Bryher
Visa for Avalon (2004)
Author: Bryher
Genre: Science Fiction (Alternate World/Dystopia)
Plot Summary:
Mr. Robinson is a soon-to-be retired man living on the beach for the summer. He and his landlady, Lilian, are concerned about the growing “Movement” in the Government that seems determined to turn the populace into a mindless mob, shunning technology and modern sensibilities. Details about who the Movement is and how it developed are not given. When a Government agent informs Lilian her house will be destroyed to make room for a new road, she takes it as an affront to her civil liberties. Instead of staying and facing what’s coming, she decides to emigrate to Avalon, which she heard about in her youth. Robinson decides he’ll go too, since their society is rapidly devolving into a pseudo-fascism. They both go to the Avalon consulate hoping for visas, but only Lilian’s is granted. Later that day, the consulate is told to evacuate for Avalon because of coming chaos in the Government. Robinson is told if the man in line for the one remaining visa doesn’t make it to the airport that night, he can have it. The consul, Lawson, his secretary, assistant Alex, and a couple other characters all make a tense trip to the airport, hoping to get out of the country before they’re stopped by the increasingly hostile Government. Their thoughts on the situation and insights into their character are explored on the way.
Geographical Setting: an unnamed Western country
Time Period: alternate present/near future
Appeal Characteristics:
The book is more character-driven than plot-driven. There is a sense of foreboding throughout but not much action. All the characters eventually drift into thought about their childhoods/pasts and their concerns about the future. The text is often descriptive and detailed about the physical environment but very easy to read. The book is pretty slow-paced. The intended audience is adults or young adults looking for something out of the realm of reality but not hardcore sci-fi.
Similar Authors: George Orwell
Red Flags: none
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