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Joey is simply trying to keep his dwindling family alive in a world where it’s become illegal to even think differently. The Corporation government has taken over the United States of America and turned it into the Incorporated Precincts of America (or the IPA), where the states have become Precincts and the towns Wards. The streets are patrolled by the Son’s of Liberty, who will happily shoot you first and ask questions later if you’re caught out in the open after curfew.
Food is scarce in Joey’s ward, after the Does bombed the ration supply warehouse, and people are frequently disappearing into so called Liberty Camps, where they’re worked to death, or worse, brainwashed. The IPA is trying to invade Canada to the north, while the Mexicans to the south ally with their Canadian brothers.
Year Zero grabbed me from the very first sentence, as it built a feeling of tension and fear. No one trusts anyone, with neighbours being afraid to speak their mind, just in case they’re reported for free thinking and carted off to the Liberty Camps.
This is a futuristic dystopian nightmare – where programs are broadcast on giant screens and are mandatory viewing. Manhunt is such a program, where captured, so-called rebels are left to try and escape their imminent death at the hands of the Sons of Liberty. Even children as young as six are made to watch this televised brutality.
When Joey brings home a contraband, bright red journal, he begins to document the daily life in his Ward. He gives a brief history lesson on how the United States fell into this dictatorial nightmare, even while he muses that this could be a death sentence for him. His bravery and determination to tell the truth is commendable and gut-wrenching.
There’s definitely tones of The Hunger Games in Year Zero – but don’t let that put you off this incredible novel. Lugo manages to switch from first person to omnipresent narration with skill; moving from Joey’s simple and sincere honesty, to Harlan’s conflicted and confused rumination about his colleagues and the Cooperation.
S. A.
Originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery as part of their ARC Program. Read it here.
You can buy Year Zero by clicking on the book title. It’s also available to read as part of Kindle Unlimited.