***2019 IPPY Awards GOLD MEDAL***



"Will keep readers turning pages." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"A tour de force." INTERZONE

"Brave New World meets 1984 in this Big Brother masterpiece." SAN FRANCISCO BOOK REVIEW

"One of the cleverest stories IÂ’ve read this year. ItÂ’s whip-smart, well-paced, deeply satirical and dappled with just enough dark and light to keep the reader riveted."
ANNE CUNNINGHAM (Irish Independent, Independent on Sunday, Irish Times and Sunday Times)

"A cat-and-mouse game of literary havoc...fans of dystopian stories with noir flair should take notice." AMAZING STORIES

"A nomination for our Novel of the Year award. Captivating and timely, with a perfect bittersweet ending." UNDERGROUND BOOK REVIEWS

"The best new work of speculative fiction I have read since the 20th Century...laced with enough scalpel-sharp wit and dark humour that you'll never notice the satire sliding into your awareness until it's too late to feel any real discomfort." SFF CHRONICLES

"If you the thrill of the chase you get from hard-boiled and neo-noir, but need the extra intellectual stimulation of exploring deeper themes, then Literature® should be your next go to novella." SIGNAL HORIZON


Literature™ is on sale now in paperback and Kindle editions. Please consider getting a copy.


The buy links are live at www.guillermostitch.com


Thanks to all.


Gil.37 s Scarlett Readz and Runz....Through Novel Time & Distance470 465

“We get you in here, harness this tendency of yours. Or we leave you out there where they can get you first. Where you, my friend, are easy prey for radicalization. And believe me, they know about you, they’re interested in you. If we are, they are”
- Guillermo Stitch

Billy Stringer finds himself in the hot seat after touring the new Gripping Tails® facility for the Herald Paper. Targeted by Murphy the guide, his day just started going south and it’s not his journalism that got him here. He knows it!

Billy lives in a dystopian, futuristic world during the Second Enlightenment. Bookstores donÂ’t exist anymore. Printed and digital media has been purged and most citizens donÂ’t want to have anything to do with the contraband items. The authorities are eager to enforce this with laws, rules and taxes upon, going as far as espionage.

BillyÂ’s generation already grew up with the absence of printed materials. The Herald is the only permissible source left that hasnÂ’t been banned. The sports department of the paper where Billy works, is the largest office of the drab grey building with drab grey furniture, offering more comfort then any of the other departments. Call it a little gig if you will, but BillyÂ’s and his girlfriendÂ’s future are brighter than mostÂ….that is, if they can abandon some addictive past time activities.

“They both had smart mouths but Jane’s was smarter. They both d to be one step ahead but Jane got there more often. Each wanted to be seen to take care of the other. Jane was better at it.”
- Guillermo Stitch

Murphy enforces the offer for Billy to join Gripping Tails®. He lets him go to think it over and sends some muscle suits on his trail for surveillance. If this wasn’t bad enough of a day, his girlfriend breaks up with him via text message and then goes missing. The next 24 hours become a race of life and death as danger looms in dark alleys and close to home. Too close!

***

This dystopian novella with Orwellian feel is enhanced with gritty, page turning suspense leaving the reader riveted and on the edge. Well written, it offers satirical moments and alarmingly suffocating elements, creating empathy for the characters in the world they live in. The thought provoking concept adds depth to the premise while the plot delivers unforeseeable twists.

To my surprise, this novella is a mighty piece of fiction. The characters are well developed and the measured writing delivers flawlessly. With the ending impossible to suspect, it left me lingering with my own thoughts of interpretationÂ…which is exactly the intent I think. I very much enjoyed this futuristic piece of noir.

I received a digital copy of 'Literature®' by the author in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you.

More of my can be found here: https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/
28 s L.S. PopovichAuthor 2 books388

Guillermo Stitch is starting off strong. This and his more recent Lake of Urine showcase a singular ability to incorporate dark comedy, magical realism, and slick writing chops.

This short novel is easy to read, but deep enough to keep me thinking about the world and characters afterward. The onset of futurism is rather subtle. Literature has become an illicit thing in the setting provided. Technology is no more explained than it is today, but it has changed - the reader is made to intuit certain inventions from interactions and clever product labels. We rely on gadgets more than ever, and they have infiltrated every facet of our existence.

The commodification of our lives, corporate bureaucracy. The tendency for conformity. A fast-paced satire on these topics emerges amid a fiercely compelling scenario, within a skewed world.

