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The End of Everything by M John Harrison review
This bleak but brilliant tale of enigmatic alien entities and slow social collapse exposes the terrifying insecurity of life right now
TL;DR
- M. John Harrison's 'The End of Everything' is set in a near-future Britain following an enigmatic alien invasion by the iGhetti.
- The novel depicts a collapsed society where order is maintained through community cohesion and survival of the fittest.
- Key characters include Phillip Tennent, who sells finds on a hidden market, and his aunt Marnie, who defends her home.
- A central element is a mysterious "biological gadget" that exhibits alarming signs of humanity and sentience.
- The alien artifacts are interpreted as embodiments of AI, mirroring current concerns about artificial intelligence.
- The book explores themes of societal disintegration, the insecurity of modern life, and the blurring lines between reality and fantasy.
- Harrison's writing is characterized by precise descriptions, disquieting omissions, and a growing sense of bleakness.