Golden State

Ben H. Winters

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In the future world of 'Golden State' by Ben H. Winters, California has become a country where truth is the ultimate law, and lying is considered a grave crime. The protagonist, Laszlo Ratesic, works as a speculator, a truth enforcer who investigates crimes based on the concept of truth. As he delves into a seemingly accidental death, he uncovers anomalies that lead to a complex and dangerous investigation. The novel combines elements of a crime thriller with a dystopian setting, exploring themes of reality, truth, and the consequences of living in a society built on absolute truth.

'Golden State' presents a unique world where lying is forbidden, and every action is monitored to maintain the truth. The story follows Laszlo's journey as he navigates a society where fiction is unknown, and all aspects of life are recorded. The novel weaves together a mystery plot with thought-provoking questions about truth, society, and the nature of reality, creating a compelling narrative that challenges readers' perceptions.

Characters:

Characters are thoughtfully crafted, with the protagonist providing depth through his struggles and relationships in a challenging society.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging, blending noir elements with a speculative touch that draws readers into the unique setting.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative begins as a gripping murder mystery that shifts into a complex exploration of truth and reality in a world where lying is severely punished.

Setting:

The setting is a meticulously crafted, dystopian version of California where truth is absolute, and deception is punished.

Pacing:

Pacing varies, starting slow to establish context before quickening during the mystery's unfolding, but slowing again towards a confusing conclusion.

The extraordinary events detailed herein were either experienced firsthand by the author or, when relayed second- or thirdhand, have been double-checked (triple-, where possible), verified, and certif...

Notes:

The novel is set in a future California called the Golden State, which is isolated from the rest of the U.S.

In this society, telling a lie is the worst crime and can lead to severe punishments, including exile.

All citizens must document their daily interactions and events in a personal journal known as a Day Book.

Winters explores themes of truth and reality in a world where everything is recorded and monitored.

The society employs agents known as Speculators, who have the ability to sense lies.

Fiction and dreams are illegal, and even the concept of 'what if' is forbidden.

The protagonist, Lazslo Ratesic, works as a law enforcement officer in the Speculative Service, investigating crimes related to truth.

The backdrop of the story is a critique of current issues such as fake news and the manipulation of information.

As the story progresses, it shifts from a murder mystery to a deeper exploration of subjective truth and human connection.

The narrative features a complex and thought-provoking world that challenges readers' perceptions of truth.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of government surveillance, loss, violence, psychological manipulation, and general dystopian fear.

From The Publisher:

'A prescient, devastating commentary on humanity's disintegrating attachment to reality and truth... Winters has written a 1984 for the 21st century. Not just a thrilling book, but an important one'

Blake Crouch, author of Dark Matter and TV series Wayward Pines

'A dystopia for our times' Financial Times

'A wry commentary on our current era' Guardian

Welcome to Golden State, where the worst crime you can commit is to lie.

Laz Ratesic is a veteran of the State's special police. Those in power rely on Laz to discover the full and final truth.

But when a man falls from a roof in suspicious circumstances, it sets in motion a terrifying series of events which will shatter Laz's world for ever.

Because when those in control of the truth decide to twist it, only those with the power to ask questions can fight back.

Golden State is an ambitious and frighteningly timely novel set in a world where everything is recorded and no one can be trusted. For anyone who loved The Handmaid's Tale, The Power and Station Eleven.

'Pacy and compelling' SFX

'Golden State is fascinating, cutting and ultimately inspiring' SciFiNow

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About the Author:

Ben H. Winters is the author of nine novels, including most recently the New York Times bestselling Underground Airlines. His novel Countdown City was an NPR Best Book of 2013 and the winner of the Philip K. Dick Award for Distinguished Science Fiction, and The Last Policeman was the recipient of the 2012 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America; it was also named one of the Best Booksof 2012 by Amazon.com and Slate. Ben also writes books for children and his journalism has appeared in The Chicago Reader, The Nation, In These Times, USA Today and Huffington Post. He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and their three children.

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