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Babouc's Vision
The year is 2041 - and the gods are angry. While Carissa scours the city garbage for food and pretty things to show her grandfather, Tom and April strive to prove themselves genetically suitable to conceive a child. Luis fights to protect his unborn son from the gangs. Nora sits alone in her dark apartment, old, tired, and waiting to die. And Izzy, how did he end up on the street?
In the backroom of his appliance repair shop, Harl Babouc putters at his workbench unaware the Gods have chosen him to appraise the people of CynCity. Harl’s world turns upside-down as his mind explodes with the everyday lives of strangers. Struggling to remain sane, he must somehow prove the city’s population deserves to survive.
In the backroom of his appliance repair shop, Harl Babouc putters at his workbench unaware the Gods have chosen him to appraise the people of CynCity. Harl’s world turns upside-down as his mind explodes with the everyday lives of strangers. Struggling to remain sane, he must somehow prove the city’s population deserves to survive.
187 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2021
3 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Searfoss
10 books3 followers Engaging storytelling transports the reader to a different time/place/viewpoint and encourages their exploration of a subject.
A professional writer of 28+ years, Glenn Searfoss has authored numerous technical manuals (bills must be paid), as well as books in the arenas of computer science, natural history, science fiction, and mythology.
Glenn lives with his wife and two boxer dogs in a turn-of-the-century, brick farm house in Colorado, USA. When not busy making a living, he reads classic and not-so-classic literature and does research for new book projects.
A professional writer of 28+ years, Glenn Searfoss has authored numerous technical manuals (bills must be paid), as well as books in the arenas of computer science, natural history, science fiction, and mythology.
Glenn lives with his wife and two boxer dogs in a turn-of-the-century, brick farm house in Colorado, USA. When not busy making a living, he reads classic and not-so-classic literature and does research for new book projects.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 15, 2021
Somewhere, Dado is regaling his grandchildren with stories of “the good ol’ days” while they hunt for dinner. Izzy is hoping to make it in the big city. Roving gangs fight for supremacy in public spectacles. And April and Tom just hope their genetics are clean enough to gain approval to have a baby. Amid all of this chaos, is Harl Babouc, an introverted tinkerer who has been reluctantly tasked with the decision of whether they, and all other inhabitants of the city, live or die. As he travels around a city he rarely sees, he learns plenty about the true depths of humanity.
In “Babouc’s Vision”, author Glenn Searfoss paints a vivid picture of a city that seems completely devoid of any redeeming qualities, but just below the surface lies the occasional glimpse of hope and compassion. After his introduction, Babouc becomes an invisible presence, nothing more than a specter there to observe, learning about the city’s citizens in real time with us. Through their stories we come to understand how society reached the point of being over regulated to the extreme and the ways they have learned to cope and adapt to the increasing pressures. Searfoss’s prose is amazingly descriptive, laying bare the good, the bad, and the overwhelmingly ugly that comes with both the environment and its people. Even the most insignificant characters come to life in spectacular ways under the spell cast by his words and it keeps the book from ever seeming stale or slow. Even as the chapters rotate from one story to the next in occasionally unconnected ways, the pull of needing to know what comes next remains constant.
While “Babouc’s Vision” doesn’t immediately seem like a book that would be deeply thought provoking, the ending gives plenty to think about in regards to humanity, diversity, and redemption. It makes the book worthy of a second reading in order to catch all the nuance that’s easily overlooked the first time through. The characters are all human beings, even when it seems like every ounce of it has been drained away. Babouc realizes that those qualities still exist within them, which means those qualities could still be expressed. The book also explores the question of intentions versus outcomes and the moral implications of both. It definitely provides more than meets the eye.
“Babouc’s Vision” was thoroughly enjoyable and difficult to put down, which is always a winning combination. Even the more despicable characters were engaging enough that you cared what happened to them and the ones who were more sympathetic had you actively cheering for their success. “Babouc’s Vision” is an intellectually stimulating science fiction story.
In “Babouc’s Vision”, author Glenn Searfoss paints a vivid picture of a city that seems completely devoid of any redeeming qualities, but just below the surface lies the occasional glimpse of hope and compassion. After his introduction, Babouc becomes an invisible presence, nothing more than a specter there to observe, learning about the city’s citizens in real time with us. Through their stories we come to understand how society reached the point of being over regulated to the extreme and the ways they have learned to cope and adapt to the increasing pressures. Searfoss’s prose is amazingly descriptive, laying bare the good, the bad, and the overwhelmingly ugly that comes with both the environment and its people. Even the most insignificant characters come to life in spectacular ways under the spell cast by his words and it keeps the book from ever seeming stale or slow. Even as the chapters rotate from one story to the next in occasionally unconnected ways, the pull of needing to know what comes next remains constant.
