Novel, 1953

A solid, powerful novel with a hugely Cold War feel, centring around a minor official and state informer who’s called to talk over a report he’s written. In looking at the fragility of the individual and the individual’s place in society, this book tells an effective story. Yes, the settings and action feel claustrophobic, but this adds to the overall atmosphere of estrangement and helplessness. Very much of its time, and if not the most hard hitting dystopian novel, then one which seems to reflect a number of  social truths.