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APOCALYPTIC DYSTOPIA

crucifixlane.gif (114335 bytes) CRUCIFIX LANE
Kate Mosse
Hodder & Stougton 1999

Kate Mosse's Crucifix Lane combines science-fantasy, thriller and love story in a novel which reflects fin-de-siècle angst about the abuse of nature and a noticeably female perspective.

Catapulted into a dystopic near-future on the verge of apocalypse, Annie Jones encounters a London where the Thames is no longer tidal, and the poor have been displaced to mosquito-infested swamps. A biotechnical cartel contends with biopirates, and chocolate is calorie-free and doesn't melt - obviously a personal fantasy of the author's.

Whilst the book builds well to the dramatic climax, Mosse is at her best and most interesting in her conception of the future.

Rik - 27 June 1999