While “Babouc’s Vision” doesn’t immediately seem like a book that would be deeply thought provoking, the ending gives plenty to think about in regards to humanity, diversity, and redemption. It makes the book worthy of a second reading in order to catch all the nuance that’s easily overlooked the first time through. The characters are all human beings, even when it seems like every ounce of it has been drained away. Babouc realizes that those qualities still exist within them, which means those qualities could still be expressed. The book also explores the question of intentions versus outcomes and the moral implications of both. It definitely provides more than meets the eye.
“Babouc’s Vision” was thoroughly enjoyable and difficult to put down, which is always a winning combination. Even the more despicable characters were engaging enough that you cared what happened to them and the ones who were more sympathetic had you actively cheering for their success. “Babouc’s Vision” is an intellectually stimulating science fiction story.
March 19, 2022
Babouc's Vision is a futuristic novel that develops in a semi-apocalyptic world. Glenn Searfoss, the author, uses the influences of Voltaire and Dante as inspirations for this book. It follows the story of Harl Babouc, a citizen who is determined to help people in the city. Sitting at his workbench, he tries to fix pretty much everything. Babouc is one of the last of his kind and living in the year 2041. During this time, everyone operates on the philosophy that they can throw everything in the garbage and simply get a new one. The lack of food, breathable air, the excess of garbage, and other problems that humans cause to this world are some of the issues this book warns us about.
My thoughts about this book are diverse. On one hand, I find it completely plausible. The dilemmas society is facing are due to the damage we are doing to this world. The characters are well-developed and completely different from each other, even though all of them look the same. Everyone's trying to survive and improve, and make it in a very uncertain and coldhearted world.
On the other hand, I find this book very obscure, I don't think everyone has the stomach to finish it. Even though it is a fiction novel, many of the subjects developed in this book are present in day-to-day life. Yes, global warming and contamination are clearly produced by humans, along with animal suffering and endless consumerism, which is the biggest problem addressed here.
I think, however, there are a lot of people trying to change this for all of us. I don't see society falling into this dark path, we still have time to look back and change history. I believe that’s the main goal of Glenn Searfoss’s Babouc's Vision–to reevaluate life.
My thoughts about this book are diverse. On one hand, I find it completely plausible. The dilemmas society is facing are due to the damage we are doing to this world. The characters are well-developed and completely different from each other, even though all of them look the same. Everyone's trying to survive and improve, and make it in a very uncertain and coldhearted world.
On the other hand, I find this book very obscure, I don't think everyone has the stomach to finish it. Even though it is a fiction novel, many of the subjects developed in this book are present in day-to-day life. Yes, global warming and contamination are clearly produced by humans, along with animal suffering and endless consumerism, which is the biggest problem addressed here.
I think, however, there are a lot of people trying to change this for all of us. I don't see society falling into this dark path, we still have time to look back and change history. I believe that’s the main goal of Glenn Searfoss’s Babouc's Vision–to reevaluate life.
October 1, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Babouc's Vision
Author: Glenn Searfoss
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
11 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Every character´s story within this novel is interesting. I loved how the author ended it, cleverly bringing everything together. Excellent read.” Male reader, aged 54
“Considering the mess the world is presently in, this novel is a stark reminded that things will probably be getting worse. Excellent characterisation, strongly plotted, with an accessible writing style.” Female reader, aged 62
“A bit slow going in parts, but I still enjoyed the author´s take on the world. It´s not overly complicated in terms of the plot, and I connected with the characters, particularly Harl.” Male reader, aged 55
“A superbly plotted dystopian novel which looks at many of the problems facing the world today. It´s not a light read, but it is compelling and thought-provoking.” Male reader, aged 38
To Sum It Up:
‘A thought-provoking novel examining the many problems facing humanity. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Babouc's Vision
Author: Glenn Searfoss
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
11 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Every character´s story within this novel is interesting. I loved how the author ended it, cleverly bringing everything together. Excellent read.” Male reader, aged 54
“Considering the mess the world is presently in, this novel is a stark reminded that things will probably be getting worse. Excellent characterisation, strongly plotted, with an accessible writing style.” Female reader, aged 62
“A bit slow going in parts, but I still enjoyed the author´s take on the world. It´s not overly complicated in terms of the plot, and I connected with the characters, particularly Harl.” Male reader, aged 55
“A superbly plotted dystopian novel which looks at many of the problems facing the world today. It´s not a light read, but it is compelling and thought-provoking.” Male reader, aged 38
To Sum It Up:
‘A thought-provoking novel examining the many problems facing humanity. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
December 30, 2021
Babouc’s Vision, by Glenn Searfoss, is one of those books that will stay with you for a long time. This sci-fi book set in the year 2041 will give you shivers. It's an amazing mix of characters, all different but every single one with experiences that feel a bit too close to home. Their circumstances will make you feel uncomfortable thinking that this is a future that could actually take place. It’s hard to read but also hard to put down as it plays with your emotions and makes you sit on the edge of the chair not knowing what may lie around the next corner.
