FLASHBACK by Dan Simmons
Simmons' earlier works have hints of a liberal world view, though he tends to keep politics out of it. Not in his latest dystopian novel, FLASHBACK.
It is set 20 years in the future, in a world in chaos due to a lot of the pressing issues that we notice today. This is his take on what could happen if we continue on this course. The world is in economic collapse due to entitlement spending that eventually could not be contained. Islam and sharia are allowed to spread due to the multicultural policies of our governments. About 85% of the US population is addicted to a drug called flashback, which allows user to relive moments in the past with perfect memory. America is now down to 44 states. Only electric cars are available unless you are rich. These cars only get about 40 miles during a good day
The story mainly follows Nick Bottom, a former detective turned flashback addict. It has a noir feel throughout the story. It also follows his son and father-in-law. Though the characters do not seem sympathetic at first, they grow into very likable characters throughout the story.
Simmons seems to be a intellectual that follows the classics mainly. I'm thinking Greek. Thucydides and maybe some Aristotle. He defends capitalism, but mainly by denouncing socialism. Individual rights and egoism are not mentioned, but I don't think that would serve much of a purpose in this story. I think he is so disillusioned with modern "intellectuals" that he sticks to the classics.
I would recommend it to fans of dystopias, noir-ish mysteries, science fiction, or just if you are interested in historical analysis.
