Literature(R)

by Guillermo Stitch

[Quirky Cat]

I received an advanced copy of Literature in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Literature is a novella by Guillermo Stitch, and I love just how unique the concept of this story was. Imagine a world where fiction is illegal. More than that, really. It’s considered almost deviant to enjoy, write, or read fiction. Picture prohibition but for books. That’s the world that Billy lives in, and it is not a world well suited for him (nor me, for that matter, but that’s hardly the point, is it?).
While this novella probably doesn’t fit the strictest definitions of a dystopian story, I’m going to stick that label on there. I mean, who wants to live in a world where authors can’t write what they’re passionate about? Where readers can’t leisurely walk into a bookstore and pick up the latest science fiction or fantasy book of their choice. That’s no world I’d want to live in.
Guillermo takes us on a fantastic ride through this dystopian novella, with Billy at the steering wheel. I don’t envy the man or the position he’s put himself into, but there’s no escaping the events he’s set in motion.
It took me a couple of pages to really get into this story. The trademarks and copyright logos kept throwing me out of the immersion at first. I got used to them though – their point and purpose in this story becomes more clear and defined with time. I think it was by the second chapter I was sold though, eagerly eating up the pages and looking for more.
I would love to see more writing from this world, even if I find the thought of actually living there utterly exhausting. Guillermo is not only a fantastic writer, but they’ve got some creative ideas to back those skills up. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.