New Jerusalem (Paladin Books)

Dive into the dystopian, darkly comedic world of Len Jenkin's *New Jerusalem (Paladin Books)*, a science fiction satire that's as unsettling as it is unforgettable. First published in 1989, this paperback gem offers a biting commentary on consumerism, cults, and the human condition, all wrapped in a hard-boiled detective story. Our protagonist, Faber, a cynical newsman, is dispatched to the titular New Jerusalem. This isn't your typical holy city; it's a bizarre penal colony turned tourist trap, an island where thousands of criminals were abandoned decades prior and left to rebuild society from fragmented memories of the world they left behind. Imagine a landscape dotted with dilapidated skyscrapers, ghost hotels, and the eerie remnants of a bygone era, all constructed from the distorted recollections of convicts. Initially, New Jerusalem attracted tourists seeking a thrill, a taste of the danger that had vanished from their sanitized, crime-free homelands. But the allure faded after the death of Arnheim, the island's enigmatic leader, and a new order arose: the cult of "Kamoro." Faber arrives to find a ghost town, a city gripped by a strange obsession. Everyone is frantically searching for "keph," a highly addictive and euphoric drug derived from dolphin brains. As Faber investigates, he unravels the unsettling truth about the Kamoro cult. They worship "Maganavox," await a mythical ship laden with small appliances, and chant the names of obsolete electronics brands like "San-Yo! Motorola!" Their devotion centers around fake cardboard cameras the Kamoro perhaps relics of the tourists, adorning the necks of the faithful. Jenkin masterfully blends high and low culture, drawing inspiration from diverse sources, his prose is sharp and inventive, creating a world that is both surreal and disturbingly familiar. Critics have praised Jenkin's unique voice and his ability to create a truly original vision. The book is often compared to works of Philip K. Dick, Kurt Vonnegut, and even elements of film noir, while retaining a distinct and singular voice all its own. *New Jerusalem* is more than just a science fiction novel; it's a provocative and thought-provoking exploration of societal decay, the dangers of unchecked consumerism, and the human need for meaning, even in the most absurd of circumstances. It's a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting you to question the world around you and the values we hold dear. If you enjoy dystopian literature with a strong satirical edge and a detective story at its core, this book is a must-read.