Year 14

by Michael Konik

“Consider this my suicide note. As I write these words by candlelight, in a location I cannot mention, I do not fear for my future. I understand that I have no future. My only fear is that what happened here will one day be forgotten.

“Let me tell you.”

The narrator of Year 14 was a young man when a revolution changed his homeland forever—a new regime, a new calendar, a new flag, a new anthem and new money. Thirteen years later he has a comfortable job as an editor for the state-sanctioned newspaper, a loving wife, and an unswerving belief in the benevolence of his country’s Caring Leaders. But when a new Information Gatherer is assigned to the newsroom—a peculiar man-child named Tup-Tup, the son of an important government minister—he’s forced to face the truth about his sacred homeland.

Year 14 is a comedy, a tragedy, and a cautionary tale. By turns frightening and absurdly funny, this timeless novel offers a hopeful, if hard-won, affirmation of humanity’s indomitable spirit.

265 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Based in Southern California, Michael Konik is a writer, composer, record producer, artist, improviser, former television personality, unusually articulate stoner, burgeoning thought leader and generally decent person.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first person narrative, and the knowledge that we have early on, that the narrator's worldview is going to fall apart is wonderful. Watching as each of his preconceived notions falls apart, and trying to guess what will be the straw that breaks the camel's back, is a fun and though provoking journey that I recommend to all.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at AWP, and so far it's been one of my best finds!

I've read a fair amount of dystopian novels, but very few of them come from this point of view. Our protagonist is a 'believer.' He's patriotic, happy, and has gotten very good at ignoring the more...problematic aspects of the government.

At times this book borders on humorous. At others, it feels like a punch to the gut. I just couldn't put it down. The ending, I think, is it's strongest point. It actually made me tear up. It perfectly unites the story of a man and a nation on the brink.

This is definitely a new favorite! Everybody sing!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about this book when it was mentioned on a Book Fight podcast episode a while back and I'm definitely glad I bought a copy--such a great read. I've been thinking lately about how and why misinformation starts and persists so this was definitely a right book at the right time. The narrator totally believes the propaganda he writes and prints, even as it's obvious to the reader what's really happening.

I am a total sucker for a dystopian novel, but still--I feel like this book does something unique. I had also recently read The Slynx, which has a similar approach of offering a narrator who's totally bought into the dystopian world, but in this book the narrator seems so much more human and empathetic (although often completely misguided/naive). I couldn't put this down once I had started reading.

[Dave K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike most political satires, this one is written from the POV of a true believer in the brutal dictatorship he lives under. There's an underlying sadness here, but the tone is also funny and sweet and draws more from Yevgeny Zamyatin than Orwell. Definitely worth reading.