Review: Dystopia is the Opposite of Utopia: Memory of Mankind is Fragile
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 5, 2014
When I was asked to read & review this book, my first impulse was to make sure I was clear about what the term, "dystopia" refers to. (quote) "A dystopia is the opposite of a utopia. It appears in many artistic works, particularly in stories set in the future. They are often characterized by dehumanization, totalitarian governments...or other characteristics associated with a cataclysmic decline in society." (end of quote)- Wikipedia"Electronic Gags" by Kudakwashe Muzira fits the above definition perfectly. It is set in a totalitarian USA governed by a military dictator. The protagonist is a biologist named Freddie, who is a rebel. He is the only person to safely get away from a police raid on a secret rebel meeting. Michael, his best friend, is put on death row. Freddie will try to save his friend and his country.With this plot, you will be reminded of Orwell's 1984. In the real world, you will be reminded of Mandela's fight against apartheid in South Africa, King's struggle for civil rights in the USA, and Ghandi's nonviolent resistance in India, which led to its independence from England.Suffice it to say that the memory of mankind is fragile. Consequently, there will always be a place for books such as this one, which helps mankind to remember past mistakes, and hopefully, avoid repeating them. If this book helps us to do that, then it is a fitting tribute to the memory of Mandela, King and Ghandi. Highly recommended.Reviewed by Thomas Jerome BakerAuthor ofHow to Coach A Debate Team*****Many thanks to the author for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.*****