Divided Kingdom [Paperback]

One night a boy who comes to be called Thomas Parry is taken from his family, caught up in a comprehensive unraveling of what had been a united kingdom. Reacting to their country’s inexorable decline into consumerism, turpitude, racism, and violence, the powers that be establish four independent republics based on the perceived nature of the citizens assigned to each. These new partitions are reinforced with concrete barricades and razor wire. Renamed, relocated, and granted favored status, Thomas enjoys one success after another until, working as a devoted civil servant, he suddenly falls out of the system entirely."[Thomson] is a true master. . . . He creates a glittering palate of characters [with] extraordinary insight into the bizarre psychology that makes us all unique--or makes us all the same--depending on how you see the world." –San Francisco Chronicle“If you’re already a fan of Rupert Thomson’s novels, all I have to tell you is that he has a new one. . . .Divided Kingdomis Thomson’s best yet; it might, in fact, be hisBrave New World.” –Salon“It would be cruel to deprive anyone of the imaginative pleasures, surprise and suspense that . . .Divided Kingdomoffers. Thomson’s new world order is utterly menacing and intensely satisfying.” –Newsday“Thomson’s sharp mind and dry wit are in top form. . . . A worthy successor to such iconic nightmares as1984andA Clockwork Orange.” –The Seattle TimesThe author of six previous novels--most recently,The Book of Revelation--Rupert Thomson was born in England and now lives with his wife and their daughter in Barcelona.There were men in my room, and it was bright, too bright, and I was being lifted out of bed. I didn’t struggle or cry out; I didn’t make a sound. The uniforms they wore felt cold, as if they had just been taken from the frilÃâ