Home For Fiction – Blog

A slightly different article for today. It’s not a review and it’s not an author interview. Yet in some deeper, symbolic way it is both, and it is neither; like the double-slit experiment of quantum mechanics – a simile that would perhaps make Francis Mont, a physicist, smile.

We’re not here to talk about physics however, but about literature. House Arrest, by Francis Mont, is a science-fiction novel taking place in a post-nuclear-war America in 2098. Let’s take a look at the description, as it’s given on Amazon:

The country is in ruin. Three cities in the Sacramento Valley, with relatively intact infrastructure, are trying to survive in drastically different ways. One is organized by its AI quantum computer and its sophisticated robots. It automates everything for maximum efficiency and human beings are left with no role in their city’s welfare. That leads to problems – without jobs to keep them occupied, people get bored, restless and destructive. Omega 1500, their computer, has to temporarily lock them up to protect them from each other. Once their problems are solved, they’ll have to deal with the other two cities. The big question is whether they learned from the past and understand what human happiness depends on.

As it becomes apparent, there are a lot of interesting elements here. Let’s take a closer look.

Science Fiction Is not Fiction but Projected Fact

If you recall my article on the difference between the Gothic and Science Fiction, a cornerstone of science fiction (in comparison to the Gothic or Fantasy) is its ontological approach to reality. I had then said that in science fiction something might be unknown, but it can find its explanation in some natural way. In other words, it doesn’t have a supernatural explanation.

Science fiction, therefore, is not fiction but rather a projected fact. This is precisely what Francis Mont explores in House Arrest in disturbingly accurate ways. There are many characters that will seem eerily familiar. Moreover, there are many events that will also seem highly likely.

In other words, although House Arrest explores a reality that is currently not present, this novel by Francis Mont is structured and presented in a way that renders it disturbingly likely.

Topical Elements of House Arrest

Fans of the genre, rejoice. There are a lot of genre markers to keep you happy. More specifically, from artificial intelligence and the breakdown of society to team effort and building anew, there is something every fan of science fiction will feel familiar with.

One thing that readers should notice is the optimism infusing the story. Despite its bleak setting, House Arrest is not devoid of humanity. Indeed, if anything, Francis Mont seems to focus on finding the best in everything. A truly commendable effort indeed.

You can find more information and get a copy on Amazon. For more information, reviews, etc. you can also see the Goodreads page of House Arrest. For more on Francis Mont’s work, check his homepage.