The Mandibles

A Family, 2029-2047

By: Lionel Shriver

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

With dry wit and psychological acuity, this near-future novel explores the aftershocks of an economically devastating US sovereign debt default on four generations of a once-prosperous American family. Down-to-earth and perfectly realistic in scale, this is not an over-the-top Blade Runner tale. It is not science fiction.

In 2029 the United States is engaged in a bloodless world war that will wipe out the savings of millions of American families. Overnight, on the international currency exchange, the "almighty dollar" plummets in value, to be replaced by a new global currency: the "bancor". In retaliation the president declares that America will default on its loans. With "Deadbeat Nation" being unable to borrow, the government prints money to cover its bills. What little remains for savers is rapidly eaten away by runaway inflation.

The Mandibles have been counting on a sizable fortune filtering down when their 97-year-old patriarch dies. Once the inheritance turns to ash, each family member must contend with disappointment but also - as the US economy spirals into dysfunction - the challenge of sheer survival.

Recently affluent, Avery is petulant that she can't buy olive oil while her sister, Florence, absorbs strays into her cramped household. An expat author, their aunt Nollie returns from abroad at 73 to a country that's unrecognizable. Her brother, Carter, fumes at caring for their demented stepmother now that an assisted living facility isn't affordable. Only Florence's oddball teenage son, Willing, an economics autodidact, will save this formerly august American family from the streets.

The Mandibles is about money. Thus it is necessarily about bitterness, rivalry, and selfishness - but also about surreal generosity, sacrifice, and transformative adaptation to changing circumstances.

©2016 Lionel Shriver (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

current statism extrapolated

spot on realistic outline.
a 'middle of the road' extrapolation, without any 'black swans' for or against.
obvious linear progression of current corrupt socialism (two words with the same meaning).
mixed execution.

When reality is stranger than fiction

Read this book in 2021 (post-COVID-19 lockdowns and shortages), and let’s just say I don’t recommend falling asleep to this book. For a book written back in 2016, there may be opportunity yet for some of these scenarios to happen in real life. Entertaining, and informative to those who are concerned with global economic disaster.

Good read!

It is definitely a interesting book and how it is very applicable to today’s political and social climate

Chilling look at a potential future

The most haunting thing is the logic is flawless and could pan out exactly like this. The only thing that really stood out was birth rates going up across the world.

Excellent Listen

Scarily realistic based on the current situation in the US. Alternative facts!! just became real - be vigilant.

Outstanding!

Compelling and very well written. The Mandibles is a peek into one possible future for an economy driven by a government bent on providing for every citizen. Instead of a Utopia, we find that there is no free lunch in the land of the free. This is a narrative of what happens when a central bank prints currency and renounces foreign debt. Filled with bleak realities punctuated by hope and leadership, this is a must read for anyone paying attention to the economic and political trajectory of the United States. Lionel Shriver is a master at storytelling who will make you laugh while simultaneously scaring the shit out of you. Read this book. Now.

Exciting chronicle of hyperinflation, tho story could be more compelling

I have to admit that there were a couple of odd turns in the story, specifically in regards to what arc we were chasing and who to focus on. It made the story of the characters themselves seem secondary, while their struggles and the contests over the state of the system seemed more the primary focus.

This didn’t take much away from its fun though, I gave it a 4/5 after all, but it’s something to consider before diving in. I particularly enjoy those topics already.

That said, I took this one to the end and don’t regret it. It was captivating in a variety of different ways even if a little winding along the way. A good listen, specifically if you are interested in the nature of money and society.

Also, Bitcoin fixes this 😘

perfect for right now

very possible glimpse into what the future may just hold. entertaining, great character representation, and awesome ending

Definitely a great read

This book is a good insight on what things could look like in the future for Americans. Lots of gems in here. It was very intricate in detalle and because of that sometimes a little hard to follow, but I’m going to buy the hard copy as well. Great read!

INTRIGUING

In the beginning it took me a minute to get into this book, but after talking with a Prophet the book became more appealing, because it was so in line with His prophecy, the Toilet paper, the dying dollar and Gold, so many references in the prophecy were in a book written in 2016. I found in 2020.