R

by Eli Wellington

From the author of THE COMPOUND, this gripping dystopian novel explores the delicate lines between truth and propaganda. As the president focuses all efforts on securing his position of power, employing tactics that blur the lines between lawful governance and autocracy, a variety of individuals must confront their own beliefs, biases, and fears. R is a riveting exploration of the American psyche, examining the themes of racism, white supremacy, and the steadfast quest for power.

Each character, rooted in their own beliefs and experiences, provides a unique lens examining the fabric of America. As misinformation and conspiracy theories flood the internet colliding with legitimate news sources, the characters' paths intersect in unexpected ways, challenging their convictions. R isn't just a story; it's a wake-up call to the resilience of the human spirit, with a mirror reflecting our highest hopes and deepest fears.

As the clock counts down to the election, the question can democracy survive the storm, or will it crumble under the weight of its ideals betrayed?

screentopia

[ skreen-toh-pee-ah ]

noun

1. an imaginary state of being created on a visual device such as a computer, tablet, or phone which promotes idealism in law, politics, life, etc.

2. an ideal place or state of mind found online.

Genres: Dystopia

350 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Michelle Godard-Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

'R' is a political thriller set in the USA with a disturbing and realistic take on the terrifying reality of fake news, inequality, civil unrest, and uprisings. With the upcoming election, this book borders on horror. Told from multiple perspectives with a distinct cast of characters, it's easy to become immersed in the story and glued to the page. I appreciated the research the author did to make his portrayal of American politics realistic which added to the atmosphere and the tension. Fans of political dystopian books like J.M. Adam's Second Term will enjoy this book.

[Razzle Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Very interesting & solid read.

I’m not sure I would classify it as dystopian though. It was more of a fictionous social commentary, with a specific focus on recent political events (think last 6-8ish years).

I liked the aspect of such a diverse cast of characters that we got POVs for. Regardless of your views, you will likely hate some of the characters and also like some of them.

This one definitely gave me the creepy / “uncanny valley” type feeling I get from watching stuff like Black Mirror and The Handmaid’s Tale. Where it starts kind of rooted in real events and starts to get more extreme.

If you like social commentary with slight dystopian aspects, then you’ll enjoy this one.

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Uncovering Truth and Deception - "R: A Novel" by Eli Wellington

Review:

"R: A Novel" by Eli Wellington is a gripping literary exploration that delves into the intricate interplay between truth and deception. With an air of mystery and intrigue, the author takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the realms of political corruption, conspiracy theories, and the consequences of misinformation.

Wellington's storytelling prowess shines through in this captivating novel. The characters are richly developed, each with their own motivations and complexities. The enigmatic figure known as R adds an element of suspense, leaving readers guessing about their true identity and intentions.

The novel's strength lies in its ability to illuminate the fragile nature of truth in a society consumed by falsehoods. Wellington skillfully navigates the impact of social media on shaping public opinion, prompting readers to question their own beliefs and the narratives they encounter.

While the report does not provide specific research methods or a conclusive discussion, "R: A Novel" is successful in immersing readers in a world where truth and deception collide. Wellington's writing style is engaging, keeping readers engrossed until the final page.

In conclusion, "R: A Novel" is a captivating literary work that masterfully explores the themes of truth, deception, and the power dynamics at play in society. Eli Wellington's storytelling skills make this novel an enthralling read that will leave readers contemplating the nature of truth and the consequences of its manipulation.

[Taylor Hathcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I was a bit disappointed by this book. I was fully expecting this dystopian story but that is not what this book really is. It's very clearly a satire of Trump's time in office. The book doesn't even try to mask it. All of the issues are the same. We have a President who literally spends his time tweeting whatever thought comes to his mind, and calling everything that disagrees with him "false news." The only thing about the majority of the novel which had the potential to feel dystopian was the mysterious "R", but in reality it's just more rhetoric being spewed from the time of Trump's presidency. We have a vast array of characters, the majority of which are incredibly racist. We have another character who could care less about "R," a biracial college student who is trying to figure out where she belongs in the current world, a VP who cannot stand the President, and a news reporter who cannot believe how easily people fall for things on the internet. We also have a few others but you get the gist.

