sunday salon: the unit by ninni holmqvist, giveaway

Very quickly today because I have to get back to The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist, translated by Marlaine Delargy. Imagine a dystopian novel where the fate of society's discarded is not one of deprivation or torture but a life of luxury where one's needs and wants are readily met within a confined and removed setting. Sounds ideal until one notices the scars on women at the pool shower from organ removal or you keep seeing mutilating skin rashes on other residents of your unit presumably from experimental therapies. At only a third of the way through, this is a page turner of a read. And I typically am intolerably uncomfortable with dystopian literature. And it doesn't look good for us book loving types to be honest. More later this week when I finish. But for now:

"One day in early spring, Dorrit Weger is checked into the Second Reserve Bank Unit for biological material. She is promised a nicely furnished apartment inside the Unit, where she will make new friends, enjoy the state-of-the-art recreation facilities, and live the few remaining days of her life in comfort with people who are just like her. Here, women over the age of fifty and men over sixty—single, childless, and without jobs in progressive industries—are sequestered for their final few years; they are considered outsiders. In the Unit they are expected to contribute themselves for drug and psychological testing, and ultimately donate their organs, little by little, until the final donation. Despite the ruthless nature of this practice, the ethos of this near-future society and the Unit is to take care of others, and Dorrit finds herself living under very pleasant conditions: wellhoused, well-fed, and well-attended. She is resigned to her fate and discovers her days there to be rather consoling and peaceful. But when she meets a man inside the Unit and falls in love, the extraordinary becomes a reality and life suddenly turns unbearable. Dorrit is faced with compliance or escape, and…well, then what?" (from the publisher)

And the book trailer may be found here.

And for two lucky people, the generous Susan at Other Press will mail out copies of this book. Just comment here and I will draw two out on Friday.

What are you reading in the Sunday Salon today?

Comments

[Gavin]

Frances - Yikes, this one sounds really creepy. Put my name in the hat!

As for what I'm reading right now it is "Nation" by Terry Pratchett, a wonderful YA novel. Have a great week!

[JoAnn]

I'm not usually a fan of dystopian fiction either, but this sounds so good! Please throw my name in. I'll be spending more time in Italy today. I finished The Enchanted April and decided to stay on and read A Thousand Days in Venice - fun, light, great for summer!

[Karoline]

I actually wanted to read The Unit :) it sounds like something out of THX 1138 mixed with Logan's Run.

I'm reading way too many books today. I think I might go insane

http://okbolover.wordpress.com/2009/07/19/sunday-salon-way-too-much-to-read/

[EL Fay]

Oh boy, that sounds seriously creepy. Reminds me of another book I read about called "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro. It's about cloned children whose sole purpose is to provide organs for other people.

[Shelley]

Since I'm currently reading "The Sleeping Doll" by Jeffery Deaver, I could probably use a little actual literature in my life. : ) Actually, The Unit looks fascinating! Please throw my name in the hat.

[Jackie (Farm Lane Books)]

I have seen the Unit mentioned a few times and already have it on my wishlist. I'm a big fan of dystopian fiction. I'd love to win a copy.

[Sandy]

I LOVE dystopian fiction - please sign me up! Now this is what I am talking about when it comes to summer reading! Deliciously creepy. It reminds me a bit of a book I read a couple of years ago called "The Children's Hospital", about the end of the world, and the only surviving people are in a floating hospital. Bizarre and wonderful.

[Emily]

Hmm, interesting comparisons in the comments. I liked The Children's Hospital and loved Never Let Me Go (of course; I'd enjoy reading a phone book written by Ishiguro, even if I wouldn't trust the actual numbers listed).

Anyway, regardless of similarities or lack thereof, I'd love to check out The Unit.

[Vasilly]

I've seen The Unit mentioned on a few other blogs and I have to say it does sounds like a page turner. Add my name to the hat!

[Audrey]

Well housed, well-fed, well attented but at what price? Fascinating, but somehow a tad scary in the economy we are living in. I hope that does not sound too fatalistic, but it might someday warrant thought. Throw my name in and thanks for such an interesting prospective on the book.

[LizzySiddal]

Sounds like there are themes in common with Ishiguro's "Never Let Me Go", which I consider an understated masterpiece. So, yes please, I think I'll have to give this a whirl.

[Nadia]

Throw my name into the hat please! Sounds like quite a fascinating read. As for what I am reading right now: The Blue Hour by Lilian Pizzichini (its about the life of Jean Rhys - one of my all time favorite writers!!).

[Loretta]

Please include me in the draw. I always enjoy a good end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it novel. I am reading a fantasy right now, Little, Big by John Crowley. Actually, caling it a fantasy does not seem quite accurate, but there are some fantastical elements to the world of Little, Big.

[Becca]

I typically shy away from dystopian fiction too...it gives me nightmares. I'll look forward to your complete review of this one when you're finished.

[Jackie]

I am half way through "The Unit" and El Fay, It totally reminds me of "Never Let Me Go". The writing style is very similiar, which is why I connected the one to the other.

[lena]

Dystopian fiction is the best kind of fiction! This one sounds absolutely amazing.

I wonder if my Borders has a copy....

[EL Fay]

Interesting that others here seemed to have loved Never Let Me Go. The blogger I heard about it from absolutely hated it!

[Marie]

Sounds very NEVER LET ME GO. I'm reading Ursula LeGuin but would love to read THE UNIT! :-)

[Carrie K.]

I've seen some great reviews of The Unit - I'd love to win a copy! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

nnjmom at yahoo dot com

[Kay]

I've been recommended this book a few times now, especially after reading "Never let me go". I would love to read it! (and by the way, I like your blog!)

infiniteshelf at gmail dot com

[Mark David]

I too enjoyed it quite well, and though categorically it's dystopian fiction, it presents quite an interesting variation of the said genre. Highly recommended :)

[Jackie]

I finished reading this yesterday. Made me angry, sad and creeped me out!( just as Never Let Me Go did)a riveting page turner you won't want to put down!

[madeleine]

I read this book recently and loved it. I am taking a blog break but will review this novel soon

[Esme]

A little weird-but different-great blog I just found you through Hachette.

thanks

[diane]

I've read several reviews on this book, so I've added it to my list.

Just came across your blog today; it's great!

[Kelly B]

I enjoyed reading your review. I have heard some great things about this book and your review sealed it for me. :)

[Danielle]

I have a sort of morbid fascination with dystopian literature. I've had your post saved for a while now and in the interim I picked this up at the bookstore! I'm glad to hear it is a page turner!