With a gift for dialogue and the quirky turns of phrase, Stitch entertains and simultaneously comments on our dystopian leanings, our social insecurities and the disconcerting aspects of our probable future.

A remarkably compact and thrilling read.2020 comedy satire ...more21 s Tan Markovic379 147

This was a weird and trippy, quick little sci fi novella and I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. We aren't quite sure where the book is set, but it takes place in a time where literature no longer exists.
The author has created a futuristic, dystopian world which is full of new tech, literature has been stripped from people and everything you do read and all media is completely controlled. I probably would have given this 4 stars if I hadn't felt lost in the plot so many times whilst reading it, but having said that it was overall a fun, interesting and enjoyable read! I really the simple black and white cover of the book as well; I'm excited to see what else the author has in store!

I would to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.from-author19 s Briar's Reviews2,006 536

Literature is a unique read that whisks you away to a dystopia where fiction is no more!

The writing style and plot line of this book work so well together. I had never imagined a plot this, and I loved it's creativity! Guillermo came up with such an interesting idea and it's not to be missed! This book can be seen as a drama or comedy in my opinion, or a lovely brand of satire.

Billy's life felt it could have been a short black and white or noir film that we'd see at Cannes or a big festival. I would love to see more in this universe, because the critique of art was so cool! I couldn't see the ending coming, which was also a nice change.

I highly recommend this read! It makes fun of today's art yet feels something that could happen. The word choice by Guillermo also paints this story's beautiful picture inside of your head - I felt I was in the story. This commentary on today's society is a must read from me!

Four out of five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.drama dystopia fiction ...more16 s Rebecca GransdenAuthor 19 books235

A short novella, taking in elements of dystopian fiction, noir, and science fiction. Set in a near and/or alternative future, the story centres on Billy. He is caught up in terrorist activities in the city, surreptitiously engaging in the reading of literature. In this version of the future all literature has been outlawed, the written word restricted to that which is mechanistic or utilitarian. There are those who are rebelling against this, by either collecting and archiving great works of fiction, reading it secretly, or at the most extreme end, daring to write fiction themselves.

The author creates an immersive near future, the settings evocative of stylish noir, with branding and corporatisation sewn into the background fabric. This is not overdone, which lets the world breathe. A love story unfolds, as does a slick and speedy thriller narrative. The ambiguities of the plot leave a dream impression, the swiftness of the novella adding to the staccato pacing. Not entirely successful but I was never bored.

Enjoyable quick blast of intrigue and disquiet. A memorable and fresh take on some classic themes and imagery. 10 s Sandra RuttanAuthor 25 books14

This review first appeared at Underground Book Reviews:

Have you ever tried to quit smoking? Gone on a fad diet and cut out sugar or soda? Unsuccessfully tried to put away the leftover Halloween candy without having one more piece? Billy Stringer is a former jock and current sports reporter whose girlfriendÂ’s brother starts him on a dangerous habit and soon he lives his life for the next fix. As he puts it, reading has opened up new worlds for him, and they are all more real than the one he inhabits.

The problem is, literature is illegal. You won’t get your hand slapped or have to pay a fine if you get caught. Those who are ‘Lit’ are being detained and executed.

In this future society “literature” has been reduced to something practical, something used in transit. The idea of literature as something that is used to transport people from place to place is symbolic and compelling in its own right, but the story doesn’t get weighed down by extensive exploration of the tech, although we start with our protagonist touring Gripping Tails, who are about to launch a new transit line.

When Billy is discovered to be ‘Lit’ his life is turned upside down. He finds himself fearing for the safety of his girlfriend and family. With counter terrorism prying into his life and a thug on his heels he tries to salvage his contribution to true literature and ensure the safety of those he loves.
The Recommendation

This is a dystopian thriller about the power of words and the worlds they can create. While a company has found a way to reduce formulaic text into a power source, the laws have evolved to ensure that anyone who harbors old literature or creates new material is put down. Non-conformity is a risk, and asking questions may cost you your life, as Billy Stringer learns. The story moves at a blistering pace and provides many surprising twists along the way, as well as some delicious prose of its own. Captivating and timely, with a perfect bittersweet ending.