I honestly wasn't a fan of this book just because I felt like it was a bit of false advertising to call it dystopian when it was literally just a satire of the Trump presidency for 99% of the book. I mean even to the storming of the Capitol we are following the politics and racism that thrived during the presidency. I cannot even say that more than like two characters from this book were interesting... the rest were impossible to stand. It isn't until the last like four or five chapters that the book feels dystopian at all. I wish that the book had chosen to start at that point and continued with a dystopian story rather than focus on the manipulation of citizens through media. I mean it just felt like a huge let down thinking I was getting a dystopian story where media was being used to spread misinformation and incite all these things... you know like 1984 style, but that was so far from the mark.

[Prachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli Wellington's "R: A Novel" immerses readers in a gripping exploration of truth and power amidst today's turbulent political landscape. Set against the backdrop of escalating tensions, the story unfolds through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters grappling with their beliefs in a presidency fixated on control. The mysterious figure "R" adds layers of suspense, blurring lines between reality and deception, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Wellington's writing is sharp and immersive, drawing readers into a rollercoaster of twists and vivid perspectives. From the power-hungry president to a disillusioned journalist and a biracial college student searching for identity, each character feels deeply human and relatable. Their personal struggles mirror contemporary issues, enriching the narrative with emotional depth.

At its heart, "R" is a poignant reflection on the fragility of truth and the pervasive impact of misinformation in society. Wellington skillfully navigates these complex themes, urging readers to question their own beliefs and the narratives they encounter daily. The emotional journey is intense, blending suspenseful moments with heartfelt reflections that linger long after the final page.

"R: A Novel" is not just a political thriller; it's a profound exploration of our times. Wellington's compelling characters and timely themes make it essential reading for anyone captivated by stories that resonate deeply with the complexities of our world today.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

R by Eli Wellington is a gripping dystopian novel that explores the delicate lines between truth and propaganda. This is a work of fiction and a social commentary with themes of White supremacy and other racial issues in the United States.

As the president focuses all efforts on securing his position of power, employing tactics that blur the lines between lawful governance and autocracy, a variety of individuals must confront their own beliefs, biases, and fears. As the clock counts down to the election, it is a feat to see if democracy survives the storm, or if it crumbles under the weight of its ideals betrayed.

Through its exploration of racism, white supremacy, and the pursuit of power, this novel provides a thought-provoking examination of the American psyche. With its well-crafted characters, gripping plot, and an unfortunate relevance to our current world, "R" is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of democracy and the human condition. The writing is immaculate, and the story is one-hundred percent relevant. This unsettling and thought-provoking story will linger on the readers' minds long after finishing this story. It's a powerful and unforgettable dystopian political thriller.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of dystopian books. A superfan, I might even say.
I am not a fan of politics in books. A super antifan, I might even say.
Yet when a speculative, dystopian book meets politics that feel way too real… it’s like a match made in heaven.
Especially, when the politics in question is something I have been thinking about a lot lately – if you are in Europe (ok, the book takes place in the US), you know that there was European Parliament election weekend. We over here – we have spent the last few weeks bombarded with political nonsense, ads, wannabe propaganda, slogans, promises. And then, enter this book.
It made me think how people, in general, are, in fact, totally fine being lied to, being openly lied to, being repeatedly lied to – as long as the lies are big enough, loud enough, and repeated enough.
Same for egos in politics – somehow most people in general are totally fine if the future of their country and their own fate is put in the hands of someone who does only ego-driven things.
This is what this book made me think of most of all.

[Kim Bartosch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this book at 3 1/2 stars.

