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

The new dystopian novel

More relevant than books like 1984 or movies like Brazil. The Mandibles is truly literary fiction that I believe should become a classic for all to read. It’s not easy to get through because it doesn’t make one comfortable. But it is because it’s such a potentially accurate depiction of what the future is headed toward. My mother told me to read this book for several months before I finally caved and did so. Normally I real non fiction and political books. The narration in this book is also very good. Thanks for reading my review and I hope you get as much out of the Mandibles as I did.

Economic Doomer Porn

The economic doom version of the Royal Tenenbaums, based in a world where the US dollar collapses overnight.

Amazing acid satire…. Just one issue

Lionel thinks a treasure chest of diversification can save the future. Gold was gods money. Bitcoin is the key the unlocks her pessimism. Stack sats and stay humble.

Fantastic book

This book pobably has more truth then fiction. I would definitely recommend to a friend.

Place book next to "1984" and "Atlas Shrugged"!!

Lionel Shriver puts the macro and micro-economic outlook today, into the perspective of our daily lives tomorrow. It is full of wit and endless stimulating conversations. A real brain teaser for the amateur economist.

I only wish I could have the family friendly version of this. The immodest crude language, and unapologetic references to all things sexual throughout the story is not edifying. Thus, It's a struggle for me to keep the book, but it's just so darn good/prophetic when it comes to culture and economy.

1984 for today.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Mandibles to be better than the print version?

Only heard the audio version.

Have you listened to any of George Newbern’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Any additional comments?

Truely,one of the best books I've heard in years.It will go along with my favorites like 1984.
Like a time machine visit to the future based on very credible story lines.Astounding how such
a future seems not only plausible,but almost inevitable.

Yes!

10 out of 10! If life imitates art we should read this as a cautionary tale.