The future may not be bright but it's hilarious.
In tales that criss cross the Atlantic, Tomorrow's World transports the reader into the future where even dreams can be controlled - but it seems that the future's not all it's cracked up to be. In England, Terrence finds himself disillusioned in a world of drudgery, compensation claim drones and a relentlessly rising retirement age. Across the pond, Walter has harnessed the power of age-defying medication in a bid to prosper indefinitely - at any expense. What could possibly go wrong?
With its dark humour and gripping narrative, Tomorrow's World paints a vivid picture of a future that's a little too close for comfort.
'Because in Tomorrow's World, Guy has seen the writing on the wall. And it's in emojis' - Adam Riley, Comedian
'This book will certainly have you turning the pages to see what happens next ...' - The Daily Squib
If you like black comedy you'll love Tomorrow's World.
40,251 words/2.5 hours reading time
'If you like a dystopian story set in the future with a lot of humour, I recommend giving this book a read.' - Goodreads Reviewer
Through short scenes flipping between various levels of society, we're taken year by year through a future full of psychotic capitalism, hyper-branding and extreme virtual reality.
This is a world not a million miles removed from our own, where celebrities are worshipped like gods, drones are as common as pigeons and life expectancies for the rich are becoming biblical.
You thought people were pissed off with the 1%? Just wait until you see how they react to the 0.1%.
Like all great visionary satires, the book takes our current foibles and obsessions to their logical, gruesome and absurd conclusions. And it'll make you laugh out loud along the way.
That's because Guy's particular vein of dark humour is on show in each prescient and deadpan vignette. These are not just about our near future. By giving us caustic glimpses through the best part of two hundred years of political, social and cultural upheaval, Tomorrow's World is constantly evolving.
In essence, it's a warning about the ramifications of a grotesquely ageing population, as demonstrated by recurring characters Walter and Terrence: American plutocrat and British worker respectively.
It may be great living to over 150. But how would you feel if you had to work for an extra half a century or so?
As well as being a quick, exciting, provocative read, like flash fiction collected into a coherent novel, Tomorrow's World is also a plea to put down the VR headset and experience life directly. Because nothing lasts forever.
A darkly humorous, satirical extravaganza
"I enjoy science fiction, dystopias and satire and this book was a combination of all three" - Goodreads Review
"... a hilarious satire about the next 180 years" - Reader
"I binge watched Black Mirror a while back and that show was 'Dark Humour' very much in the same vein" - Goodreads Review
"I'm missing my black mirror fix and so this book came at a great time" - Goodreads Review
Guy Portman is known for his scathing insights, satirical observations and dark humour. His novels include the well-received Necropolis Trilogy, featuring memorable sociopathic protagonist, Dyson Devereux. Guy lives in (present day) England.
Also by Guy Portman:
The Necropolis Trilogy (#1 Necropolis, #2 Sepultura, #3 Golgotha) - 800+ Ratings & Reviews on Goodreads