Holy crap, this novel is scary! R by Eli Wellington is a chilling political thriller (not a dystopian thriller) that hits too close to home. Dive into a world where truth and propaganda blur, and democracy is on the brink. The president's power grab turns America into a nightmare of misinformation and fear, resembling a political drama or satire of Donald Trump. Each character offers a unique lens on the chaos, making their struggles feel real and relatable. But the author had a lot of characters so at times I was lost as to who was who. Set in a near-future America that feels eerily familiar and unsettling, Wellington's intense and realistic portrayal of political turmoil makes the characters feel incredibly real. However, the fear felt too real at times, making it a bit overwhelming.

If you're a fan of realistic political dramas/satires and near future dystopian tales, "R" by Eli Wellington is a book that will both haunt and inspire you. 🌟🌟🌟✨ Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

R is my first introduction to the novels written by Eli Wellington. I thought it was a pretty good novel to read. I am not a huge fan of science fiction but after reading the blurb to this one, I was intrigued and wanted to go outside my comfort zone and give it a try. I found it interesting how it has a futuristic theme but yet somewhat mirrors current events. I did find that the plot was thought provoking at times. I was often wondering what is real and what is not. It is not one of those books that could be easily to predict. I never knew what to expect from scene to scene. There were a few chapters that were somewhat slower paced than I would like. I did myself a little confused as to what was going on but once I was able to catch on again, I wanted continue on.

I am giving the novel R three and a half stars. I believe fans of the genres of dystopian, fantasy, and science fiction would enjoy reading it and not want to miss it. To me, it is definitely worth a read. I would be interested in more releases from Eli Wellington in the future to see where their imagination will take their readers to next.

I received a paperback copy of Eli Wellington's R from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, we all know what went down in the 2020 election...and this book doesn't try to hide the fact that it reworks the key figures in that moment as a cast of characters in this book. But, beyond that, the story went a step further, charting the course of just how frightening things could have been if "The Dom" remained president. A truly frightening tale of dystopian autocracy...one that could result from a 2024 election gone awry...it was a powerful read. I found myself not enjoying it at first, because it felt like something I had already lived to a point. But, by the end, I was really engaged and curious to see how it would end.

The book itself dealt with many characters, across a wide spectrum of America, and offered a humane and realistic glimpse of everyone from either side of the aisle...except for the leader who would pit them all against one another for his own gain. (Sound familiar??) It was a great sort of satire that dove into an in-depth political commentary about the fact that we are (most of us) good people seeking to do good things...until some of us go astray. And, without proper checks and balances in place, we all fall to the mercy of the very worst among the pack. Dystopian realism at its finest!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book. It is very thoughtful and generous with plenty of thought provoking ideas. It is a sci fi, dystopian, fantasy mixed in with the reality of every day life and politics. It made me think about how often the politicians lie to us and we believe them. I think it is because they actually believe there own lies. It's a tough topic but the author has created a generous plot and I came to enjoy reading and developing my own views and wishes of how the story would conclude. I loved the intricacy of the book which is summarised perfectly.

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked R. This was such a cold hard read. Dystopian sci-fi so obviously I liked it and you will too. Wellington has a unique way with words that doesn't get too preachy or exhausting, if you're new to this genre. There's talk of politics and dynamics, free will and supremacy and basically everything relevant to our real world. Speculative fiction always amazes me, and this one was no different. I think if I keep talking it's not going to be spoiler free anylong so, stopping here.

[Colline Vinay Kook-Chun · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author expertly describes the insidious way in which people’s beliefs are manipulated. While reading the book I thought of recent political events in America, as well as throughout world history. I considered, as well, the power of social media and how a person’s beliefs are perpetuated by their own search results on the internet. R is a thought provoking read that would encourage discussion at a book club, or for a buddy read. I recommend reading this well-crafted novel.

[Alwaysreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting though provoking read from Eli Wellington.

A fascinating dystopian story that was well written and draws you in to a new world. The writer keeps you gripped throughout. I recommend to lovers of dystopian, sci-fi and fantasy books.