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Paperwork: A Novel Set in Hell
Paperwork is a dark, dystopian fantasy that explores the machinery of oppression and the resilience of the human soul.
She stood over the little washbasin and cried. Tears were best avoided in Hell. They left track marks running through the grime which were difficult to hide – they made a person look weak, and that was dangerous.
Sophie’s image of Hell had been one of barbaric simplicity: little red demons with pitchforks, roasting people on spits. She’d never imagined it would be so complex – it was more like a vast concentration camp deep underground than the Hell she’d feared. The fires were real though. She could feel the heat radiating from the walls in every crowded tunnel, increasing the humidity and claustrophobia to an unbearable degree.
But it wasn’t just the flames she feared – it was everything else too. The poverty, the brutal punishment, tunnel wars, lies and spying – it was just too much for her. She gripped the sides of the sink, and tried to pull herself together. One thing she’d learnt in Hell was things could always get worse, and after what she’d discovered today, she had a horrible feeling things were about to get complicated.
Content Warning: Paperwork portrays a vivid and unflinching journey through a dystopian afterlife. The story contains morally complex characters under an oppressive rule and may not be suitable for all readers.
She stood over the little washbasin and cried. Tears were best avoided in Hell. They left track marks running through the grime which were difficult to hide – they made a person look weak, and that was dangerous.
Sophie’s image of Hell had been one of barbaric simplicity: little red demons with pitchforks, roasting people on spits. She’d never imagined it would be so complex – it was more like a vast concentration camp deep underground than the Hell she’d feared. The fires were real though. She could feel the heat radiating from the walls in every crowded tunnel, increasing the humidity and claustrophobia to an unbearable degree.
But it wasn’t just the flames she feared – it was everything else too. The poverty, the brutal punishment, tunnel wars, lies and spying – it was just too much for her. She gripped the sides of the sink, and tried to pull herself together. One thing she’d learnt in Hell was things could always get worse, and after what she’d discovered today, she had a horrible feeling things were about to get complicated.
Content Warning: Paperwork portrays a vivid and unflinching journey through a dystopian afterlife. The story contains morally complex characters under an oppressive rule and may not be suitable for all readers.
- GenresEbooks
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2015
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52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 21, 2025
I read both books of this series over three days. I would’ve done it in two but I have a job. 😂
They’re the most unusual books I’ve read for a long time. But I loved them. The characters were really interesting. The setting was wild. It was an absolute adventure to read.
I can see there was almost ten years between the books, and the second one ends rather abruptly, so I am assuming/ hoping there’s a third and final one, and that it’ll be out a lot quicker than ten years. I need to know what happens and how the story ends!
They’re the most unusual books I’ve read for a long time. But I loved them. The characters were really interesting. The setting was wild. It was an absolute adventure to read.
I can see there was almost ten years between the books, and the second one ends rather abruptly, so I am assuming/ hoping there’s a third and final one, and that it’ll be out a lot quicker than ten years. I need to know what happens and how the story ends!
May 21, 2016
Fantastic
Wasn't sure what to expect, but thrilled I took the chance. A new concept of Hell and how to survive in it. Totally blew my mind. Can't wait for book two!
Wasn't sure what to expect, but thrilled I took the chance. A new concept of Hell and how to survive in it. Totally blew my mind. Can't wait for book two!
September 28, 2016
The author gives us an interesting spin on Jansen's version of hell. Sets us up for further volumes to follow what happens to the characters as they deal with the paperwork that keeps Hell working.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews