Random Acts of Senseless Violence
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "about". Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Wikidata image Random Acts of Senseless Violence is a dystopian and speculative fiction novel by Jack Womack.[1]
Plot introduction
The novel is told in the form of a fictional diary by the 12-year-old protagonist Lola Hart, and details Lola and her family's experiences in a near-future Manhattan in which violence, rising unemployment, and riots are commonplace in the city, as well as the rest of the United States.[1] As the novel progresses, Lola transforms from a student at one of Manhattan's most privileged private schools to a street-wise gangster as she and her family struggle to survive the despair of a crumbling government and economy.[1]
Critical reception
The book did not attract significant attention on release; though there were a few reviews, it was not nominated for any awards even though Womack's previous work, Elvissey, won the prestigious Philip K. Dick Award and was shortlisted for the Locus Award.[2] In a July 2008 article for Tor.com, Jo Walton decried the critical neglect of the work.[2] Walton speculated that its lack of prominence was due to its initial low-key reception, the "singularly appalling" cover art of the early editions, a title that was "off-putting" and misleading, and its disconnect from the zeitgeist of the time, which was focused on cyberpunk and space opera.[2] She was echoed by fellow science fiction author Cory Doctorow, who described the work as "an unflinching, engrossing, difficult coming-of-age story" and referred to it as "Womack's underappreciated masterpiece".[3] William Gibson described it as the book he thinks is most underrated.[4]
Publication history
- 1993, UK, HarperCollins, Template:ISBN, Pub date October 1993, Hardback
- 1994, US, Atlantic Monthly Press, Template:ISBN, Pub date September 1994, Hardback
- 1994, UK, HarperCollins, Template:ISBN, Pub date October 1994, Paperback
- 1995, US, Grove Press, Template:ISBN, Pub date October 1995, Paperback
- 2013, UK, Gollancz, Template:ISBN, Pub date October 2013, Paperback
References
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