The plot is creative and well-developed. Readers can easily tell there was plenty of effort put into world-building and the characters. There’s a certain numbness and feeling of hopelessness in watching Babouc’s fight to protect the life of the citizens of Cyncity. It’s hard to watch his spiral into despair. The author does a brilliant job playing with emotions and making the reader feel all the feels. There’s a constant sense of urgency as the clock is ticking, and it is perfectly described in the book.
Glenn Searfoss writes an engaging tale, almost as old as time, trying to find redeeming qualities in the characters in order for them to be saved by the gods. Not an easy task in the past, and apparently not in the future either. This is a striking book that will make you think while traveling on a carousel of emotions from cover to cover. It is hard to put it down because we are always kept guessing and wondering what Babouc may achieve. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Babouc’s Vision, by Glenn Searfoss. It is one of those stories that stays with readers long after the reading is concluded.
The plot is creative and well-developed. Readers can easily tell there was plenty of effort put into world-building and the characters. There’s a certain numbness and feeling of hopelessness in watching Babouc’s fight to protect the life of the citizens of Cyncity. It’s hard to watch his spiral into despair. The author does a brilliant job playing with emotions and making the reader feel all the feels. There’s a constant sense of urgency as the clock is ticking, and it is perfectly described in the book.
Glenn Searfoss writes an engaging tale, almost as old as time, trying to find redeeming qualities in the characters in order for them to be saved by the gods. Not an easy task in the past, and apparently not in the future either. This is a striking book that will make you think while traveling on a carousel of emotions from cover to cover. It is hard to put it down because we are always kept guessing and wondering what Babouc may achieve. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Babouc’s Vision, by Glenn Searfoss. It is one of those stories that stays with readers long after the reading is concluded.
March 23, 2022
Babouc’s Vison by Glenn Searfoss is an enticing dystopian sci-fi novel that immediately draws you in. Harl is a small business owner of an appliance store who is awoken suddenly by a frightening visitor and given a duty that he truly didn’t want but was given no choice in the matter. As an envoy of his city, his duty is to report back his findings of what he sees and experiences through the eyes of others. All this will then lead to the decision of what the fate of his city will be.
Author Searfoss’s writing style is unique and addicting which came as a nice surprise. Instead of seeing everything from a third party’s perspective, instead we get to see everything through the individual’s eyes immersing the reader completely into the story. Through these different perspectives and thoughts the reader truly gets to feel what it’s like to live in a dystopian world filled with chaos.
To feel the sorrow, the frustration, and understanding of these characters whose lives we peer at, we truly get to see and experience the hope, bonds of friendship, and adversity of these characters, just as Harl does. The author’s descriptions of the character’s surroundings is one to applaud as I was able to clearly picture each character and place.
I absolutely love this book and read it in a single sitting. In many ways, this novel truly brought to mind how we should all try and better understand one another as well as how despite the bad of humanity there is good too. This is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read thus far. The plot is as unique as the storytelling is and is a truly engaging tale that makes you want to root for the citizens of Cyncity as you feel the struggle and weight of the duty that has been given to Harl.
Author Searfoss’s writing style is unique and addicting which came as a nice surprise. Instead of seeing everything from a third party’s perspective, instead we get to see everything through the individual’s eyes immersing the reader completely into the story. Through these different perspectives and thoughts the reader truly gets to feel what it’s like to live in a dystopian world filled with chaos.
To feel the sorrow, the frustration, and understanding of these characters whose lives we peer at, we truly get to see and experience the hope, bonds of friendship, and adversity of these characters, just as Harl does. The author’s descriptions of the character’s surroundings is one to applaud as I was able to clearly picture each character and place.
I absolutely love this book and read it in a single sitting. In many ways, this novel truly brought to mind how we should all try and better understand one another as well as how despite the bad of humanity there is good too. This is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read thus far. The plot is as unique as the storytelling is and is a truly engaging tale that makes you want to root for the citizens of Cyncity as you feel the struggle and weight of the duty that has been given to Harl.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews