Hello America
Author: J. G. Ballard
Genre: Science Fiction
Year: 1981
Rating: 9 of 10
Another feverish nightmare vision of post-apocalyptic landscapes and characters filled with obsession and confusion. This time Ballard takes on a picture of America one hundred years after and environmental collapse. The grand-children of refugees who have fled the U.S. to Europe return on an expedition to determine the cause of radioactivity in the atmosphere. One of the things I found most interesting about this novel is that Ballard altered his style drastically for the narrative. Where usually his style is British to the core, in this book he abandons his usual voice and for the most part writes in an American style. This shift in voice is further proof to me that Ballard is a true master of the English language. While many of the themes in this book are similar to those found in his other novels this one differs in that it is an exploration of the insanity of the American dream. It even features a madman who has modeled himself after Charles Manson and declared himself the 45th President of the United States. Well worth a read.
Purchase: Buy!