****
Further note: This work stayed with me long after I finished the last page. It spoke to me as an author and as a reader. I processed further thoughts on Toe Six Press and interviewed the author there some time after I finished the book because I was still thinking about it. May just be my top read of 2018.9 s Phil Ballard1 review

A single day - and a bad one, at that- in the life of Billy Stringer. In a worldscape where fiction is banned and words have taken on a new power, Billy has become a hunted man. Is this a thriller? A love story? Yes to both of those, and more besides.

Literature® is a compelling adventure in a noir environment that evokes those of writers ranging from Philip K. Dick to Grant Naylor. I devoured it in one delightful sitting.

Chapeau, Mr Stitch.

I received a free copy in return for an honest review.8 s Kal ? Reader Voracious566 211

"The road is the page." Poor Billy Stringer is having a pretty rotten time. His girlfriend broke up with him, he's stuck living with his recluse mother, his only outfit is from his prom, and he botched his first big assignment as a journalist. Oh, and it appears that someone wants to kill him.

I was excited when the author contacted me to ask if I would to review his book because the synopsis sounded so interesting. A dystopian future where reading is banned? Yes please. Unfortunately while this novella is brimming with promise and a creative premise, I found the story lacking in execution. The novella had a strong start but I soon became lost in a lot of world jargon and I honestly have no idea what really was going on. Something about some kinds of fiction being used for fuel and people lay down while on their commute to work reading? Books are illegal because of the technology? Maybe? And why do text messages look this in this reality: "bili u cant do dis! I dint evn liv der enimor!"

I didn't understand why fiction became banned in the first place - although reading the synopsis now leads me to believe it is because people need to get to work? okay... - and without that knowledge I found it difficult to care for the backstory as it unfolded and everything tied together. I really did appreciate the appreciation for reading in a world where reading is banned and physical books had essentially been eradicated, as well as lines "He's lit. Too much Dickens and Dostoevsky and all that other trash."

Looking at the other I seem to be in the minority here, so just because this book wasn't for me doesn't mean that you won't enjoy it. It is a fast-paced read that can easily be devoured in one sitting, and those that enjoy noir-style books and dystopian flair will ly get a kick out of this one.

Many thanks to the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Blog | Twitter | Pinterestdystopia from-author science-fiction7 s Happy Booker1,445 89

Literature is a sci-fi novella. Billy Stinger is a terrorist that is always strapped for time and has some explaining to do with his life choices. The odds are definitely against him in this thrilling fictional story.

The story is just one day and begins with him showing up later for work, he has not dressed appropriately, and his girlfriend is not happy with him. BillyÂ’s character is interesting in the matter of being so particular. He isnÂ’t necessarily the hero nor is he the anti-hero. The mixture made a difference to this short story.

Since the story was short, I initially had my doubts if it was going to cover all the delicate elements of which a sci-fi story would need. The author eliminated this by jumping right in and letting the reader know everything right from the start.

The story is set in the future. However, it is not as scientifically advanced you would think a sci-fi story would be. Instead, the author appeared to take the more comical side of things and added a few odd social norm behaviors so the mix.

The literature was particularly strong, and it kept its standard up to the end. I would be very interested to read a longer tale from this author and recommend this book as a short read.7 s Bryan WigmoreAuthor 2 books10

9/10, rounded down. This is a fast-paced read with bags of atmosphere, and an accomplished, confident style that gives a classic/future noir-ish feel without ever seeming a pastiche. Once you accept the set-up, the main character Billy feels completely real and I found myself very much rooting for him. The way the backstory is fed into the man narrative is also very well done. The sci-fi element, the set up of the future world and the way in which "real" literature has become so subversive and "fake" literature so valuable to the corporations and government, could perhaps have stood some more explanation. For someone who s to believe the author has watertight answers for how things in his world work and got that way, even if the details aren't forthcoming, I found this aspect a little frustrating. Having said that, the futuristic aspects are certainly thought-provoking, which is probably the point, and I definitely recommend the book.6 s Emily3 1 follower

The story grabbed me in the first few pages and pulled me into the authorÂ’s distorted, dystopian world; at once both bizarre and yet frighteningly familiar. I canÂ’t think of anyone to whom I would not highly recommend this book.

The protagonist is immediately relatable and, the best thrillers, I found myself desperately rooting for him to get through this day-in-the-life adventure. However this is also totally un anything else I have read. It appears to cross more than one genre and it is impossible to predict what is going to happen. I was genuinely upset at the end, not because of the way it ended, but because I wanted to keep going. There was so much rich material here, the brevity of the novella seemed too limiting.

