American Soma
Stories by Savannah Schroll Guz
Trade Paperback
Price: $10
With a nod to the chemically-induced contentment of Huxley’s Brave New World,“American Soma” explains how a friction-filled democratic system is lubricated by partisan politicians and commercial interests.
“Evolution”, written during the Dover Area School District’s Intelligent Design Trials, describes the adaptations caused by mankind’s heavy reliance on synthetic hormones and toxic polymers.
Twenty other fables and letters explore alternate histories, the colonial nature of late capitalism, pained yet comic souls, the obsessions of lucid maniacs, and an imagined advance towards the Apocalypse. Concerned and politically aware, Guz examines the lurking evils of contemporary society and the darker corners of human nature.
Check out the American Soma reader’s guide, in .pdf format. Discussion questions relate to the stories and should (well, hopefully!) be useful for discussion groups. Food for thought and whatnot.
Check out the American Soma blog!
Published June 2009