2084: The End of the World — Boualem Sansal

A tribute to George Orwell's 1984 and a cry of protest against totalitarianism of all kindsIt is the year 2084. In the kingdom of Abistan named messenger of the god Yolah citizens submit to a single god, demonstrating their devotion by kneeling in prayer nine times a day. Autonomous thought has been banned, remembering is forbidden, and an omnipresent surveillance system instantly informs the authorities of every deviant act, thought, or idea. The kingdom is blessed and its citizens are happy, filled with a sense of purpose and piety. Those who are notthe hereticsare put to death by stoning or beheading in city squares. But Ati has met people who think differently; in ghettos and caves, hidden from the authorities and their ubiquitous surveillance, exist the last living free-thinkers of Abistan. Under their influence, Ati begins to doubt. He begins to think. Now, he must defend his thoughts with his life.[In 2084] Sansal dared to go much further than I did, said Michel Houellebecq, the controversial author of Submission. 2084 is a cry of freedom, a call to rebellion, a gripping satirical novel of ideas, and an indictment of the religious fundamentalism that, with its hypocrisy and closedmindeness, threatens our modern democracies and the ideals on which they are founded.