Dystopia

No Rhyme; No Reason

One of HOT’s most coveted authors, Dean J. Moore recently let us in on a secret regarding his new novel set in Hastings. Aimed to be released no later than August this year, Dean’s No Rhyme; No Reason will definitely be one to find on our office bookshelf. Jessica Parker spoke to Dean about his newest accomplishment.

What was intended to be a dark comedy set in Hastings, soon found its way into the hands of a dystopian genre; characters depict seemingly normal people gone wrong, a corrupted power-hungry leader possesses the UK and a grey, depressive – yet likeable – tone lingers as you read.

From only a chapter long taster, I was left storming about the room. Demanding to know more. No Rhyme; No Reason will certainly be among my most loved of dystopian novels.

“It should draw emotions, not send a message”.

No Rhyme; No Reason features an unnamed host. Anonymous. Resembling that of a Nick Caraway personality. An almost dislikeable good guy who presumably saves the day. Dean expressed his desire for a nameless host, similar to that in Fight Club, “I was hoping to keep the host nameless. An anonymous narrator”.

This unidentified character bounces his way through the story, with an intellectually suspicious mind we can all relate to. Hating the manic government, he proceeds to work for them, searching for a way to rip the stool from underneath their tyrannical feet. His occupation as a TV show host adds to the irony of this unidentified anti-hero. Dean insisted the choice for an unnamed character would enhance engagement when reading. Convincing the reader that you are both within and without.

Mick Brennigan is the man in charge of the tyrannical government. You’ll grow attached to him. You’ll loathe him, and there may be times where you pause to recollect your own sanity. Dean described a Jack Nicholson’s Joker character. A sophisticated and perfectly unhinged creation.

Despite the similarities to Orwell’s 1984, Dean actually acquired his inspiration from Alan Moore’s V for Vendetta and the DC Universe. “I didn’t actually enjoy 1984” he laughed.

Orwell's 1984

“Dystopia is about playing on people’s fears”

“I started writing when I was five and I don’t have university experience. The first draft of No Rhyme; No Reason was completed over a week-end. Gruelling, sleepless work”.

An anxiety develops when reading No Rhyme; No Reason, the sort that makes you fear for your future in England. Despite the over-dramatised Prime Minister, this censored nation potentially portrays a likely future. “As with a lot of dark comedy, there are definitely parallels. I’d say my fears of the future are simply censorship and UKIP. There is danger in popularity” explains Dean.

So if you can picture a Joker let lose in politics or a Lieutenant Aldo Raine dismantling the British government, be sure to read No Rhyme; No Reason in August. If you’re able to get hold of Dean’s previous work, you’ll receive an insightful peep into his dystopia.

To look at other works, specifically poetry, check out Articles, Poetry and Short Stories by Dean Moore.

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