All that aside, my favorite thing about this book is the writing style. Stitch writes with a wit and nuance that charms and chills. I was laughing and in anguish in equal measure. Guillermo Stitch has a rare talent for word craft and pacing and I look forward to more from this author.

I was given a free copy of this work in exchange for a fair and honest review.6 s Edward HigginsAuthor 1 book157

A wonderfully-written novella charting the course of a single chaotic day in the life of the protagonist – Billy Stringer – in a strange, noirish world where fiction novels have been outlawed.

The intricate story unfolds quickly; and, as Stringer swiftly succumbs to the sauce, a sudden – and fairly unexpected – love story rapidly bubbles to the surface.

Literature is a beautifully-rendered story, mixing the cynicism and moral ambiguity of classic noir fiction with startling flashes of humour and some disarmingly tender moments.

A thoroughly recommended debut.6 s Stephen Levin1 review

It was a great read. The plotÂ’s premise was just unsettling enough to trap my interest and all of my attempts to guess what was gong to happen, happily failed. But there was much more to the book than the plot. The authorÂ’s style gave depth to the main character, turning an otherwise hapless individual into a true hero. It is not a long book, but it is a very very worthwhile read. 6 s William L Spencer1 review

I was fortunate enough to discover the first chapter "Literature" on a writing site, and finding it hilarious said as much to Guillermo. I then was allowed to read each following chapter, the whole book. To put it in its simplest terms, "Literature" is one of the most entertaining books I've had the pleasure to read, anywhere, at any time.
The book picked me up and carried me along into a world where in order to keep the traffic moving (and we've all seen video of Los Angeles traffic), literature of all types—books—must be chewed up and re-purposed into the roadways, the highways, the freeways over which the vehicles run. And so of course there is a huge corporation that does this, managed by a slick, fast-talking operator named Murphy. And then there is our hero, Billy Stringer, sportswriter for the Herald.
Murphy wants to recruit Billy to come to work for him, cranking out literature for the roadways:
"I was reading a piece of yours while you were on your way up here. The play-offs piece? A nice enough piece, but a dead giveaway. You might think you're being clever, but it's riddled with literary pretension."
Poor Billy, his love of books, the seemingly unattainable woman he loves, the never-ending mess he seems to make of things when, hey, all he's doing is trying to find his way through a life that seems impossibly complicated.
The joke that hovers over the whole thing is that "Literature" is itself literature of a darkish noir shade. If you exceptional writing and a rattling good fast-paced story with plenty of mystery and romance, you'll love "Literature."5 s Liz (Quirky Cat)4,561 72

I received an advanced copy of Literature in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Literature is a novella by Guillermo Stitch, and I love just how unique the concept of this story was. Imagine a world where fiction is illegal. More than that, really. ItÂ’s considered almost deviant to enjoy, write, or read fiction. Picture prohibition but for books. ThatÂ’s the world that Billy lives in, and it is not a world well suited for him (nor me, for that matter, but thatÂ’s hardly the point, is it?).
While this novella probably doesnÂ’t fit the strictest definitions of a dystopian story, IÂ’m going to stick that label on there. I mean, who wants to live in a world where authors canÂ’t write what theyÂ’re passionate about? Where readers canÂ’t leisurely walk into a bookstore and pick up the latest science fiction or fantasy book of their choice. ThatÂ’s no world IÂ’d want to live in.
Guillermo takes us on a fantastic ride through this dystopian novella, with Billy at the steering wheel. I donÂ’t envy the man or the position heÂ’s put himself into, but thereÂ’s no escaping the events heÂ’s set in motion.
It took me a couple of pages to really get into this story. The trademarks and copyright logos kept throwing me out of the immersion at first. I got used to them though – their point and purpose in this story becomes more clear and defined with time. I think it was by the second chapter I was sold though, eagerly eating up the pages and looking for more.
I would love to see more writing from this world, even if I find the thought of actually living there utterly exhausting. Guillermo is not only a fantastic writer, but theyÂ’ve got some creative ideas to back those skills up. I canÂ’t wait to see what they come up with next.


