Debut author Morell masterfully delivers a frighteningly plausible dystopian tale in which much of Kansas and swathes of other states in the region secedes from the Union and declares itself a new country called Independence. When journalist Roman Wolfe, who has been chronicling uprisings and secessions across the globe, heads to report on this “new country carved out of the interior states” that claims to embody “the noble belief in the freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness,” he leaves a U.S. border crossing in Eastern Colorado to enter a world where the economy and basic services have collapsed. Vigilantes hunt “illegals,” citizens remain dissatisfied with their government, and distrust runs rampant, with the Latino population frequently targeted. Then Independence experiences its first murder.
The victim is a local named Jesus Criollo. With tensions rising—a spate of burglaries and inevitable further deaths have citizens on a hair trigger—and Roman’s prickly ex-turned-current girlfriend Kat acting strangely, Roman begins to question his extended stay in the bleak nation. Morell’s dialogue could easily be ripped from contemporary political discourse, with Independence citizens railing against immigrants, taxes, the media, and “people inside our country who can’t seem to grasp our ideals.” A Kansas native now living in New York City, Morell skillfully portrays the realities and challenges of rural living, taking seriously the grievances (and diversity of opinion) of his Kansans, and the state’s Free State ethos, while never letting the characters off the hook for their actions.
Although many dismiss this nation’s increasingly violent political rhetoric as simply words, Morell’s storytelling demonstrates, with skill and persuasive power, the possible results of irresponsible and reckless speech about secession or civil war. He explores these outcomes with a sharp reportorial eye while avoiding a preachy tone. Instead, he suggests such conclusions rather than stating them outright. A cautionary tale about the extreme outcomes of the worst angels of our national character, this thoughtful work will stay with readers well after the final page is turned.
Takeaway: Bleak, urgent novel of the secession of Kansas is frighteningly plausible.
Comparable Titles: Omar El Akkad’s American War, Craig DiLouie’s our War.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
