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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Bedloe: A True Fable by Tony Powers is a dystopian novel set in the year 2040 in a bleak version of New York. The protagonist, John Bedloe, and his son James live under the oppressive rule of a totalitarian regime, a direct result of the 2016 election of Ransom B. Conover as president. While John reflects on his past freedoms and mourns the loss of his wife Jane, his son remains hopeful for a better future. The novel serves as a dark commentary on government control, loss of free will, and the distortion of history. This is a biting and relevant critique of authoritarianism with interesting social and political themes to consider, woven well into the natural storyline of a family drama.
Tony Powers’ ability to connect a credible historical timeline to fictional dystopia makes the story both chilling and reflective as we see the strong parallels that are drawn between the world we live in and the one that John and James have to endure. I was very touched by the dynamic relationship of father and son, and I enjoyed the close narrative viewpoint that lets us into their history and shows the way their attitudes have been affected by the sociopolitical climate of their world. Powers excels in crafting a bleak dystopian future. It feels disturbingly plausible, packed with immersive descriptions of life under an authoritarian regime. This draws readers into a world where the manipulation of history and media mirrors real-world fears. Overall, Bedloe is a highly recommended read for fans of unsettling dystopian dramas.
