State of Paradise by Laura van den Berg
In her latest novel “State of Paradise,” acclaimed author Laura van den Berg crafts a mesmerizing tale that blends elements of speculative fiction, psychological thriller, and existential exploration. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic-ravaged Florida, the story follows an unnamed narrator as she navigates the strange occurrences and shifting realities that unfold in her hometown. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, van den Berg weaves a narrative that challenges the reader’s perception of truth and reality, ultimately posing profound questions about the nature of identity and the human experience.
The novel begins with the narrator, a ghostwriter for a famous thriller author, returning to her mother’s house in Florida to care for her dying father during the early days of the pandemic. As the narrator and her husband settle into their temporary home, they witness the gradual unraveling of their once-familiar surroundings. The arrival of a virtual reality device called MIND’S EYE, distributed by a tech company called ELECTRA, further exacerbates the sense of unease as the town’s residents become increasingly absorbed in the immersive technology.
The narrator’s own past trauma, including a stay in a psychiatric institution, resurfaces as she grapples with the strange occurrences in her hometown. Flashbacks to her time at the Institute and the events leading up to her breakdown provide insight into her fragile psyche and the challenges she has faced in reconciling her past with her present.
As the narrative progresses, the town descends into chaos. People begin to disappear, sinkholes open up, and the weather becomes increasingly erratic. The narrator’s sister, who has become obsessed with MIND’S EYE, goes missing during a violent rainstorm, only to return days later, claiming to have visited another dimension. This event propels the narrator into a surreal investigation that leads her to uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of her town and the virtual reality technology that has ensnared its residents.
Throughout the novel, van den Berg blurs the lines between reality and illusion, challenging the reader to question the nature of truth and the reliability of perception. The narrator’s own journey of self-discovery mirrors the larger themes of the story, as she grapples with the elusive nature of identity and the ways in which our experiences shape who we are.
The unnamed narrator serves as the central figure in the novel, guiding readers through the strange occurrences and her own personal struggles. Her past trauma and her work as a ghostwriter add depth to her character, highlighting the ways in which her identity has been shaped by her experiences.
The narrator’s sister, who becomes increasingly obsessed with MIND’S EYE, represents the allure of escapism and the dangers of losing oneself in virtual reality. Her disappearance and subsequent return serve as a catalyst for the narrator’s investigation into the town’s mysteries.
The narrator’s husband, a historian researching medieval pilgrimages, provides a grounding presence in the story. His passion for running and his fascination with the town’s geological quirks add an intriguing layer to the narrative.
The tech company ELECTRA and its virtual reality device MIND’S EYE serve as the primary antagonists in the novel. Their role in the town’s strange occurrences and the disappearances of its residents raises questions about the dangers of technology and the manipulation of reality.
“State of Paradise” is a masterful exploration of the human experience in a world that is constantly shifting and evolving. Through her vivid prose and imaginative storytelling, Laura van den Berg challenges readers to question their assumptions about reality and to confront the complexities of their own lives. The novel’s blend of speculative fiction and psychological depth makes it a compelling and thought-provoking read that will linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned.
State of Paradise by Laura van den Berg | Goodreads
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