Cli-fi (Climate Fiction) is a genre that particularly captivates me. The way it vividly imagines a future shaped by the serious and present danger of climate change is fascinating. But what I truly appreciate is its exploration of the human element in the face of this crisis – the resilience, the struggles to adapt, the acts of resistance, the denial, and the profound ethical questions it raises.

In “Splinterlands”, John Feffer projects a bleak 2050, where climate change has ravaged the planet, fracturing nations into isolated “splinterlands”. The narrative unfolds through the reflections of Julian West, an elderly scientist, who chronicles how unchecked environmental destruction, widening economic inequality, and political fragmentation led to the global collapse and how these different regions deal with it.

Drawing on his foreign policy background, Feffer crafts a narrative that often feels analytical, offering insights into the political, economic, and environmental dynamics that result in the splintered future. This analytical lens gives the book an almost essayistic quality in sections, which is also reflected in its approach to character development, making it less focused on individual growth and emotional arcs than a purely character-driven novel.

Though a relatively short read at approximately 150 pages, “Splinterlands” powerfully fulfills its role as a cautionary tale, effectively illustrating the delicate nature of civilization and the dire outcomes of ignoring critical global issues. My appreciation for the book was high, yet the lack of deeper engagement with individual impact means I’ll score it an 8.

– S –