The Mandibles by Lionel Shriver

Los Mandible
de Lionel Shriver.

Review of the book “The Mandibles: A Family: 2029-2047” by Lionel Shriver

“The Mandibles” is a dystopian novel written by Lionel Shriver that presents us with a vision of the near future in the United States, where the country faces an unprecedented economic crisis and the collapse of the financial system. The plot focuses on the Mandible family, an upper-class family experiencing the consequences of this crisis and how it affects their lives and relationships.

The story begins in 2029, when the dollar plummets, inflation soars, and the United States heads toward bankruptcy. The Mandibles, prosperous and sophisticated, but also dysfunctional, await the inheritance of the nonagenarian patriarch. However, when he dies in the middle of the crisis, the fortune they expected to receive vanishes and the family members find themselves involved in situations unheard of for them.

Throughout the novel, Shriver presents a dark picture of the American dream, where border fences no longer serve to prevent the entry of immigrants, but rather to prevent citizens from escaping, and some states declare their independence. The author uses her characteristic acid and critical humor to portray the characters overwhelmed by the situation and explore topics such as the economy, stability, immigration and the privileges of white elites.

“The Mandibles” is a mix of realistic fiction and dystopian satire that offers a provocative and alarming vision of the near future in the United States. Lionel Shriver’s ability to address controversial topics and construct complex, realistic characters makes this work a fascinating and recommended read.

Although some readers may find that the combination of family saga and economic dystopia is not completely accurate, the novel remains an interesting and entertaining read that invites us to reflect on global problems and the possible consequences of current political and economic decisions. .

The book is a scathing criticism of the capitalist system, consumerism, corruption and the dependence of the United States on the rest of the world. Shriver not only describes the disaster, but also raises ethical and moral questions about the role of government, individual responsibility, family solidarity, and the value of money. The book is a provocative, intelligent and entertaining work, which invites us to reflect on the uncertain future that awaits us.