Response to Kirkus Review: Understanding the Core of "A Future Without"
I genuinely appreciate Kirkus Reviews for taking the time to engage with my book. I’m grateful for the observation that the "premises are intriguing and immediately bring to mind the fragility of our current world in the face of climate change and other threats." This insight touches on a key intention behind the book—drawing attention to the delicate balance of our existence and the potential consequences of both large and small disruptions. The review has sparked substantial debate and interest in the Science Fiction Writers and Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors Facebook groups, and I’m thrilled that it’s encouraging such meaningful discussions within the community.
However, I’d like to offer some additional context to the review’s interpretation. The core of A Future Without isn't about crafting elaborate conclusions or indulging in speculative utopias. Instead, it’s about leaving each story open-ended, deliberately inviting readers to engage in discussion and debate. The focus is on the dialogue that emerges when everyday elements, whether as familiar as French fries or as vital as motivation, suddenly disappear.
In our world, any change or loss prompts a series of reactions, discussions, and adaptations. My goal was to reflect this dynamic within each story. The outcome isn’t meant to be definitive or final; rather, it’s designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking. How do we adapt when something we take for granted is no longer there? These are the questions I hope will linger in readers' minds.
I view the imagination in the book as centered on exploring the removal of fundamental aspects of life and how society might adapt. The stories are less about creating perfect worlds and more about provoking thought around the absence of elements we often overlook. The imaginative challenge lies in considering the impact of such disappearances—on our perceptions, behaviors, and identities.
To illustrate, consider some of the concepts in the book, each explored in separate stories: the disappearance of waiting, crossroads, the moon and the stars. These scenarios challenge core aspects of our reality and encourage readers to think deeply about how such fundamental changes would alter human existence. In this way, the stories push the boundaries of speculative fiction, inviting readers to engage with concepts that are both unusual and thought-provoking.
It’s also important to note that most episodes in the book do not conclude in utopia. For example, in the story "A Future Without Failure," the world initially rejoices when failure disappears, but soon realizes that without failure, creativity, innovation, and personal growth suffer. This story ends with society craving the very challenges and risks that are necessary for survival and fulfillment. This narrative, like many others in the book, reflects the idea that the absence of something essential can lead to unforeseen and often troubling consequences.
I also suggest that readers approach the book slowly, taking in one story at a time rather than reading them consecutively. Experiencing the stories in quick succession might indeed feel monotonous, but reading each story individually allows for more space to reflect, discuss, and think deeply about the themes presented. This pace is more conducive to the kind of thoughtful engagement that the book seeks to inspire.
Moreover, the book encourages not just individual reflection but interaction among readers. The open-ended nature of each story is intended to facilitate brainstorming and discussions, allowing readers to exchange ideas and explore various perspectives together. This interactive element adds another layer of imagination and creativity, making the book a platform for collective exploration rather than a collection of isolated tales.
Given the book’s potential to inspire meaningful conversations and debates, I hope that libraries might consider making it available to their patrons. The open-ended stories provide an excellent opportunity to engage with different perspectives, fostering critical thinking and dialogue among a wide audience, including young teenagers and adults.
Additionally, university professors—whether in English, writing, literacy, or even fields like medicine, physics, and other sciences—might find the stories valuable for sparking discussions among students. A possible homework assignment could involve asking students to write their own short story inspired by the book, allowing them to explore similar themes and ideas in their own creative ways.
Ultimately, the true value of the book lies not in the endings but in the questions it raises and the discussions it provokes. I invite readers to explore these deeper themes and join the conversation.
Thank you for taking the time to explore these ideas, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
Sincerely yours,
Uri Kartoun
