About the book
A pioneering work of dystopian fiction from one of Sweden's most acclaimed writers
Written midway between Brave New World and Nineteen Eighty-Four, as the terrible events of the Second World War were unfolding, Kallocain depicts a totalitarian 'World State' which seeks to crush the individual entirely. In this desolate, paranoid landscape of 'police eyes' and 'police ears', the obedient citizen and middle-ranking scientist Leo Kall discovers a drug that will force anyone who takes it to tell the truth. But can private thought really be obliterated? Karin Boye's chilling novel of creeping alienation shows the dangers of acquiescence and the power of resistance, no matter how futile.
Translated with an introduction by David McDuff
Editions of Kallocain
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780241608302
- EBook
- ISBN 9780241355602
Read an Excerpt
A pioneering work of dystopian fiction from one of Sweden's most acclaimed writers
Written midway between Brave New World and Nineteen Eighty-Four, as the terrible events of the Second World War were unfolding, Kallocain depicts a totalitarian 'World State' which seeks to crush the individual entirely. In this desolate, paranoid landscape of 'police eyes' and 'police ears', the obedient citizen and middle-ranking scientist Leo Kall discovers a drug that will force anyone who takes it to tell the truth. But can private thought really be obliterated? Karin Boye's chilling novel of creeping alienation shows the dangers of acquiescence and the power of resistance, no matter how futile.
Translated with an introduction by David McDuff
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kallocain about?
A pioneering work of dystopian fiction from one of Sweden's most acclaimed writers
Written midway between Brave New World and Nineteen Eighty-Four, as the terrible events of the Second World War were unfolding, Kallocain depicts a totalitarian 'World State' which seeks to crush the individual entirely. In this desolate, paranoid landscape of 'police eyes' and 'police ears', the obedient citizen and middle-ranking scientist Leo Kall discovers a drug that will force anyone who takes it to tell the truth. But can private thought really be obliterated? Karin Boye's chilling novel of creeping alienation shows the dangers of acquiescence and the power of resistance, no matter how futile.
Translated with an introduction by David McDuff
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Kallocain?
Fiction > Speculative fiction > Dystopian and utopian fiction
Where can I read a sample of Kallocain?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241608302
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Kallocain?
Karin Boye
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Kallocain is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241608302) and ebook(ISBN 9780241355602)
Where can I buy Kallocain online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Kallocain from below
Where can I buy Kallocain?