Chasing Utopia

by Jennifer Wood

In 2018 the world was thrown into a recession so severe that governments could not work out a solution. Desperation and poverty inspired social networks to create a world that ran on the principles of anarchism. This was ended only by the rise of CorpGroup, an Eastern initiative that created the new Eco-World Order. Through a series of encounters, the boundaries of time are erased to offer a captivating insight into the complications of love and friendship. Jess Rivington and the people in her life offer a contrasting account of the world we know and life after the tipping point. In a population which believes segregation is fundamental to their development, there is no desire to question the underlying principles of the Eco-World Order. Jess alone must challenge the system and rescue the man she loves by ending his days as a white slave in another District. In persuading modern society that there is still a place for humanitarian assistance, she must prepare to lose everything.

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2014

Reviews

[Carol Wakeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of courage, passion and the striving for equality and survival. Beautifully written and with a riveting plot, which at times, moved me to tears. The two main protagonists are a mother and daughter, each of whom negotiates her way through a world which has become a struggle between utopian ideals and dystopian chaos. Switching between different time frames from 1994 and into the future of the 2040's, this book manages to combine the genres of a love story with political intrigue and the futuristic struggle, of a planet on the verge of collapse. We see how Jess has brought her knowledge of global inequalities and climate crisis, into the classroom where she teaches, just as passionately as she seeks for a relationship with a man who shares the same ideals. The story moves forward in time and with the impact of climate change as a backdrop, as well as social and political upheavals, there are many echoes of the real world we inhabit today. As Jess's daughter takes up the mantle of her parents, a glimmer of hope emerges that the human emotions of love and empathy will triumph. It can be interpreted as a double narrative: central protagonist Jess's personal struggles and the global impacts of western imperialism which have set the world on a disastrous course.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to be challenged about how you see the world and what it could become whilst being taking on a personal journey spanning a lifetime then this book has it all! The story encompasses tales from 1994 until the ending in 2043 so there is a contrast between the present and the science fiction of the future but it all blends together once you get used to going backwards and forwards in time. The characters come to life and make you care about the outcome of their future. The author blends knowledge about political aspects of the world today with a great insight into how things could develop but mixes this with intimate personal storytelling. There are some disturbing moments as well as some joyous moments as you move through the story but what you won't get is bored! The ending feels satisfying after journeying with the characters for so long so I would recommend this as a good read.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

an interesting look into unique world building - starting in the recognizable 'present' and moving into a more dystopian future setting. Fans looking for a strong 'grown up' version of the Hunger Games kind of books should like this.