine and improve its algorithmic equations for perfect harmony and peace. James, Hector and the citizens of Lewes are to be cogs in the grinder.
Sounds mad and bonkers, does it not?
But century after the disaster of Suvla Bay, no more insane than that campaign and what came after in the Great War. Especially since the centennial comemorations focus on the bravery of participants, and not the stupidity which let to its necessity. There is passion and bitterness aplenty in Matthew De Abaitua's novel, and it is well worth the reading