2018-reads5 s Mike D22 5

It you the thrill of the chase you get from hard-boiled and neo-noir, but need the extra intellectual stimulation of exploring deeper themes, then Literature® should be your next go to novella. The sci-fi conceit is admittedly kind of far out there, but the excellent hook and fast narrative pace will suspend the disbelief of all save the most fervent hard science fiction fans. Clever prose and a dense, fast paced narrative make Literature® a home run. 5 s Daire O'1 review

I enjoyed this book.... It's a well written tight novel which touches on many relevant modern life themes while all the time delivered with a dry sardonic wit that keeps you entertained and looking forward to the next scene. In his dystopian slightly off kilter world, the main character Billy proves to be a likable (while unly) hero who falls into the underground 'literary scene' by accident. His story is told through flashbacks and narration as the book follows his life through a 24 hour period.

Where Guillermo's Literature® differs from similar dystopian reimaginings such as Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror is that the ending while in many ways inevitable still leaves us with hope that all is not lost for Billy's cause.

5 s Mike Siedschlag391 16

Literature® is an interesting spin on the dystopian theme, corporate rule. In this world reading books is considered rebellion. I didn't get a good sense of why though. (We Goodreads members would be the subversives here). Our hero, Billy, is the hapless and clueless pawn in the conflict.



A bit choppy for me, time frames changed without warning. We eventually wind up with a man running for his life. Well written and complex, but it left me a bit unsatisfied at the ending. Don't get me wrong, the ending was beautifully written and emotionally engaging. Just unfulfilling for me. I got the feeling that I missed something important along the way, or maybe that I am just not cerebral enough to get the full benefit from Literature®.



If you cerebral and at times ambiguous motivation, go for it. Enjoy!

5 s Jontepojken1 review

The best endorsement of this book is that I raced through it in a single sitting. Tight, witty and evocative writing made this an intriguing and absorbing story. Noir in the style of Chandler and Hammett with a dash of Blade Runner. The author builds the back story of Billy while a day from hell unfolds around him leading to a brilliantly executed finale. Unreservedly recommended!

I received a free copy of the book from the author in return for an honest review.5 s Robert UllrichAuthor 16 books89

First book I've read by the Author. It is a very interesting look at a potential future where books and what we read are strongly controlled. Pay attention when reading! It's a short but very complex read in some ways. If you value the freedom writing gives to you as a reader or author, I recommend "Literature" by Mr. Guillermo Stitch. (Those that know me, know this is a wordy review for me. It means if I took the time to write this much, you should make time to read "Literature). 2019-challenge4 s Katja S1 review

This brilliantly written novella, for all its brevity, manages to work on more than one level; it's a tragic love story on one and on another a thrilling “hunter/hunted” noir. And, in a strange way, it's also a meditation on the commoditisation of art.

The timeline is a single day in the life of Billy Stringer, the main character. He's in big trouble, in way over his head with a dangerous organization that consider him a target because of his association with an underground movement that distributes illegal books (basically, any fiction book is illegal in this world). He becomes increasingly desperate (and drunk) over the course of the day as it starts to look more and more curtains for him. He's believable and relatable, and quite a lovable character.

There is also a backstory – the series of events that got him into this pickle – that is gradually, and cleverly, revealed. It's also where the love story comes in.

I found the book fast-paced and full of surprises. The prose is very lean and hard-boiled, sometimes beautiful and often funny and the story manages, in the end, to be a touching one.

Thoroughly recommended.

I was provided with a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.4 s Phil James382 3

Came across this book reviewed in the paper and it sounded really interesting and it did not let me down. It is about a guy, living in the future, where novels are banned. Similar to 1984 about a somewhat distopian future it is sharp, witty and well paced. I enjoyed the fact that it is only about 100 pages so I read it in a day. Well worth a read if you're looking for something different. 4 s Marc NashAuthor 18 books394

Video review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjN4p...4 s Jenna “Meadow” | The Book of Meadow254 60

*3.8 Stars*

It took me a little while to get into Literature ®, which is why I had to give it a little lower than 4 stars. Especially because with a novella, every word counts in making the story. However, overall, I definitely enjoyed this novella and Guillermo Stitch‘s writing style with the wit and carefully chosen wording he uses throughout the story.

The intricate story of Billy StrangerÂ’s last few years and this very chaotic day unfolds quickly, flashing back to some past moments that has lead him to this sad and yet thrilling day.

Billy lives in a dystopian world where fiction novels are banned, and Stitch does a wonderful job of adding some small details that hint at how a lack of reading material affects the literary skills of people. There are also poignant reminders of the past that add to the dark humor and observations, while adding some touching moments that made you pause or relate a bit terrifyingly to the main character.

