Brunner is not an author who agrees with me. I find his technique of interspersing bits of dialogue, etc., apropos of nothing to be annoying, and his use of language seems intentionally obtuse. Also, this book seems very “talky” – lots of scenes of people sitting around discussing things, which weighs down the action.

What kept me reading was his dystopian vision. His future America is one in which people have become fundamentally disconnected. They move constantly, “plugging into” new jobs and homes like appliances. They have no close relationships, not even with their children or lovers. The gap between rich and poor has widened to a chasm. This has created a fundamental discontent and anxiety that undercuts everything. It all sounds very familiar.

In an isolated California town populated by refugees of a devastating earthquake, Brunner proposes a utopian alternative, a return to a simpler life built on the ideals of community-based living. The Internet-fueled revolution he posits may come as too pat of an ending, though.