2028
By Ken Saunders
Allen & Unwin, 2018
$29.99
This satirical novel is set in Australia’s near future and revolves around an accident-prone Liberal Prime Minister running a hopeless election campaign.ÌýÌý
The setting is near enough to be uncomfortably recognisable but allows Ken Saunders to stretch out today’s neo-liberal realities to the point of absurdity.Ìý
For example, in the world ofÌý2028,ÌýAustralia Post delivers all articles by drone. As a sideline, the drones do filming for the major TV news services — thus eliminating all human camera teams.Ìý
In fact, inÌý2028Ìýthe only news outlet still publishing a newspaper is 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly!ÌýÌý
The book’s cover features rave reviews from some of Australia’s leading comics praising it.ÌýCompared to those extravagant claims, I foundÌýit rather tame.ÌýIt is gently humorous and politically, saccharine-liberal.
2028Ìýis a light read, good enough to while away the time if you are on holiday with a few laughs.