I did enjoy all of this, but I would have d a little more explanation, especially in the beginning of the book. I got a bit lost and found myself rereading sentences a few times, thinking I missed a crucial explanation, and confused as to why there were so many trademarks, ®, on all of the words. It started to make more sense about 20% or so into the book, but there were times I was still a bit confused as to what was really going on. It definitely makes more of an impact in this short story form, but I think a few additions of scenes or explanations on this dystopian world that Stitch created would have made me enjoy it even more.

I would certainly recommend it to readers interested in dystopian worlds and an interesting quick read.

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Blog2018 arc post-apocalyptic4 s Katherine Graham5 2

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of 'Literature' and can happily report that it is a brilliantly entertaining and extremely well-written novella.

'Literature' takes place in a world in which fiction has been outlawed and reading has become an act of terrorism. Here books are carefully, ominously, controlled and repurposed as infrastructure to keep motorways moving, and all other literature is pushed deep underground.

Taking place over the course of a single, action packed day in the life of its protagonist, Billy Stringer, the narrative zips along at a thrilling pace. Appropriately named, Stringer is a sports correspondent for a newspaper who is recruited to join the production line churning out acceptable literature for the roads. This offer sets in motion a frenzy of activity for Stringer who has to sweat and squirm his way through the menacing recruitment process while trying to dispose of some compromising material of his own. As well as zipping forward in plot, the narrative also takes us back to happier times, as the trope of an absent girlfriend is turned into a rather touching love story.

A clever interweaving of speculative fiction, dystopian visions, and classic noir, what’s most striking about Literature is the quality of the writing. The prose is lean and spare with moments of beauty fizzing through showing just enough of the ‘literary bent’ so dangerous to our hero. It is also very funny.

Thoroughly, thoroughly recommended, especially for those of us who to read on our commutes.5 s Teresa242 1 follower


It's not often I come across anything as different and unique as Literature but it always a pleasure when such a book comes my way.

Also, novellas do not seem to be a particularly popular format for story telling these days but when done well, and it has been done excellently here, it is an exciting format that is long enough for the reader to have time to really feel invested in the story and the characters without going on so long that the reader becomes jaded and loses interest.

There is no over long introduction, no getting to know the life history of all the characters in intimate details. Instead the reader has their attention grabbed by action immediately and then not let go until the end of the story.

Billy Stringer is the main character, the focus of the story. He lives in a world where fiction is illegal but the main passion of his life is reading stories.

Fiction is used to propel society forward, quite literally, It keeps the traffic moving, it gets people to and from work. It has a use and cannot be wasted on something as mundane as enjoyment.

The story is set in the future and uses technology not yet invented which makes it Science Fiction, but it is also about love and loss, about standing up for one's principles, about solving a crime. It fits into multiple genres but the writing itself always remains clear and concise. With writing so lean and sparse every word carries it own weight and has to earn its place in the story. The result is an elegance of style where a future world is described in a way that would make Phillip Marlowe feel at home.

Nothing is simple, nothing is straightforward. Everything needs to be read and reread to extract the full meaning and even then there are layers unmined.

Of all the books I have read this year there are few that I have kept aside for rereading. This one is at the top of the pile and I know it will be read and read and read again in order to gain a better understanding of the complexity of the world Mr Stitch has created. 2018 ebooks3 s John Higgins15 2

What a fascinating book. What a strange and mad thing to have birthed into the world. “Literature” is a book about being intoxicated by language. Billy Stringer, our hero, is often intoxicated by whiskey too: this is a hardboiled, hat-wearing world: a neon neo-noir where people are fuelled on a diet of eggs and coffee and nobody sleeps. But words are his drug of choice, his secret obsession. Sadly for him he lives in a philistine age where literature has been re-purposed as fuel. It is the dream of every conservative politician: finally a practical use for the arts! Here “the road is the page” and the motorist’s brain fizzing on fiction (it has to be fiction – it just doesn’t work with a sporting memoir) powers the car.

This is great news – the world of “The Second Enlightenment” can finally manage and rationalise these dangerous and seditious objects, these books. And when you’re up against the literary terrorist cell “Gilgamesh” that can only be a good thing. After all suppressing ideas never works, but finding a way to use books for the betterment of society – by getting people to work – robs Gilgamesh of their power. What’s so great about literature if it’s everywhere, fuelling your school run? It is simultaneously elevated and debased.

