The Arkadian Way

by Tom Rutter

After peak oil and climate change, and after the resulting wars and pandemics decimate our overpopulated world – then what? Raised in an isolated town lead by his Father, Clay is taught that the ways of the old U.S. are best. In seeking to re-create that time, Clay goes along with taking over a nearby community. He doesn’t think to question his Father who says doing this will help make things like they were when the United States was at its peak. But then Clay’s town is overwhelmed as thousands show up to free the subjugated community. In fighting them, Clay maims one person and kills another. For these acts he is sentenced to go on a walkabout to see the world outside of his Father’s town. Also, as part of his punishment, Clay has to visit those he harmed and try to explain himself. During this journey Clay sees a world altered by climate change, peak oil, and pandemics. It is a land without grocery stores, gasoline, or guns. Clay experiences freak storms, scorched environments and the different ways of those that live in Arkadia. Clay also finds his life partner and true home. Mixed with Clay’s adventures are stories describing the failure of our current system. Things fall apart as the human population grows exponentially using up resources and accelerating climate change. Because of the latter, most of the planet’s ecosystems die and the Earth suffers extended periods of smoke and dust filled skies. In the struggle to survive people flee the decimated areas and more fortunate communities are forced to fight off the starving masses. As he travels the west coast of North America, Clay learns about this and sees the effects of these things for himself. This causes him to question what he has been told by his Father and to develop his own understanding of the world. And with this awareness, Clay finds his way. Then his Father suddenly reappears and Clay’s new values are put to the ultimate test.

466 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2012