Generation A

Written By Douglas Coupland

Echoing his classic Generation X, Douglas Coupland’s latest novel, Generation A, imagines a future where fuel is scarce and bees are extinct—that is, until five seemingly unconnected people from all over the world are stung. After being virtually abducted and interrogated by scientists—becoming globally famous in the process—the five (self-titled) Wonka children have a hard time returning to their normal lives. In coming to­gether on a Canadian island, stories of their experiences start to weave together, creating an organic whole.

Packaged in a blog style of writing—mirroring the modern reader’s attention span—the story is told in rotating first-person narratives from all five characters. The novel is ambitious in the way it addresses numerous topics, such as technology, globalisation, ecological catastrophe and finding meaning in a godless universe, but they weave together cohesively. Coupland-isms are distinct through the novel and you can almost hear his social commentary through each character.
 
It might not be one of his best, but if you like Coupland, Generation A is a worthwhile read.