The Wine of Violence by James Morrow is a science fiction fable that explores the theme of aggression versus pacifism through a story set on the planet Luta. The plot revolves around an outsider who lands on the planet and discovers a society where violent impulses are channeled into a river of liquefied hate. As the protagonist's new lover partakes of this wine of violence, the narrative delves into the consequences of suppressing aggression and the challenges of maintaining utopian pacifism in a chaotic world. Morrow's writing style combines satire, social commentary, and elements of fable to create a thought-provoking and entertaining narrative that explores serious questions while maintaining a light and amused tone.
From The Publisher:
On a distant planet, two human societies keep an uneasy equilibrium-one nonviolent, the other ferocious-in this "triumphant writing performance" ( Atlantic City Press ).
A fact-finding mission has crash-landed on a harsh world, leaving entomologist Francis Lostwax and physicist Burne Newman marooned. The scientists are rescued by a mysterious society whose inhabitants are wholly incapable of murder, assault, rape, or any other form of aggression. Protected by a river made of liquid hate, the descendants of Quetzalia's original human colonists have devised a strange techno-religion that has in turn engendered a culture of total pacifism.
While Burne undertakes to rid the planet of the savage and menacing brain-eaters that flourish beyond the utopia's walls, Francis cultivates his romantic feelings for Tez Yon, the Quetzalian surgeon who saved his life. But the entomologist's obsession with Tez's soul leads him down a dark and twisted path, in time confronting him with a terrible dilemma. Should he murder the woman he loves to save a society he abhors?
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