This book is a sustained howl of outrage at our dumbed-down society. Stitch sees a world where the best-selling books are memoirs by 15 years old You-tube influencers, where emojis and text-speak proliferate germs at a sewage outlet, treading water with their mouths open. This is satire in a grand tradition: Fahrenheit 451 but with better jokes.

Stitch’s world is reversed engineered out of a dazzling armoury of tooth-rattling puns – a vehicle that resembles a steel armadillo is known as a “Car-A-Pace” and follows the tale with its tail. Stitch can throw in these puns and get away with them too, because his tone is so deadpan and pedantic: he builds a fully functioning world about these little linguistic ruptures: he means it, man. And of course he doesn’t mean it at all.

In the novel Billy’s gateway drug is Harry Harrison’s “The Stainless Steel Rat”: James Bolivar diGriz is a fast talking, cigar chomping wise guy super-thief. Our Billy is somewhat less glamorous than his literary hero: badly dressed, recently dumped and living with his drunken mother. What’s worse he is now being followed all over town by the gigantic and cheerfully malevolent Alphonse, who has a big knife and a yen to use it. Never get involved with literature – that stuff can kill you!
This is a beautifully realised book and Stitch a clever and precise writer; there is restraint and coolness here, at odds with the subject matter. And there is love here, a genuine love for the magic and mystery of the imagination. As for Billy’s ultimate fate, well that’s about love too: there is an inversion of Rilke’s dictum that “Beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror”. His terror behind him Billy is about to become the beautiful.

This is an excellent book. Read it. While they still let you.
3 s Olga MiretAuthor 42 books244

Short but perfectly formed. Highly recommended. I write this review as a member of RosieÂ’s Book Review Team and thank Rosie and the author for providing me an ARC copy of this novella, which I freely chose to review.
It is difficult to describe the reading experience of Literature. I have read comparing it to noir novels (absolutely, especially the voice of the characters and some of the situations), to Fahrenheit 451 (inevitable due to the plot, where fiction has been banned and nobody can possess or read books) and 1984 (although we donÂ’t get a lot of detail of the way the world is being run, the sense of claustrophobia and continuous surveillance, and the way terrorism is defined are definitely there), and even Blade Runner (perhaps, although Literature is far less detailed and much more humorous). I did think about all of those while I read it, is true, although it is a pretty different experience to all of them.
Billy Stringer is a mixture of the reluctant hero and the looser/anti-hero type. The novella shares only one day of his life, but, what a day! Let’s say it starts badly (things hadn’t been going right for Billy for a while at the point when we meet him) and it goes downhill from there. The story is told in the third-person but solely from Billy’s point of view, and we are thrown right in. There is no world-building or background information. We just share in Billy’s experiences from the start, and although he evidently knows the era better than we do, he is far from an expert when it comes to the actual topic he is supposed to cover for his newspaper that day. He is a sports journalist covering an important item of news about a technological/transportation innovation.  We share in his confusion and easily identify with him. Apart from the action, he is involved in, which increases exponentially as the day moves on, there are also flashbacks of his past. There is his failed love story, his friendship with his girlfriend’s brother, and his love for books.
The story is set in a future that sounds technologically quite different to our present, but not so ideologically different (and that is what makes it poignant and scary, as well as funny). People smoke, but you can get different versions of something equivalent to cigarettes, but they are all registered (it seems everything is registered). And you can drink alcohol as well (and Billy does, as it pertains to a hero in a noir novel). Transportation has become fundamental and it has developed its own fascinating-sounding technology (the descriptions of both, the vehicles and the process are riveting). It has to be fed by stories, by fiction, although literature itself has been banned. We get to know how this works and, let me tell you that itÂ’s quite beautiful.
The book is short and I donÂ’t want to spoil the story for readers, but I can tell you the writing is excellent and it is exquisitely edited. Despite its brevity, I could not help but share a couple of snippets.
“You her?” he said. He was looking at the knife a person might look at an especially favored kitten. “Been with me a long time,” he said. “She’s an old lady now. But she’s still sharp.” He looked up at Billy. “I keep her that way.”
In a day very generously populated with problems, JaneÂ’s kid brother was BillyÂ’s newest.
I loved the ending of the book. It is perhaps not standard noir, but nothing is standard in this book.
I recommend it to anybody interested in discovering a new and talented writer, with a love for language and for stories that are challenging, playful, and fascinating. A treat.3 s Mari LivTollefsonCarlson169 9

Autor del comentario:
=================================