Chalcot Crescent

Weldon (Worst Fears) returns in fine, sharp form in this mischievous dystopian tale. By 2013, capitalism has collapsed in Europe, and England has turned to protectionist policies, communal farms, and an intrusive National Unity Government that feeds its citizens National Meat Loaf and monitors people by street-corner CiviCams. In this bleak near-future, Frances Prideaux, once a successful writer of feminist novels and a proud product of the era of sexual liberation, is rehashing the sins of her past. As bailiffs try to repossess her house, Frances tells the story of her life—how she married her sister's boyfriend; rejected her stepson Henry, the revolution's creepily austere leader; and squandered her fortune and influence—and tries to keep tabs on her grandson, Amos, who is busy plotting against the government with his cohorts from Redpeace. This marvelously sardonic work shows a future that is all too close to reality, where family resentments and grim history are inextricable. (Oct.)