Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #303885 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 204 pages

Synopsis
THE FIXED PERIOD (1882) by Anthony Trollope is an unusual early science fiction novel, originally published anonymously. It is part utopia, part dystopia, part dark satire, with overtones of modern "steampunk" and quaint technological devices. In this amazing visionary work by the British Victorian master of social mores and relationships, Britannula is an imaginary "futuristic" island country and a one-time British colony near New Zealand, and the story is narrated by the President. In Britannula, a law has been passed decreeing that all citizens who have reached the age of 67 must be removed to "The College" to undergo euthanasia, for the good of society. What happens when the first and oldest man reaches the end of his "Fixed Period" and must prepare for his "humane" death is a fascinating study of moral and social impossibility.

Customer Reviews

Trollope at his most chilling
This book is interesting for two reasons: one, because it is Trollope, and therefore has an interesting story line with characters that one comes to know and care about, and two because it explores the question of euthanasia, involuntary euthanasia, in the setting of a British colony in Victorian times.

When I first read it, some years ago now, I had no idea that it was going to be so different; indeed, it can be quite disturbing in parts. There was a lot to think about, and I have recommended the book to many friends during the intervening years. Not a comfy read, but worthwhile. What a good writer he was!